Skip to main content
BuiltInEu

GDPR Compliance Risk

Airtable is a US-based service subject to the CLOUD Act. EU organizations using this service risk non-compliance with GDPR data transfer requirements.

Airtable logo

GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Airtable

🇺🇸Airtable, Inc. · US-based · Subject to CLOUD Act

Airtable is a cloud-based collaboration platform that combines the features of a spreadsheet and database for project management.

Why You Need a GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Airtable

Since the landmark Schrems II ruling in 2020, transferring personal data to US-based services like Airtable has become a significant legal risk for EU organizations. The US CLOUD Act gives American authorities the power to access data held by US companies, regardless of where that data is physically stored — even if it's in an EU data center.

While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (DPF) adopted in 2023 provides a new legal basis for transfers, privacy experts and legal scholars have raised concerns about its long-term viability. The framework could face the same fate as its predecessors (Safe Harbor and Privacy Shield), both of which were struck down by the Court of Justice of the EU.

For organizations that want to eliminate compliance risk entirely, switching to a European-based office suites is the most straightforward solution. Below are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Airtable, all headquartered in Europe with data stored in EU data centers.

CLOUD Act Exposure

US authorities can access your data stored by Airtable, even if servers are located in Europe.

GDPR Fine Risk

Non-compliant data transfers can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue under GDPR Article 83.

EU Alternative Available

1 GDPR-compliant European alternative available with full EU data residency.

1 GDPR-Compliant Alternative to Airtable

European services with full GDPR compliance and EU data residency

Seatable logo

Seatable

🇩🇪

by SeaTable GmbH

Seatable, developed by SeaTable GmbH, is a collaborative platform that combines database functionality with spreadsheet simplicity. Designed for teams, it allows users to organize, manage, and analyze data efficiently. Based in Europe, SeaTable focuses on enhancing productivity through intuitive data handling.

EU-BasedGDPR CompliantEU-hostedOpen SourceSelf-Hostable
FreemiumMigration:●●●1-2 hours

Why switch?

  • Seatable's servers are located in the EU, ensuring GDPR compliance.
  • Offers optional end-to-end encryption for enhanced data security.
  • More affordable pricing plans compared to Airtable's higher tiers.

Consider

  • Migration from Airtable can be complex and time-consuming.
  • Some Airtable features may not have direct equivalents in Seatable.
View DetailsCompareSwitch Guide
Visit Seatable

Quick GDPR Compliance Comparison

ServiceHQ LocationGDPR NativeEU Data CentersCLOUD Act FreePricing
🇺🇸Airtable
United StatesNoPartialNo-
🇩🇪SeatableDEYesYesYesFreemium

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airtable GDPR compliant?

Airtable is a US-based service operated by Airtable, Inc.. While it may have some GDPR compliance measures, as a US company it is subject to the CLOUD Act, which allows US authorities to access data stored by US companies regardless of where the data is physically located. This creates a fundamental conflict with GDPR requirements for data protection.

What are the GDPR risks of using Airtable?

The main GDPR risks include: (1) Data transfers to the US may lack adequate protection since the Schrems II ruling invalidated Privacy Shield, (2) US authorities can demand access under the CLOUD Act, (3) Your organization may face GDPR fines up to 4% of annual revenue for non-compliant data transfers, and (4) User consent may not be sufficient to legitimize transfers given the systematic access by US authorities.

What are the best GDPR-compliant alternatives to Airtable?

The top GDPR-compliant alternatives to Airtable include Seatable. These European services store your data in EU data centers and are fully subject to GDPR protections.

How do I migrate from Airtable to a GDPR-compliant alternative?

Most migrations involve three steps: (1) Export your data from Airtable using their data export tools, (2) Create an account with your chosen EU alternative, and (3) Import your data into the new service. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative to make the switch as smooth as possible.

Can EU companies legally use Airtable?

Since the Schrems II ruling (2020), EU organizations face significant legal risk when using US cloud services like Airtable. While the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (2023) provides a new legal basis, its long-term stability is uncertain. Many EU data protection authorities recommend using EU-based alternatives to avoid compliance risks entirely.

Other GDPR Alternatives in Office Suites

GDPR Alternative to Google WorkspaceGDPR Alternative to NotionGDPR Alternative to Visual StudioGDPR Alternative to Microsoft 365GDPR Alternative to AppFlowyGDPR Alternative to Evernote

Related Pages

Migration Resources

Last updated: January 31, 2026