Claris FileMaker vs Grist
Claris FileMaker
claris.com
Grist
getgrist.comSide by side
| Figure | Claris FileMaker | Grist |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $8/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 9 |
| Spec score · No-Code Database Software | 8.6 (#9) | 9.0 (#6) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Headquarters | Cupertino, California, United States | New York City, United States |
| Integrations | Integration options include Claris Connect, the FileMaker Data API, OData, cURL, ODBC/JDBC, and external SQL sources including MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server. | Supported integrator services include Zapier, Integrately, Pabbly Connect, n8n, and Make. |
| Support | Standard support is available by phone, email, or appointment; its listed email response time is two business days. | Grist provides community support through its forum and official Discord channel. |
Plans
Claris FileMaker
- StarterPrice not published
- MaxPrice not published
- Claris Platform Bundle$39 a month
- FileMaker Server 2026$17.50 a month
- FileMaker Cloud Starter$19 a month
- FileMaker Cloud Max$39 a month
Grist
- FreeFree
- Pro$10 a month
- Business$30 a month
- Community editionFree
- Grist Community editionFree
- Grist$30 a month
- Pro$96 a year
- Business$288 a year
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Claris FileMaker
Claris FileMaker is a low-code platform for building business apps tailored to an organization. Users can shape apps with drag-and-drop design tools, templates, add-ons, reporting and data imports, then use the Script Engine to automate workflows, data processing and app behavior without a traditional programming language. Apps can run on Mac, Windows, iPhone, iPad and the web, hosted through FileMaker Cloud or FileMaker Server. Integration options include Claris Connect, the FileMaker Data API, OData, cURL, ODBC/JDBC and external SQL sources such as MySQL, Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. On iOS, supported features include GPS, barcode scanning, signature capture, device sensors, Core ML, Siri Shortcuts and NFC reading. The listed pricing note starts at $39/user/mo; FileMaker also has a free 45-day trial with full platform access from day one and no credit card required. Claris says FileMaker Cloud has AES-256 encryption at rest, TLS 1.2 in transit and stated security certifications. It does not claim HIPAA compliance and says its cloud service and Claris Connect must not handle protected health information.
Grist
Grist combines spreadsheet analysis with database-style organization for complex data work. It structures information relationally while supporting Python formulas and Excel-like spreadsheet functions. Pages can present tables, cards, forms, charts, calendars and custom widgets, and access rules can govern visibility or editing at the table, column and record level. A REST API supports programmatic reading and modification of documents, workspaces and team sites; integrations include Zapier, Integrately, Pabbly Connect, n8n and Make. Grist is available as a hosted service, a free open-source Community edition for self-hosting, and a desktop app that works without internet access or an online account. Documents are SQLite databases and can be exported as.grist files. Hosted Grist uses AWS infrastructure, HTTPS, encrypted storage and backups, and optional MFA, but has not undergone certification or auditing for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA or GDPR compliance. The free plan allows up to 5,000 records per document; a 30-day trial is listed.