Rowy is an open-source low-code backend that manages Firestore data through a spreadsheet-style UI and builds cloud-function workflows in JavaScript or TypeScript directly in the browser. It installs into your own Google Cloud project, so your data stays under your control.[1][2]
Quick verdict
Firebase teams that want a spreadsheet-style console over their own Firestore data benefit most from Rowy: a familiar table UI, in-browser JS/TS functions, and data that stays in your cloud project. It assumes real Firebase ownership and connectivity, so non-Firebase teams and anyone wanting zero-setup or offline use should look elsewhere.[1][2][3]
Key features
Spreadsheet UI over your Firestore data Manage Firestore collections in a spreadsheet-style table UI with 30-plus field types instead of hand-building an admin console.[1][2]
In-browser JS/TS cloud functions Write backend logic and automations in JavaScript or TypeScript without leaving the browser, using any npm package or third-party API.[1][2]
Webhooks and extensions Connect third-party services and programmatic flows through documented webhooks, extensions, and an API reference.[1]
Airtable, CSV, JSON, and PostgreSQL import Bring existing data in from an Airtable collection, CSV or JSON files, or PostgreSQL rather than re-entering records by hand.[1]
Data stays in your cloud project Rowy operates on your own Google Cloud or Firebase project, so records remain in your Firestore database under your account.[1][2]
Guided rowy.app setup or source install Get running through the hosted rowy.app installer in minutes, or install manually from source if you want to contribute or customize.[1]
Free Base cloud tier The cloud-hosted Base plan is free with one project and unlimited tables, functions, and team members, with paid Team and Business upgrades.[1]
Open source under Apache-2.0 The canonical repository at buildship-ai/rowy is licensed Apache License 2.0, copyright 2022 Rowy Inc., and can be self-hosted.[1][2]
Who will love it
Firebase teams needing a spreadsheet CMS over Firestore: editors work in a familiar table UI while data lives in the existing database.[1][2]
Builders wiring low-code backend automations: cloud functions, webhooks, and third-party APIs come together in one browser console.[1][2]
Individuals and small teams on a budget: the free Base tier and self-hosting option keep early costs at infrastructure only.[1]
Who should avoid it
Teams not on Firebase or Google Cloud: Rowy assumes an operator-owned project with Firestore and Firebase Authentication, so other stacks gain little.[1][2]
Operators wanting zero setup or offline access: installation needs a service account and project configuration, and no offline mode is documented.[1]
Teams wanting a vendor-led roadmap for new workflow products: the same team points new API and workflow use cases at successor product BuildShip, so confirm Rowy still matches before committing.[1][2]
Alternatives and compatibility
Airtable is the documented incumbent comparison: Rowy's migration guide targets teams moving spreadsheet-backed workflows from Airtable to their own Firestore database.[1][2]
Choose Rowy when owning your data in Firestore and extending it with code matters; stay on Airtable when you want a fully hosted no-code base with no cloud project to operate.[1][2]
Evaluate BuildShip, the same team's successor product, when your need centers on new API and workflow use cases rather than a Firestore spreadsheet console.[1][2]
Questions worth asking
How much does Rowy cost per month?
Can you self-host Rowy?
Is Rowy a good Airtable alternative?
Rowy publishes a step-by-step guide for importing an existing Airtable collection, offering an Airtable-like UI plus cloud functions, automations, and workflows with data staying in your own Firestore database. It fits teams moving spreadsheet-backed workflows from Airtable onto Firebase, not teams leaving Firebase.[1][2]
Does Rowy work offline or without Firebase?
Sources and editorial review
Source research. Reviewed on October 12, 2026. Written by Sanjib Sah. AI assisted; reviewed by a human editor.
We have not run or tested this product.
- Rowy homepage (official)
official · Observed October 12, 2026
Official homepage: low-code backend positioning, spreadsheet UI with 30-plus field types, in-browser JS/TS logic with any npm package or API, data staying in the operator cloud project, live demo, BuildShip successor pointer.
- Welcome to Rowy docs (official)
official · Observed October 12, 2026
Docs welcome page: open-source low-code platform for product backends, Firestore database CMS on a spreadsheet UI, low-code cloud functions, templates, JS/TS plus npm extensibility, third-party APIs and webhooks, API reference.
- Rowy setup docs (official)
official · Observed October 12, 2026
Setup docs: installs on the operator Google Cloud/Firebase project in minutes via rowy.app or manual source install; requires Firestore and Firebase Authentication with a GCP service account.
- Rowy Import Airtable docs (official)
official · Observed October 12, 2026
Migration guide: imports an existing Airtable collection into Rowy with an Airtable-like UI plus cloud functions, automations, workflows, and third-party connections.
- Rowy pricing (official)
official · Observed October 12, 2026
Pricing page: free Base cloud hosting with one project and unlimited tables, functions, and team; Team at $12/member/month and contact-us Business; open-source and self-hostable; aimed at individuals and small teams.
- Rowy LICENSE (vendor-published)
official · Observed October 12, 2026
Repository LICENSE file: Apache License 2.0, copyright 2022 Rowy Inc., on the live canonical repository main branch.
- Rowy package.json (vendor-published)
official · Observed October 12, 2026
Repository package.json: app rowy v3.0.0 with rowy.io homepage; dependencies show React 18, TypeScript, Firebase v9 client libraries, Vite build.
- Rowy GitHub repository (vendor-published)
official · Observed October 12, 2026
Repository page: github.com/rowyio/rowy redirects to github.com/buildship-ai/rowy; tagline describes a low-code backend platform with spreadsheet-like UI and JS/TS cloud-function workflows in the browser.