Read our review of Sheet2API, a tool for converting spreadsheets into APIs. Explore its features, benefits, pricing, and alternatives to streamline data integration
What is sheet2api?
Sheet2API is a no-code tool that converts Google Sheets into a live, RESTful API, letting you use spreadsheets as a simple database. It helps businesses and developers integrate real-time data into websites, apps, and automation workflows without needing to code.
With Sheet2API, you can fetch, update, and manage spreadsheet data through API requests, making it perfect for prototyping, content management, and basic database solutions. It supports authentication, filtering, and webhooks, allowing for easy automation. Whether you're creating dashboards, forms, or reports, Sheet2API makes data management easy using the familiar Google Sheets interface.
Key Features of sheet2api
- Turn Google Sheets into an API – No more complicated database setups! Sheet2API lets you instantly convert a Google Sheet into a live RESTful API, making it easy to pull, update, or manage data without writing a single line of code.
- Read, Write & Update Data in Real-Time – Whether you need to fetch existing records, add new data, or make changes on the fly, Sheet2API allows you to interact with your spreadsheet like a database—directly from your app or automation workflow.
- No-code Database for Apps & Websites – If you're building a prototype, a dashboard, or a dynamic content system, you can use Google Sheets as a simple backend without dealing with traditional databases.
- Secure & Controlled Access – Your data stays protected with API key authentication, ensuring only authorized users can access or modify your sheets.
- Advanced Filtering & Querying – Need specific data? Use query parameters to filter, sort, and retrieve only the information you need—just like in a database.
- Automate with Webhooks – Get notified the moment your spreadsheet changes! Webhooks help automate tasks like sending emails, updating records, or triggering workflows in other tools.
- Seamless Integrations – Connect with tools like Zapier, Bubble, Airtable, and more to create powerful automations without coding. Whether you’re linking to a form, an app, or an internal system, Sheet2API makes it effortless.
Benefits of sheet2api
- Familiar Interface, No Learning Curve – You don’t need to learn a new platform or database system. Since Google Sheets acts as your backend, you can manage data in a tool you already know.
- Faster Prototyping & MVP Development – Instead of setting up a full database, you can use Google Sheets to quickly test and validate ideas, reducing development time.
- Cost-Effective Alternative to Databases – Traditional databases can be expensive and complex. Sheet2API lets you store and manage structured data at no additional cost beyond Google Sheets.
- Improves Team Collaboration – Since Google Sheets supports multiple users, your team can update data in real-time without complex permissions or database queries.
- Reduces Dependence on Developers – Non-technical users can manage and update data without needing a developer to modify a backend database or API.
- No Hosting or Maintenance Required – Unlike traditional databases that require hosting, security updates, and maintenance, Sheet2API leverages Google’s infrastructure, reducing operational overhead.
- Works Across Devices & Platforms – Since Google Sheets syncs across desktop and mobile, you can update and access your data from anywhere, making it ideal for remote teams and mobile apps.
- Scales with Your Needs – Start small and expand as needed. Whether you're handling a few records or thousands, Sheet2API adapts without requiring migrations or upgrades.
Limitations of sheet2api
- Limited Performance for Large Datasets – Google Sheets is not built for handling massive amounts of data. As your dataset grows, API response times may slow down, making it less efficient for high-traffic applications.
- No Native Relational Database Features – Unlike traditional databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL, Google Sheets doesn’t support complex relationships between tables, limiting its ability to handle advanced data structures.
- API Rate Limits & Quotas – Google imposes limits on API calls, meaning frequent or heavy requests may hit usage caps, causing delays or requiring workarounds like caching.
- Requires Internet Access – Since Sheet2API relies on Google Sheets, you need an active internet connection. Offline access is limited, which can be a challenge for certain use cases.
- No Built-In Role-Based Access Control – While Google Sheets allows sharing permissions, Sheet2API doesn’t provide granular user roles or database-level security, making it less suitable for sensitive data.
- Not Ideal for Real-Time Applications – While updates sync quickly, there can be a slight delay when using Sheet2API, making it unsuitable for real-time applications like live chat or instant transactions.
- Limited Customization & Advanced Querying – Unlike SQL-based databases, Sheet2API lacks advanced querying capabilities like JOINs, stored procedures, and complex filtering, which can be restrictive for data-heavy applications.
Pricing of sheet2api
- Free Plan (£0/month, billed annually) – Includes 2 spreadsheet APIs, 500 requests per month, and support for Google Sheets & Excel.
- Starter Plan (£24.99/month, billed annually) – Provides 5 spreadsheet APIs, 10,000 requests per month, standard caching, setup support, and Google Sheets & Excel integration.
- Pro Plan (£39.99/month, billed annually) – Offers 20 spreadsheet APIs, 50,000 requests per month, intelligent caching, setup support, and private sheet support.
- Elite Plan (£110.99/month, billed annually) – Designed for high-volume usage with 50 spreadsheet APIs, 500,000 requests per month, intelligent caching, setup support, and private sheet support.
- Lifetime Plan (£249.99 one-time payment, discounted from £499.99) – Includes all features from the Pro plan, no recurring fees, lifetime access to future updates, and premium support with a 12-hour response time.
Who Should Use sheet2api
- Entrepreneurs & Startups – If you're launching a product and need a quick, cost-effective backend, Sheet2API lets you use Google Sheets as a lightweight database without coding.
- No-code Developers – Perfect for those using platforms like Bubble, Zapier, or Glide to create apps and automate workflows without managing a full database.
- Businesses & Teams – Companies that rely on spreadsheets for data tracking can turn them into live APIs to sync with dashboards, internal tools, or reporting systems.
- Freelancers & Agencies – Ideal for those creating client projects that need dynamic content, data-driven websites, or automation without complex backend development.
- Marketers & Content Managers – If you're managing real-time data (like pricing tables, inventory, or product listings), Sheet2API enables instant updates across your site without manual edits.
- Educators & Researchers – Great for those who collect and manage structured data, allowing seamless integration of spreadsheets into interactive dashboards or reports.
sheet2api May Not Be Right for You If
- You Need a High-Performance Database – If your project requires handling millions of records or complex relational data, a dedicated database like PostgreSQL, Firebase, or Airtable may be a better fit.
- You Rely on Advanced Querying & Filtering – Unlike SQL-based databases, Sheet2API has limited querying capabilities and does not support JOINs, stored procedures, or complex filtering.
- You Require Strict Security & Access Controls – While it supports authentication, it lacks advanced role-based access control (RBAC) and encryption features found in enterprise-grade databases.
- You Need Real-Time Data Updates – Sheet2API syncs quickly but is not built for real-time applications like live chat, stock trading, or instant multiplayer updates.
- You’re Handling Sensitive or Compliance-Heavy Data – If you're managing financial records, healthcare data, or other highly sensitive information, Sheet2API may not meet regulatory requirements for security and compliance.
- You Want Full Control Over Your Backend – Since it depends on Google Sheets, you don’t have the flexibility of hosting your own database, running custom scripts, or optimizing performance at the server level.
Alternatives to sheet2api
- Airtable – A powerful spreadsheet-database hybrid with built-in automation, rich APIs, and advanced filtering. Ideal for structured data management and team collaboration. Read our detailed review of Airtable.
- Retool – A low-code platform that connects to multiple data sources, including Google Sheets, and allows you to build internal tools with a user-friendly interface. Read our detailed review of Retool.
- Glide – A no-code platform that turns Google Sheets into mobile and web apps, offering a more visual and interactive experience for app development. Read our detailed review of Glide.
- Stackby – Combines the flexibility of spreadsheets with database-like features and API connectivity, making it a strong alternative for automation-heavy workflows.
- Google Apps Script – A coding-based alternative for those comfortable with scripting, allowing you to create custom APIs and automate Google Sheets interactions.
- Supabase – An open-source Firebase alternative with real-time syncing, authentication, and PostgreSQL database capabilities, suited for more advanced app development.
- Zapier or Make (Integromat) – If automation is your main goal, these tools allow you to sync Google Sheets data with thousands of apps without coding. Read our detailed review of Make and Zapier.
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FAQs About sheet2api
How does Sheet2API work?
Sheet2API turns Google Sheets into a RESTful API, allowing you to access, update, and manage spreadsheet data through API calls. Once you connect your sheet, the platform provides an endpoint that lets your apps or automation workflows interact with the data. It supports GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE requests, making it function like a basic no-code database for web and mobile applications.
Can I use Sheet2API for free?
Yes, Sheet2API offers a free plan that includes access to 2 spreadsheet APIs and 500 API requests per month. This plan is suitable for basic use cases like small projects or prototypes. If you need more API calls, caching, or private sheet support, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan, which offers higher limits and additional features.
Is Sheet2API secure?
Sheet2API supports API key authentication to restrict access to your spreadsheet data. However, since it relies on Google Sheets, it does not offer advanced security features like role-based access control (RBAC) or end-to-end encryption. If you're handling highly sensitive or compliance-heavy data, a more secure database solution may be necessary.
Does Sheet2API work with Excel?
Yes, Sheet2API supports both Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel, allowing users to turn Excel spreadsheets into APIs as well. However, Google Sheets is the primary integration, and some advanced features like real-time updates and webhooks may not work as smoothly with Excel-based APIs.
Can I use Sheet2API for real-time data updates?
While Sheet2API syncs data quickly, it is not designed for real-time applications like stock trading or live chat. There may be slight delays in data retrieval and updates, depending on Google Sheets' refresh rate. For real-time performance, alternatives like Firebase or Supabase may be a better fit.