What's the best database software for those applications that are not right for Excel?

[JenniferMurphy]

Spreadsheets are perfect for many applications, but some of the ones I have been trying to shoehorn into Excel have me writing complex formulas or macros, with a lot of help from the gurus on this board, are really database applications and should be so implemented.

I see a lot of options for database software. There is always Access, which I have as part of my Office 365 subscription. But it has all of the quirks and gotchas of all M$FT products, perhaps the most of any.

There are several companies that offer cloud-based database software that looks very good. And having the data in the cloud is a plus if I want to share with friends or family. But the prices, usually $10-$30/month/user, are a little too high for my needs. I am happy to pay a reasonable cost, but not hundreds of dollars/year.

Google has database software, but it keeps changing. I played with Google sheets a bit, but it was even more quirky than Excel.

I would love to hear recommendations. Here are my priorities:

1. Easy to use
2. Support forum
3. Reasonably priced
4. Cloud based (meaning I can allow others to view and/or edit the data)

Thanks

PS: I didn't put this in the Access section because I wanted opinions from people not necessarily using Access. If it should have gone there, feel free to move it.

PPS: I am happy to post the results of my search.

 

[alansidman]

I prefer Access but I know you are possibly looking for something else. You might want to do a little research based upon this web page

https://www.g2.com/categories/desktop-database

 

[kennypete]

Worth looking at, if you want something quite straightforward and robust: SQLite

It really depends on your requirement though, so be sure to check out the How to use page.