Aire vs. Softr – Which Is Better?

Aire vs. Softr: Building a Complex Business Management App

In this article, we’ll dive into a side-by-side comparison of building a sophisticated business management app on two popular AI-powered app-building platforms: Aire and Softr. We’ll explore each platform’s approach to creating an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system for a network of real estate agencies in Australia—a project that requires a mix of complex business logic, industry-specific workflows, and local regulatory knowledge.

Getting Started with Aire

Aire’s platform is designed for building comprehensive internal tools, such as ERPs and CRMs, using an intuitive prompt-based setup. Here’s how Aire handles this app development process:

1. Defining Key Parameters: In Aire’s prompt-builder, users can specify essential parameters. For this project, the organization type is set to “network of real estate agencies,” the location is marked as “Australia,” and the app type is labeled “CRM and ERP.” Aire then generates a detailed prompt that guides the platform’s AI.
2. Modular Structure: Aire uses “modules” as foundational blocks, with each module acting as a record type (similar to sheets in Excel). Modules for this app might include property listings, clients, transactions, inspections, and commissions. Aire also lets users expand or refine these modules, offering the flexibility to add or remove modules as needed.
3. Defining Fields and Relationships: Within each module, users define fields (such as “Property Value,” “Agent,” or “Inspection Date”) to capture specific data points. By selecting a “large scope,” Aire auto-generates a rich set of fields relevant to real estate in Australia. Furthermore, Aire facilitates the creation of relationships between fields, which is essential for linking records—such as connecting client details with property listings or transaction histories.
4. Building UI Pages: Aire then creates user interface pages, including a Home page, a Dashboard with auto-generated charts, and list and record pages for each module. The system allows users to configure displayed fields, add charts, and set up navigation within the app.
5. Deployment on Corteza: Once the app is complete, Aire deploys it to Corteza, an open-source low-code platform that powers the app’s frontend. Corteza offers additional customization, allowing users to edit pages, rearrange elements, and access features like automation trigger buttons, calendars, reports, and custom styling.
6. Exporting Source Code: Unique to Aire, users can export the app’s source code for use in self-hosted Corteza instances, a valuable feature for companies seeking full ownership and flexibility over their data.

Building a Similar App in Softr

Softr, another AI-powered app builder, provides different functionality. Here’s what the experience looks like on this platform:

1. Prompt and App Types: Softr offers various app categories (client portals, directories, memberships, etc.) but lacks the internal tools focus that defines Aire. While Aire is tailored for building complex internal tools like ERPs, Softr leans toward lightweight solutions, limiting its suitability for multi-functional business apps.
2. Limited Prompt Customization: Softr’s AI prompt allows only 200 characters, which restricts the details users can include. While this simplifies the process, it prevents users from detailing industry-specific requirements or adding extra modules for comprehensive functionality. For instance, specifying “real estate CRM and ERP” resulted in an app with only a few record types, without the additional features needed to manage a network of real estate agencies.
3. User Interface and Design Options: Softr allows users to pick a basic color scheme and design theme, which is visually appealing but lacks the depth needed for a fully functional business tool. In contrast, Aire’s deployment on Corteza supports full CSS customization, enabling more refined branding and style flexibility.
4. Basic App Structure: While Softr successfully generated basic pages for essential records, such as buyers, sellers, leads, and transactions, it didn’t include many other crucial modules. The lack of extensibility in Softr meant that users would need to manually build out missing components, resulting in additional work and limited AI assistance.
5. Preview and Usability: While Softr’s app interface is clean and professional, it lacks the depth and functionality of an internal tool. Without essential modules and relational data capabilities, Softr’s output functions more like a simple directory or website, unsuitable for intricate business workflows or detailed record management.

Comparing the Results

Functionality and AI Flexibility

Aire’s AI is specifically designed to take the user’s input and build on it, automatically generating additional modules and configurations suited to the project’s scope. Softr, on the other hand, only creates what the user explicitly defines in the prompt, meaning the user must anticipate every component needed for the app.

Customization and UI Control

Aire allows users to add or modify fields, modules, and relationships throughout the app-building process, with seamless access to all pages and data configurations in Corteza. Softr’s setup is more rigid; it doesn’t offer page customization or extensive design flexibility.

Deployment Options

A standout feature of Aire is its ability to export source code, allowing for self-hosted deployment in Corteza. Softr lacks an equivalent feature, meaning users are confined to Softr’s ecosystem and limited in terms of long-term control over the app’s structure and data.

Final Verdict

For users looking to build sophisticated, enterprise-level internal tools, Aire is far more capable. With its AI-assisted modular setup, granular data controls, deep customization, and Corteza integration, Aire provides a versatile, scalable platform for managing complex workflows and data structures. Softr may appeal to users who need simpler, lighter applications, but its limited customization and lack of ERP-level functionality make it less suitable for business-critical applications.

In conclusion, Aire stands out as the superior platform for building robust internal tools, particularly for complex industries like real estate that require high levels of data interconnectivity and regulatory awareness.