Air table and Google Sheets are two similarly interfaced applications that let users across the world work on them, enter data, and store them with the application. They both follow a spreadsheet-like interface and can be used to store numbers, statistics, business reports, etc. due to this similarity in purpose, many think of them as replaceable with each other, but there are many understated differences between them which make them not at all replaceable with the another.
Air table, on the one hand, is a much more modern application that was conceived with the target of facilitating a highly collaborative environment amidst the users whereas Google Sheets is a much more simpleton application, which, despite the possibilities of collaboration, focuses more on providing an ideal space for the users to work numerical data with.
The section below traces the various aspects of the working of Air Table and Google Sheets and also the essential differences between them.
Air Table
Air Table functions as a hybrid of a spreadsheet and a database. It intended to bring the best of both aspects and it is doing the same ever since its conception. Although it takes up a lot from the traditional databases, it does bring forth several innovative elements also like the collection of ready-to-use templates, numerous field types, etc.
It also facilitates numerous integrations with third-party programs and applications in the device and can even maintain a record of the linked files in the devices.
Google Sheets
Google Sheets mostly functions as an application that let the user be more organized and systematic on the information that he or she possesses. So, it can ideally be called a traditional spreadsheet. It may not come with any modern twists or fancy features to appeal to the millennials, but it makes sure that the job gets done perfectly.
Despite being a traditional platform, it maintains a positive attitude toward user collaboration and a shared work environment. Multiple users can have access to the same document at the same time and can work on it together in real-time.
Air Table vs Google Sheets
Design of the platform
Being visual aids, the design of a spreadsheet application is extremely important. It has to be calming enough to not get overwhelmed by the complex data embedded in it. When it comes to design, Air table focuses on a modern design where the tools and features are available instantly without having to go through more than a click. When it comes to Google Sheets, the design is much simpler, with a traditional top menu bar where most of the tools are located for the users to pick from.
Usefulness
There is no doubt in the fact that both the applications are extremely useful to the wide customer community across the world. But it is safe to say that Air table targets to present more possibilities to the users than Google Sheets. Air table can work with a large amount of data, provides numerous pre-set field types, numerous project management tools, etc.
But when it comes to Google Sheets, it acts as an easy and quick way to have the information from the user and arrange it accordingly and store it for the user. It may not have many fancy features, but it maintains the quality by providing whatever features the user might need to comfortably enter the information into the platform.
Collaboration
Being cloud-based applications, both platforms come with the possibility of collaboration. In Air Table, features for collaboration like mentions, comments, personal views, etc. are present.
Google Sheets also ensures that a maximum amount of collaboration is being happened at the platform and provides real-time options to work with another user or multiple users. The changes made by the users in a collaborative environment are updated immediately into the cloud by the application, and it also keeps an edit history which let any user know the previous versions of the document and can revert the previous versions as and when required.
Integration
When it comes to integrations, Air Table does have more integrations than Google Sheets. It works with applications like Softr and Mini Extensions which let the users have access to more advanced features.
As far as Google Sheets is concerned, being backed up by a reputed international corporation, it does have active collaborations with numerous third-party applications in the world. It is mostly integrated with the applications in the Google Work Space itself, though.
