5 Microsoft Access Alternatives for Mac: Best Mac Database Software of 2023 (2023)

There is no version of Microsoft Access for Mac, but if you want to create, manage, and maintain databases on your Mac, we reviewed the best database software for Mac in 2023.

Databases are an essential part of business data management from handling customer data toCRM-Softwarelead generation throughE-Mail-Marketing-Tools.

Effective collection and management of datasets equates to knowledge, and knowledge is power when it comes to understanding big data.

This is one of the main reasons why the database management system (DBMS) market is growing rapidly and is expected to pay dividends.more than $200 billion by 2023.

The good news is that today's relational and non-relational database platforms are easy to build on macOS, and the tools presented here make Microsoft Access look very dated by comparison.

You will find that all of the following data management software makes creating databases for business applications incredibly easyMySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite and more even if you are a complete beginner.

Some can even open and edit MDB databases on a Mac, and all work on the latest versions of macOS, including Big Sur and Catalina.

After hours of research we found thembest alternative to Microsoft Access for MacCapabilityThis makes creating databases and business applications on a Mac much easier, faster, and more powerful than using Access.

And alsomuch cheaper than the Microsoft product without the steep learning curve.

Microsoft Access for Mac: Does it exist?

Microsoft Access for Mac is not included with Microsoft Office for Mac, and there is no version of Access for macOS. Microsoft Access is also not available to Mac users online through Office 365.

Although MS Access remains the most widely used database software for small and medium-sized businesses around the world, Microsoft has never released a Mac version.

The main reason for this is that most business environments still use Windows and the market for business users on macOS is relatively small.

There are also third partiesMicrosoft Access for Mac viewerwhich allow you to open Microsoft Access databases but are very limited and don't allow you to edit them.

How we rated the best database software for Mac

We took this into account when selecting the tools that are best suited for creating databases on a macOS and are the ideal replacement for Microsoft Access.

• Easy to use:They are all easier to use than Microsoft Access, and in the case of tools likeCapability, it doesn't even require knowledge of coding or database programming.
• Filtration:The main purpose of databases should be to easily filter large amounts of data and all the tools here allow you to easily filter the data.
• Reports:They all create useful, easy-to-understand reports that help you spot trends, identify problems, and get more out of your datasets instantly.
• Preis:We only select database programs that offer great value for money with free trials or free plans to get started.
• Evaluations:We have selected tools that are widely recognized by other users and professionals for creating and managing databases.
• MDB-Import/Export:We are looking for a software that will allow us to directly import and export Microsoft Access files in MDB format. This wasn't a problem as you can also export Access files in CSV or XML format, which almost all database applications can import.
• Models:We rank highest the apps that have a large selection of ready-to-use database templates to get you up and running faster.
• Exchange:We appreciate programs that make it easy to share databases with other users or administrators.
• Fuses:We are looking for database programs that automatically back up your databases and provide recovery options in case you lose your valuable data.
• Security:We valued applications that offer the highest possible data encryption and security systems like Amazon Web Services (AWS).
• The integration:We prefer apps that allow integration with 3rd party software like Zapier, MS Office, Jira, Confluence, Trello, etc.
• Support:As your database grows, so does its complexity, and we've looked for database applications where the majority of users report excellent customer service.
• GDPR Compliant:In 2018, new EU regulations on handling user data in European countries came into force. We have preferred database builders that comply with the new GDPR rules.

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Here is the best database software for Mac that is a great alternative to Microsoft Access for Mac.

1. Ability

Capabilityis by far the best database software for Mac users.

Knack is everything Microsoft Access and traditional database software are not:elegant,easy to usestillpowerful.

Surprisingly,Knack requires absolutely no programming experienceNot at all, although those who know what they're doing can adjust them manually.

That tooworks on the latest versions of macOS including Big Sur and the newer M1 Macsbased on Apple's silicon technology.

Knack has been around since 2010 and is used byeverything from small associations and corporations to blue chip companiesby Intel and Panasonic, making it highly scalable and accessible to everyone.

Despite being an online database software, it still isbetter than any other database software on Macthanks to the ease with which it creates and manages databases.

Knack lets youQuickly create a database from scratchor speed things up by giving you somethingdatabase modelswhich you can quickly adapt and modify for your own custom solution.

Simplyset the dataYour "application" (Knack database language) stores and uses,Structure your datawith fields and thenconnect everything together.

then easybuild an interfaceInsert elements that define how your users view and update your database.

You can choose interfaces like tables, lists, search fields, maps or forms.

then you canDeploy your applicationEmbed it in websites, show different pages to different users and view it on mobile devices.

If you don't want to start from scratch, you can choose one of themany crack database templatesincludes surveys, forms, maps, reports, spreadsheets, ecommerce, ecommerce and much more.

If you wantDeploy your database online, you can use your own domain name or a Knack subdomain as you get a certain amount of free storage with each plan.

Clear and simple monitoring of database activitywith data delivered in real time in tables, graphs and pivot tables.

You can alsoConnect Knack to third-party apps via Zapierlike Mailchimp, Google Docs and Dropbox to dynamically update databases.

These "Zaps" can send information from over 750 different apps to Knack, and as long as the app you're trying to connect to has an API (which most do), it's incredibly easy to set up.

So is skillintegrated into payment solutionslike Visa, PayPal and Stripe if you are building an ecommerce database.

Although Knack cannot import MS Access files, it can if you convert them to CSV (Comma Separated Values) format, which is the most common way to export databases from Access, Excel and other database tools.

Knack plans start at $39 per month for up to 20,000 records, 2GB of storage, 3 apps, and basic support. However, there are enterprise and business solutions for needs of almost any size.

Heuno setup fees, contracts or database size limitations. All data stored on Knack also remains the property of the owner at all times, not Knack himself.

If you need to quickly build business applications that deliver your data to the right users at the right time with the right workflows, without touching any code, Knack is an amazing online database software.

CanTry Knack for free, no credit card requiredJudge for yourself and get 1 hour of free support.

You can also check oursReview of Knack database softwarefor more.

2. Ninox Database

If you're looking for native Mac database creation software that's powerful, beautiful, and easy to use, Ninox Database is definitely worth a look.

Ninox is sophisticated database creation software for Mac and iOS, and while it cannot import Microsoft Access files onto macOS, it has taken the complex mechanics behind database creation and made it more accessible than Microsoft Access. .

It goes beyond creating databases and can be used simply as a powerful yet easy-to-use program.CRM tool on your Macand even asproject management solution.

Compared to most database programs on Mac, Ninox makes it very easy to create databases and tables, customize layouts, and collaborate with other team members on database creation.

One way to do this is to provide templates for various tasks such as: For example, tracking timesheets, real estate databases, and even recipe lists.

The other thing about Ninox is thatit's incredibly fast. Compared to the time it takes Microsoft Access to set up and create databases, Ninox seems really fast.

Even with tens of thousands of entries, Ninox is excellent for database software in this price range.

Other nice touches of Ninox are the ability to create reports and charts using databases and even generate invoices automatically.

You can also sync Ninox with iCloud to purchase a license and install it on up to 5 devices so you can work on your databases on any Mac or iOS device.

On the other hand, you cannot import MS Access files and theNinox User GuideIt can be somewhat limited, although the German developers are very responsive.

There are 3 versions of Ninox available.

• Ninox Starter ($12.00 per month) designed for small commodity applications and includes public cloud access, unlimited databases and automatic backups.
• Ninox Professional ($24.00 per month), a growth plan with custom user roles, manual backups, and role-based access permissions.
• Ninox Enterprise (custom pricing), a Database as a Service (SaaS) solution that can also be used anywhere on any Mac via a browser as a private cloud service or on a local desktop service with advanced security features.

Please note that there is one for all plans$34.99 additional charge for the Ninox Mac App.

Ninox can get very expensive once you start adding additional members through the Ninox Cloudat $8.33 per user per month.

If you want to use your database in a team or with multiple administrators,Capabilityit's much cheaper.

However, there are many satisfied users who say that Ninox is worth the money and if you are looking for an Access alternative that is powerful, easy to use and looks great on both Mac and iPad/iPhone then this is it this an app for you... fantastic database.

You can try oneFree Ninox TrialJudge yourself first.

3. FileMaker Pro

FileMakerProis one of the oldest database creation tools outside of Microsoft Access. Filemaker was originally developed by Apple but is now owned by Claris International, an Apple subsidiary.

Today, FileMaker Pro is designed to create custom business applications, create databases to manage customers, employees, projects, track inventory, and more.

FileMaker does not support direct import of MDB files from MS Access, but you can export them from Microsoft Access to XML and CSV files that Filemaker Pro can read.

The main problem we have with FileMaker Pro is that it's not as "transparent" as other database solutions in the way it creates databases.

For example, in FileMaker Pro, tables are inherently hidden from the user, while in most database applications, including Access, it is much easier to edit the source file directly.

It is also one of the most expensive database solutions available on Mac$594 for a local desktop licenseor you can subscribe to the cloud plan for $21 per month.

If you need help, Claris also has database experts available to help you build your business applications in Filemaker Pro for Mac, although of course this comes at an additional cost.

There is a 45-day free trial of FileMaker Pro to try out first.

4. LibreOffice – Basis

LibreOffice – Basisis a free, open-source database for Mac and part of the excellent free office suite LibreOffice, which is a free alternative to Microsoft Office on Mac.

It's not as powerful or easy to use as tools like Knack, but it still packs a lot of features into a free package.

LibreOffice Base supports opening Access files, although you will need an ODBC or JDBC driver to connect to Access and other databases.

Base also opens MySQL/MariaDB, Adabas D and PostgreSQL files.

Even if Base doesn't meet your needs, downloading the LibreOffice suite gives you a completely free office suite.

LibreOffice Base is surprisingly powerful for a free suite, although it's not easy to use and there's very little support if you run into problems.

5. Tap Forms

Tap Forms is an easy-to-use database manager designed specifically for Mac desktop computers.

It's ideal for anyone who can't handle the learning curve of tools like Filemaker Pro and Base, but want an easy way to create databases for forms.

Tap Forms makes it easy to create databases for accounts, recipes, inventory, and more. You can add things like images, audio recordings, and links to other database files.

Tap Forms is an especially good alternative to Bento on Mac, which is now being discontinued, because it can import legacy Bento files, CSV, text, and other formats.

You can also sync Tap Forms with iCloud, IBM Cloudant, Wi-Fi networks, and Apache CouchDB Sync servers.

If you're looking for an easy way to create forms and databases on Mac without any coding knowledge, Tap Forms does forms better than any app we know.

What is the best database utility for Mac?

As you can see, there is life after Microsoft Access in macOS.

Capabilityis our pick for the best database software for Mac users. It's as simple as it gets when it comes to creating databases on macOS, yet it's incredibly powerful and flexible.

Ninox databaseIt now represents the best local desktop database solution for Mac users. It has a great Mac desktop client, but the price-per-user subscription model gets expensive for large teams.

Can Microsoft Access run on a Mac?

Finally, it is important to understand thisto fully edit and open password protected Microsoft Access files is your best choiceRun Windows on your Macand install access.

The easiest way to run Windows on your Mac is to use itparallelWith it, you can run Windows and macOS at the same time, even on the Mac M1.

None of the applications presented here can edit the password-protected Access file, but Parallels allows you to install Windows on your Mac and thus enjoy the full version of Microsoft Access.

You can read more belowour review of Parallels for Mac here.

If you have any other questions, problems or experiences you would like to share, please leave them in the comments below or contact us directly.

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