Runwork
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Runwork vs Softr

Runwork vs Softr

Template-based apps vs. AI-generated applications you actually own

Quick Verdict

Softr lets you build apps from Airtable data using pre-built templates. Runwork generates custom applications from natural language, with your data in a shared graph you control. No template limitations, no external database dependency, real code you own.

Overview

Softr pioneered turning Airtable bases into web applications with pre-built blocks and templates. It works well for simple use cases but you're limited to their templates and dependent on Airtable for data. Runwork takes a different approach: describe what you need in plain English, and AI generates real applications with built-in data, automations, and enterprise features. No template constraints, no external dependencies.

Softr is a No-Code App Builder.

Runwork Strengths

  • Describe what you want in natural language. No template limitations.
  • Built-in database with shared entity graph. No Airtable dependency.
  • 3,200+ integrations connect to your existing tools.
  • Full automation layer: workflows, schedules, event triggers, AI agents.
  • Real code output you own and can customize. No vendor lock-in.
  • Enterprise features included: SSO, audit logs, multi-tenant support.
  • Global edge deployment with auto-scaling.

Softr Strengths

  • Quick setup with pre-built templates and blocks.
  • Native Airtable integration for existing bases.
  • Simple interface for non-technical users.
  • Good for membership sites and client portals.
  • Established ecosystem with community templates.

Feature Comparison

Building Experience

Feature Runwork Softr
Natural language generation -
Pre-built templates -
Real code output (no lock-in) -
Live preview
Git-based versioning -
Iterative chat refinement -

Data & Integrations

Feature Runwork Softr
Built-in database Via Airtable
Shared entity graph across apps -
Pre-built integrations 3,200+ Limited
Custom API connections Limited
File storage Via Airtable
Data independence (no external DB required) -

Automation & Logic

Feature Runwork Softr
Event-driven automations -
Scheduled jobs -
Multi-step workflows -
AI agents -
Public APIs / webhooks Limited
Sharable components

Enterprise & Security

Feature Runwork Softr
SSO / SAML Business plan
Audit logs -
Role-based permissions
Multi-tenant support -
Custom domains
Team workspaces

Infrastructure

Feature Runwork Softr
Hosting included
Global edge deployment -
Auto-scaling
Automatic backups Via Airtable

Which Tool is Right for You?

Choose Runwork if you need...

  • * Custom applications beyond template limitations
  • * Teams who want to own their data, not depend on Airtable
  • * Organizations needing automations, workflows, and AI agents
  • * Multi-tenant customer-facing applications
  • * Anyone who wants real code they can customize

Choose Softr if you need...

  • * Quick client portals from existing Airtable data
  • * Simple membership sites with standard layouts
  • * Teams already invested in Airtable ecosystem
  • * Use cases that fit their template library

Pricing Comparison

Softr charges based on app complexity and features. Runwork offers flat workspace pricing and starts with a 14-day free trial (no credit card).

View Runwork pricing

How to Migrate from Softr

Moving from Softr to Runwork means shifting from template-based apps to fully custom applications. Instead of depending on Airtable for data, your applications have built-in databases with proper relationships and automations.

Typical migration: 1-2 days for typical Softr apps

1

Export your Airtable data

Download your Airtable bases as CSV. Note the table relationships and any formula fields—these become entity relationships and computed fields in Runwork.

2

Document your Softr app structure

Map out your pages, blocks, and user flows. Note any limitations you've worked around—these become opportunities for improvement in Runwork.

3

Create entities in Runwork

Describe your data model. "I have clients, projects, and team members. Projects belong to clients and are assigned to team members." Runwork creates proper entity schemas.

4

Describe your application

Instead of choosing templates, describe what you need. "I need a client portal where clients can see their projects, download deliverables, and submit feedback." Runwork generates custom UI.

5

Add automations you couldn't have before

Softr has limited automation. Describe workflows you need: "When a project is marked complete, send the client a notification and archive the files." Runwork handles it natively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my Airtable data?
You import your data into Runwork's built-in database. No more dependency on Airtable, no sync issues, no external database costs. Your data lives where your application lives.
Can I recreate my Softr membership site features?
Yes. Runwork supports user authentication, role-based permissions, and protected content. Describe your membership structure and Runwork generates the access controls.
What about Softr's pre-built blocks?
Runwork generates custom UI instead of assembling pre-built blocks. Describe what you need, and the AI creates purpose-built interfaces. The result is more flexible than template constraints.
Will my SEO suffer during migration?
Runwork supports custom domains and generates SEO-friendly pages. Set up redirects during migration to preserve search rankings. The generated code follows modern SEO best practices.

Explore Runwork Features

Apps Data & Entities Authentication

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