CSVBox vs Flatfile vs ImportCSV: which is best for no-code?

You built your app. Now users want to upload their spreadsheets.

You need a tool that handles messy files, wrong columns, and duplicate rows without you writing code. Three options keep coming up: CSVBox, Flatfile, and ImportCSV.

Here's a straightforward comparison to help you pick the right one.

The problem you're solving

Your users have data in spreadsheets. They need to get that data into your app. This sounds like it should take five minutes.

It doesn't. Here's what you'd have to handle:

• Different file types: CSV, Excel (.xls, .xlsx), exported Google Sheets
• Column mismatches: Their "First Name" column needs to become your "first_name" field
• Bad data: Missing values, duplicates, special characters that break imports
• Error handling: When something goes wrong, users need to know what and how to fix it

Building this yourself takes weeks. These tools do it for you.

Quick comparison

CSVBox: transparent pricing, established player

CSVBox offers straightforward pricing that you can see before signing up:

• Sandbox: $0/month (100 imports, 5 rows per import)
• Startup: $19/month (1,000 imports, 10,000 rows per import)
• Pro: $49/month (5,000 imports, 50,000 rows per import)
• Growth: $99/month (10,000 imports, 100,000 rows per import)
• Plus: $199/month (10,000 imports, 500,000 rows per import)

Annual plans get 20% off.

What CSVBox does well:

• SOC 2 Type II certified (important for enterprise customers)
• GDPR compliant with Data Processing Agreement support
• Smart column matching that auto-maps user columns to your structure
• Multiple language support
• "Import Links" feature lets you share a standalone upload page (no embedding required)

Things to know:

• The free tier limits you to 5 rows per import, which is only useful for testing
• Custom validators require JavaScript knowledge
• Branding removal requires a paid plan

From their website: "Most teams have a working importer in under 10 minutes."

When CSVBox is the right choice

Choose CSVBox if you:

• Have a tight budget under $50/month
• Need SOC 2 compliance now, not later
• Want an established tool with a track record
• Are comfortable with JavaScript for any customization

Flatfile: enterprise-grade with sales-only pricing

Flatfile (now rebranding to "Obvious") is built for enterprises with complex data migration needs.

Pricing: Contact sales required. They don't publish prices, stating: "Our pricing is based on your team's project volume to ensure you're only ever paying for what's useful to your business."

What Flatfile does well:

• Handles any file type, not limited to spreadsheets
• AI-powered data transformation using plain English instructions
• Multi-user collaboration for team review of imports
• Multi-step approval workflows
• Self-managed deployment options for enterprises
• Open-source plugin library for extensibility

Things to know:

• No free tier available
• Sales conversation required before you can start
• Setup typically takes days or weeks, not minutes
• Built for ongoing data migration projects, not one-off imports

Their customer list includes ADP, HubSpot, Toast, and Amazon. Their messaging focuses on "completing migration projects 70% faster."

When Flatfile is the right choice

Choose Flatfile if you:

• Have enterprise budget and timeline
• Need multiple people to collaborate on reviewing imports
• Are running complex, multi-month data migration projects
• Require on-premise or self-managed deployment
• Need advanced approval workflows before data gets imported

Flatfile is likely overkill if you need basic spreadsheet uploads.

ImportCSV: open source with transparent pricing

ImportCSV focuses on being the simplest option to integrate.

• Free tier: 100 imports/month
• Paid: $49/month for higher volume

What ImportCSV does well:

• Open source under MIT license (you can self-host and audit the code)
• React component that adds in one line of code
• AI-powered column matching
• Users fix their own data errors in the interface before import
• Direct connection to databases like Supabase
• Smallest setup time: under 5 minutes

Things to know:

• SOC 2 certification is in progress, not yet complete
• Newer than CSVBox and Flatfile
• React-focused (though can work in other frameworks)

When ImportCSV is the right choice

Choose ImportCSV if you:

• Want transparent pricing without a sales call
• Value open source and the option to self-host
• Need the fastest possible integration
• Want to avoid vendor lock-in
• Are building with React or Next.js

For no-code builders specifically

If you're building on platforms like Bubble, Webflow, or using AI tools to generate your app, here's what matters:

CSVBox offers "Import Links" - a shareable URL that opens their importer. No embedding required. Users click the link, upload their file, and the data comes to you. This works for any platform.

ImportCSV is a React component. If your platform generates React code (like Lovable or Bolt.new), you can add it in one line. If your platform doesn't use React, CSVBox's link approach may be easier.

Flatfile requires more setup and is designed for teams with developers. If you're going fully no-code, it's probably not the right fit.

Decision guide

FAQ

Do I need to know how to code?

For CSVBox's Import Links feature: No. You share a link, users upload, data arrives.

For ImportCSV's React component: You need to paste one line of code. If you're using AI tools like Lovable or Cursor to build your app, ask them to add it.

For Flatfile: You'll likely need developer involvement for setup.

What if my users have messy spreadsheets?

All three tools handle this. They validate data before import and show users what's wrong so they can fix it themselves.

Which has the best free tier?

CSVBox and ImportCSV both offer 100 free imports. CSVBox limits you to 5 rows per import on free, which is only good for testing. ImportCSV's free tier allows full imports.

Flatfile doesn't have a free tier.

Can I switch later if I pick the wrong one?

Yes. These tools handle the import interface. Your data goes into your database either way. Switching means updating your integration, not migrating data.

If ImportCSV sounds like a fit, you can try it free. One line of code gets you a working importer.

If CSVBox or Flatfile are better for your needs, those are solid choices too.

Related posts

• Build vs Buy CSV Import
• Data Import UX Best Practices
• Flatfile Alternative
• CSVBox Alternative