Chat-based AI software engineer that builds full-stack web apps and sites from prompts.
Base44 vs Softr
Features, pricing, strengths and trade-offs — and which one fits your situation.
The verdict
Summary
Base44 is best for quickly building internal tools and simple web apps with backend and hosting included, while Softr is best for client portals and internal business apps built on existing data sources. Only Base44 offers multi-file agent. Both Base44 and Softr offer a free plan, so you can try each before paying.
Which should you choose?
Choose Base44 if…
- You need quickly building internal tools and simple web apps with backend and hosting included
- Multi-file agent matters to you
- You're one of: operations teams building internal tools, non-technical founders, small businesses needing a portal or dashboard
- Backend, auth and hosting work out of the box
Choose Softr if…
- You need client portals and internal business apps built on existing data sources
- You're one of: operations teams, agencies building client portals, small businesses using airtable or google sheets
- Strong fit for portals with logins and per-user data
At a glance
| Base44 | Softr | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Quickly building internal tools and simple web apps with backend and hosting included | Client portals and internal business apps built on existing data sources |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | From $16/mo | From $19/mo |
| Learning curve | Low | Low |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Ideal for | Operations teams building internal tools, Non-technical founders, Small businesses needing a portal or dashboard | Operations teams, Agencies building client portals, Small businesses using Airtable or Google Sheets |
Feature comparison
| Base44 | Softr | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | AI app builder | No-code app builder |
| Inline code completion | No | No |
| Multi-file agent | Yes | No |
| Builds full apps from prompts | Yes | Limited |
| Hosting / deploy included | Yes | Yes |
| Backend / database | Yes | Yes |
| GitHub integration | Builder plan and up | No |
| Choice of AI models | Builder plan and up | No |
| Export / own the code | Limited | No |
IncludedLimited / higher plansNot available— Not confirmed
Security & enterprise
| Base44 | Softr | |
|---|---|---|
| Business / enterprise plan | Yes | Yes |
| SSO (SAML / OIDC) | Enterprise plan (OIDC) | Enterprise plan |
| SCIM user provisioning | Enterprise plan | Enterprise plan |
| SOC 2 | Type II | Type II |
| ISO 27001 | Yes | — |
| HIPAA (BAA available) | — | — |
| GDPR DPA | Yes | — |
| Data residency options | Elite+ plans (US default) | US, EU (Germany) |
| No training on your data | Enterprise opt-out | — |
| Audit logs | Enterprise plan | Enterprise plan |
| Admin controls | Enterprise plan | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
From each vendor's security documentation. "—" = not confirmed. What to ask vendors · Compare all tools
What each tool does
Base44
Base44, owned by Wix, is an AI app builder that generates working web apps from plain-language prompts. Every app includes a database, authentication, backend functions and hosting, so it is live immediately. It is used by non-developers and small teams for internal tools, customer portals and MVPs.
Key features- Prompt-based app generation with built-in database and auth
- Instant hosting with custom domain support
- One-click integrations such as Gmail, Slack, Notion and HubSpot
- Backend functions and external API connections
- In-app code editing on paid plans
- Code export to ZIP or GitHub on higher plans
Softr
Softr is a no-code platform for building business apps such as client portals, internal tools and directories on top of Airtable, Google Sheets, Notion, SQL databases or its own Softr Databases. Its AI Co-Builder generates a first version of the database, interface, permissions and workflows from a description, which is then refined in a block-based visual editor. It is used by operations teams, agencies and small businesses.
Key features- AI Co-Builder that generates database, interface and permissions
- Native Softr Databases plus Airtable, Notion, Google Sheets, PostgreSQL, MySQL and Supabase
- Block-based visual editor with templates
- User groups and granular role-based permissions
- Workflows for multi-step automations
- Progressive web app support for mobile use
Pricing
Base44
Free plan (25 message credits/mo); Starter $16/mo billed annually
Softr
Free plan; Basic $19/mo, Professional $99/mo
Prices last checked September 2026. Plans change often — confirm on each vendor's site.
Pros and cons
Base44
Strengths- Backend, auth and hosting work out of the box
- Very fast from idea to a live app
- Choice of AI model on higher plans
- Has a free plan
- Code export and GitHub are limited to higher plans
- Exported code still depends on Base44's backend runtime and database
- GitHub sync is one-way; local edits do not flow back into the editor
- Credit limits are reached quickly on complex builds
Not ideal for: Teams that need a fully portable codebase or native mobile apps should look at tools that generate standalone code or build with Expo.
Softr
Strengths- Strong fit for portals with logins and per-user data
- Connects to many existing business data sources
- Authentication and permissions built in
- Has a free plan
- No code export; apps run only on Softr
- AI generator is mainly for the first version, with further changes done manually
- Pre-built blocks limit custom design
- No native App Store or Google Play apps; mobile is PWA only
Not ideal for: Teams that want to own source code or build consumer products with custom design should use a code-generating builder instead.
Integrations
Base44
Softr
FAQ
What is the main difference between Base44 and Softr?
Base44 is built for quickly building internal tools and simple web apps with backend and hosting included; Softr is built for client portals and internal business apps built on existing data sources. Key differences: Base44 offers multi-file agent.
Is Base44 or Softr cheaper?
Base44 starts from $16/mo and Softr starts from $19/mo (as of September 2026). On entry price, Base44 is cheaper — but compare what each plan includes, since limits differ. Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site.
Do Base44 and Softr have free plans?
Both Base44 and Softr offer a free plan, so you can try each before paying.
Which is easier to use, Base44 or Softr?
Both have a low learning curve.
What are good alternatives to Base44 and Softr?
Other coding & apps tools worth comparing include Lovable, v0 and Emergent.
