Airtable vs Close
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Airtable and Close. We compare features, pricing, ease of use, and value for money to help you make the right choice in 2026.
Reviewed by the Ikaroa team · Last updated: March 2026
Quick Verdict
Airtable edges ahead overall with a rating of 4.3/5. However, Close (4.3/5) may be the better fit if you prioritise Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools. Read on for the full breakdown.
Airtable vs Close at a Glance
Airtable
★ 4.3Airtable combines the simplicity of a spreadsheet with the power of a database. Frequently used as a lightweight CRM, especially by startups and creative teams.
Starting from: £0/month
Best for: Startups and creative teams wanting a flexible, visual database for CRM
Read full review →Close
★ 4.3Close is a CRM built specifically for inside sales teams. It combines calling, email, and SMS in one platform, designed to help reps close more deals faster.
Starting from: £42/user/month
Best for: Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools
Read full review →Airtable vs Close Feature Comparison
Here is how Airtable and Close compare across the features that matter most. We have tested both platforms extensively across client implementations.
| Feature | Airtable | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Available | Yes | No |
| Starting Price | £0/month | £42/user/month |
| Best For | Startups and creative teams wanting a flexible, visual database for CRM | Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools |
| Our Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Email Marketing | No | No |
| Automation | Yes | Limited |
| Reporting | Basic | Yes |
| Integrations | Extensive | Extensive |
| API Access | Yes | Limited |
| Ikaroa Partner Discount | 15% off Team plan annually | 14-day extended trial + 20% off |
Airtable vs Close Pricing
Pricing is often the deciding factor. Here is a full breakdown of what each platform charges at every tier:
Airtable Pricing
Free
£0/month
- ✓1,000 records per base
- ✓1GB attachments
- ✓Grid, calendar, kanban views
Team
£16/seat/month
- ✓50,000 records
- ✓20GB attachments
- ✓Automations
- ✓Sync
Business
£33/seat/month
- ✓125,000 records
- ✓100GB attachments
- ✓Advanced automations
- ✓Admin panel
Enterprise
Custom
- ✓500,000 records
- ✓1TB attachments
- ✓Enterprise security
- ✓SAML SSO
Close Pricing
Startup
£42/user/month
- ✓Pipeline view
- ✓Task management
- ✓Built-in calling
- ✓SMS
Professional
£66/user/month
- ✓Everything in Startup
- ✓Email sequences
- ✓Power dialer
- ✓Call recording
Enterprise
£105/user/month
- ✓Everything in Professional
- ✓Predictive dialer
- ✓Custom roles
- ✓Call coaching
Not sure which to pick?
Our team has implemented both Airtable and Close for clients. We can help you decide based on your specific needs.
Airtable Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Spreadsheet simplicity with database power
- •Highly flexible and visual
- •Great template gallery
- •Strong API and integrations
- •Multiple view types (grid, kanban, calendar, gallery)
✗Cons
- •Not a dedicated CRM
- •Record limits on free plan
- •Gets expensive with many users
- •Limited automation on lower tiers
- •Can be complex for non-technical users
Close Pros and Cons
✓Pros
- •Built-in calling, email, and SMS
- •Designed specifically for sales teams
- •Power and predictive dialer
- •Clean, fast interface
- •Excellent API
✗Cons
- •No marketing features
- •Expensive compared to alternatives
- •Limited customisation options
- •Smaller integration ecosystem
- •No free plan
Our Verdict: Airtable vs Close
Both Airtable and Close are solid options, but they serve different needs. Having implemented both for multiple clients, here is our recommendation:
Choose Airtable if you need Startups and creative teams wanting a flexible, visual database for CRM. With a starting price of £0/month and a rating of 4.3/5, it offers spreadsheet simplicity with database power.
Choose Close if you need Inside sales teams that live on the phone and need built-in communication tools. Starting at £42/user/month with a 4.3/5 rating, it excels at built-in calling, email, and sms.
Still not sure? Talk to the Ikaroa team. We have helped hundreds of businesses make this exact decision, and we are happy to point you in the right direction.
🎁 Get either product at a discount through Ikaroa Partners
Need implementation help?
Ikaroa can set up Airtable or Close for your business, migrate your data, and train your team. We have done it dozens of times.
Free consultation. No obligation.