Introduction
Knack and Quickbase are both popular low-code platforms designed to help teams build internal tools and manage data. But they serve very different types of organizations — and come with drastically different pricing models, flexibility, and technical requirements.
If you're comparing Knack vs Quickbase, this post breaks down everything that matters: features, pricing, compliance, real-world usability — and how Tadabase fits in as a flexible alternative.
Quick Comparison Table
| Platform | Best For | Starting Price | Compliance | API Access | User Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knack | Small to mid-sized teams building client apps or internal tools | $59/mo | Limited |  Yes |
Unlimited end-users |
| Quickbase | Enterprises with complex workflows and IT oversight | ~$850/mo (Team Plan) | Strong |
Yes |
 Limited by plan |
What Knack Does Best
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Simple, visual app builder
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Unlimited end-users on all plans
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Great for client portals, directories, and CRM-style apps
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Fast to get started — no coding needed
"Knack lets us build and deploy apps for clients without a developer." — G2 Review
What Quickbase Does Best
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Robust process automation with “Pipelines”
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Strong compliance (SOC 2, HIPAA, etc.)
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Extensive enterprise governance (user roles, app governance)
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Deep integrations with enterprise systems
"Quickbase is powerful but requires training and time to master." — TrustRadius Review
Feature Comparison Overview
| Feature | Knack | Quickbase |
|---|---|---|
| Visual App Builder | Yes |
Yes |
| Unlimited End-Users | Yes |
No (User-based) |
| Record Limits | 20k–2M+ | Scalable |
| Workflow Automation | Limited | Robust (Pipelines) |
| Role-Based Permissions | Yes |
Advanced |
| API Access | Yes |
Yes |
| HIPAA Compliance | No |
Yes |
| SSO | No (unless custom) |
Yes |
| Mobile Responsiveness | Yes |
Yes |
| White-Labeling | Yes |
Yes |
Pricing Summary
Knack Pricing
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Starter Plan – $59/month – Includes unlimited end users, 20,000 records, 2 GB storage
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Higher Plans – Scale with more records, connections, and features
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Enterprise – Custom pricing – Includes SSO, audit logs, and premium support
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“Simple to use, with unlimited users. Great for small teams and clients.” — G2 Review
Quickbase Pricing
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Team Plan – Starts around $850/month (~$8,500/year for 10 users)
Includes core app-building, reports, and basic workflows -
Business & Enterprise – Custom pricing – Adds compliance, APIs, sandboxing, advanced security
-
“Great for large organizations, but pricing can be steep.” — G2 Review
User Feedback Summary
| Source | Knack | Quickbase |
|---|---|---|
| G2 | 4.5/5 — “Easy for non-coders” | 4.4/5 — “Enterprise-ready, but steep learning” |
| TrustRadius | 8.6/10 — “Flexible but missing mobile app” | 8.1/10 — “Powerful workflows, pricey” |
| Capterra | 4.4/5 — “Simple, affordable” | 4.4/5 — “Feature-rich but costly” |
In Our Experience
Knack is best for agencies, internal teams, and SMBs that want a fast, affordable way to build apps without technical support.
Quickbase is ideal for regulated industries or large organizations with internal IT teams that need deep customization, user governance, and full compliance.
Recommended Alternatives
| Use Case | Better Fit |
|---|---|
| HIPAA-Compliant Apps | Tadabase, Quickbase |
| Unlimited End-Users | Tadabase, Knack |
| Internal Tools with Workflows | Tadabase, Retool |
| SMB App Builder | Knack, Tadabase |
| Enterprise Integration | Quickbase, Tadabase |
Why Teams Choose Tadabase
Tadabase offers the best of both worlds:
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Unlimited users on all plans
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HIPAA-ready architecture
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Powerful workflow automation
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Enterprise compliance available
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White-labeling and full API access
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Flat pricing with no per-user cost
Build powerful internal tools or client apps — without code, limits, or bloated pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knack HIPAA compliant?
No — Knack does not currently offer HIPAA compliance or sign a BAA.
Does Quickbase offer a free plan?
No — Quickbase only offers free trials. All paid plans are custom or enterprise-priced.
Can I build apps with unlimited users?
Knack and Tadabase allow unlimited users. Quickbase charges per user, which can get expensive.
Which platform is best for agencies?
Knack and Tadabase are both popular with agencies building apps for clients.
