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APIs · head to head

KeystoneJS vs NocoDB

KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

APIs

Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
NocoDB logo

NocoDB

Spreadsheets

Open-source no-code database platform with REST and GraphQL APIs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: KeystoneJS database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite; NocoDB the free cloud tier is capped at 3 editor seats, 1,000 records and 1 GB of storage
  • They diverge on capability: KeystoneJS covers Admin interface, NocoDB covers No-code database.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which KeystoneJS and NocoDB actually diverge.

Attributes where KeystoneJS and NocoDB differ
AttributeKeystoneJSNocoDB
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsNode.js, Self-hostedCloud, Self-hosted, Docker
CategoryAPIsSpreadsheets
Founded20162020

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in KeystoneJS

  • Admin interface
  • Node.js
  • Next.js
  • React
  • Databases
  • Node.js support

Only in NocoDB

  • No-code database
  • Multiple SQL databases
  • Webhooks
  • Automation
  • Cloud support
  • Docker support

Both cover

  • REST API
  • GraphQL API
  • Self-hosted support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

KeystoneJS

  • Headless CMS implementationnot NocoDB
  • Content management systemsnot NocoDB
  • Customizable API-driven applicationsnot NocoDB

NocoDB

  • Self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet databasenot KeystoneJS
  • Putting a spreadsheet interface over an existing Postgres or MySQL databasenot KeystoneJS
  • Building internal tools on structured data with an APInot KeystoneJS
  • Team bases with per-field and per-table permissions on the paid tiersnot KeystoneJS

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

KeystoneJS

  • Database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite
  • Keystone 5 is a separate legacy product documented on a different site and is not covered by the Keystone 6 docs
  • Upgrading requires following a dedicated Migrate to 8.0.0 guide, so major versions are not drop-in
  • Free support is a community Slack; enterprise-grade consulting and support is a separate paid engagement with Thinkmill and no published price

NocoDB

  • The free cloud tier is capped at 3 editor seats, 1,000 records and 1 GB of storage
  • Records are the metering unit on cloud, so Plus covers 50K and Business 300K rather than scaling by seat alone
  • Row-level security, audit log retention and team hierarchy require the Scale tier
  • SCIM provisioning and air-gapped deployment are Enterprise only
  • The self-hosted Community edition is unlimited on records and seats but does without workflows, scripts and dashboards, which start at the paid self-hosted tiers

Pricing, plan by plan

KeystoneJS

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full KeystoneJS
    • Community support

NocoDB

Free
  • Free (Cloud)Free
    • 3 editor seats
    • 10 commenter seats
    • 1 GB storage
  • Plus$12/month
    • Unlimited seats
    • 50,000 records
    • 20 GB storage
  • Business$24/month
    • Unlimited seats
    • 300,000 records
    • 100 GB storage
  • Scale$45/month
    • Minimum 3 seats required
    • 1,000,000 records
    • 150 GB storage

Which should you pick?

Choose KeystoneJS if

  • You need admin interface.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Node.js, Self-hosted.
  • You also want node.js.
KeystoneJS review

Choose NocoDB if

  • You need no-code database.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud, Self-hosted, Docker.
  • You also want multiple sql databases.
NocoDB review

Questions people ask

Is KeystoneJS or NocoDB better?
Neither clearly leads. KeystoneJS starts at Free and NocoDB at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, KeystoneJS or NocoDB?
KeystoneJS starts at Free and NocoDB at Free.
Does KeystoneJS or NocoDB run on more platforms?
KeystoneJS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted. NocoDB runs on Cloud, Self-hosted, Docker.
Can I use KeystoneJS for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is KeystoneJS best used for?
KeystoneJS is most often used for headless cms implementation, content management systems, customizable api-driven applications. Of those, headless cms implementation and content management systems are not what NocoDB is typically brought in for.
What can KeystoneJS do that NocoDB cannot?
KeystoneJS covers Admin interface, Node.js, Next.js, React. NocoDB covers No-code database, Multiple SQL databases, Webhooks, Automation. Both handle REST API, GraphQL API, Self-hosted support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

KeystoneJS: Is KeystoneJS free?

Yes, KeystoneJS is free and open source with no licensing fees. Core platform has no lock-in and is contributed to by 250+ developers.

Source
NocoDB: Is NocoDB free?

Yes, NocoDB offers a free cloud plan with 3 editor seats, 1,000 records, 1 GB storage, and 1,000 API calls per month. A free self-hosted Community edition with unlimited records and seats is also available.

Source
KeystoneJS: What are hosting costs for KeystoneJS?

KeystoneJS is self-hosted and deployment-agnostic. Hosting costs depend on your chosen deployment platform (Vercel, AWS, Heroku, etc.) and infrastructure, not KeystoneJS itself.

Source
NocoDB: How much does NocoDB Plus cost?

NocoDB Plus costs $12 per seat per month (billed annually) or $15 per seat per month (monthly). For unlimited seats, it costs $108/month annually or $180/month monthly. Plus includes 50,000 records, 20 GB storage, and 100,000 API calls per month.

Source
KeystoneJS: Does KeystoneJS offer paid support?

Enterprise support with tailored options is available from Thinkmill, the company behind KeystoneJS. Pricing details available upon request.

Source
NocoDB: What is the difference between NocoDB Plus and Business plans?

Plus ($12/seat annual) includes 50,000 records and 100,000 API calls per month. Business ($24/seat annual) includes 300,000 records, 1,000,000 API calls per month, external database connections, SAML SSO, and table/field permissions.

Source
NocoDB: Can I self-host NocoDB for free?

Yes, NocoDB's Community edition is free for self-hosting. It includes unlimited records, storage, and seats, with all core features including webhooks and 6 view types.

Source
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