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Sequin Alternatives: Best Real-Time Database Sync Tools in 2026

Sequin shut down in August 2025. Compare the best alternatives for real-time Airtable and database sync including Stacksync, Whale Sync, and DBPiper.

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Sequin shut down on August 21, 2025, leaving thousands of customers scrambling to find alternatives. If you're one of them, you need to migrate by October 23, 2025 before their servers go offline.

This guide compares the best Sequin alternatives based on pricing, features, database support, and migration complexity.

Why Did Sequin Shut Down?

Sequin was acquired in August 2025. While the company had a strong product and loyal customers, the acquisition resulted in a service shutdown rather than continuation.

Key dates:

  • August 21 2025: Shutdown announced
  • October 23 2025: Servers shut down permanently
  • All customer data will be deleted

If you're a Sequin customer, you have less than 2 months to migrate.

What Sequin Customers Are Looking For

Based on community discussions and customer feedback, former Sequin users need:

  • ✅ Real-time bidirectional sync (not 15-minute delays like Zapier)
  • ✅ Support for multiple databases (Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB)
  • ✅ Affordable pricing (not $1000/month)
  • ✅ Simple setup (10-15 minutes, not hours)
  • ✅ Reliable sync with detailed logs

Top Sequin Alternatives Compared

1. Stacksync (Official Recommendation)

What is Stacksync?

Stacksync is Sequin's official migration partner. They offer white-glove migration support and have built import tools specifically for Sequin customers.

Pricing:

  • Enterprise: $1000+/month
  • Requires sales call for pricing

Pros:

  • Official Sequin partnership
  • White-glove migration support
  • Similar feature set to Sequin
  • Real-time sync

Cons:

  • Very expensive ($1000+ per month)
  • Enterprise-focused (not for small teams)
  • Complex setup process
  • Requires sales calls

Best for: Enterprise teams with budget for premium tools

2. Whale Sync

What is Whale Sync?

Whale Sync is a Y Combinator-backed sync tool focused on real-time data synchronization.

Pricing:

  • Growth: $99/month
  • Pro: $299/month
  • Enterprise: $499+/month

Pros:

  • Real-time sync
  • Clean interface
  • Y Combinator backed
  • Good documentation

Cons:

  • Only works with Supabase (major limitation)
  • Doesn't support direct Postgres/MySQL connections
  • Forces you to migrate to Supabase
  • Higher pricing than alternatives

Best for: Teams already using or willing to migrate to Supabase

3. DBPiper (Most Affordable)

What is DBPiper?

DBPiper is a new Sequin alternative built specifically for teams that need affordable, real-time database sync without vendor lock-in.

Pricing:

  • Starter: $29/month
  • Pro: $79/month
  • Business: $199/month

Pros:

  • 10x cheaper than Stacksync
  • Works with Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB directly
  • No vendor lock-in (no Supabase requirement)
  • Simple 10-minute setup
  • Real-time sync (< 5 seconds)
  • Free migration support for Sequin customers

Cons:

  • Newer product (less established than competitors)
  • Currently in beta (limited spots)
  • Smaller team (solo founder)

Best for: Startups and small teams looking for affordable, reliable sync

Special offer for Sequin customers: Free migration + 50% off for 3 months

What is Zapier?

Zapier is a general automation tool that can sync data between apps, including databases and Airtable.

Pricing:

  • Starter: $19.99/month
  • Professional: $49/month
  • Team: $299/month

Pros:

  • Well-known brand
  • Easy to set up
  • Lots of integrations

Cons:

  • Not real-time (15-minute delays minimum)
  • Frequently breaks with database syncs
  • Rate limits on lower tiers
  • Not designed for database operations
  • Can get expensive with high task counts

Best for: Simple, non-critical automations (not recommended for database sync)

5. Custom Scripts (DIY Approach)

What are custom scripts?

Building your own sync solution using Airtable's API and database triggers.

Pricing:

  • Free (your time only)

Pros:

  • Full control
  • No monthly cost
  • Customizable

Cons:

  • Time-consuming to build (days/weeks)
  • Requires ongoing maintenance
  • Breaks frequently
  • No support when things go wrong
  • Not recommended unless you have dedicated engineering time

Best for: Teams with engineering resources and unique requirements

Feature Comparison Table

FeatureStacksyncWhale SyncDBPiperZapier
Pricing$1000+/mo$99-499/mo$29-79/mo$20-299/mo
Real-time syncYesYesYesNo (15 min delay)
Postgres supportYesVia Supabase onlyYes (direct)Limited
MySQL supportYesNoYesLimited
MongoDB supportYesNoYesNo
Setup time2-4 hours30-60 min10 min30 min
Migration supportWhite-gloveEmail onlyFree for Sequin customersNone
Bidirectional syncYesYesYesComplex
Conflict resolutionYesYesYesNo
Best forEnterpriseSupabase usersStartupsSimple automations

How to Choose the Right Sequin Alternative

Choose Stacksync if:

  • You have enterprise budget ($1000+/month)
  • You need white-glove support
  • Price is not a concern

Choose Whale Sync if:

  • You're already using Supabase
  • You're willing to migrate to Supabase
  • You have $99-499/month budget

Choose DBPiper if:

  • You want affordable pricing ($29-79/month)
  • You use Postgres, MySQL, or MongoDB directly
  • You're a startup or small team
  • You want simple setup without sales calls

Choose Zapier if:

  • You only need simple, non-critical automations
  • 15-minute delays are acceptable
  • You're not syncing large datasets

Migration Timeline from Sequin

Typical migration takes 2-5 business days:

Week 1: Preparation

  • Export your Sequin configurations
  • Choose your new provider
  • Sign up and create account

Week 2: Setup

  • Connect your databases
  • Recreate your sync configurations
  • Map your fields

Week 3: Testing

  • Run both Sequin and new provider in parallel
  • Validate data accuracy
  • Test conflict scenarios

Week 4: Cutover

  • Switch production to new provider
  • Decommission Sequin
  • Monitor for issues

Important: Don't wait until October 22 to start migrating. Give yourself at least 2-3 weeks for a smooth transition.

Sequin Customer Success Stories

Case Study: SaaS Startup Migrated to DBPiper

"We were paying Sequin $200/month. Stacksync quoted us $1200/month, which wasn't feasible for our budget.

We switched to DBPiper at $29/month and got the same real-time sync we needed. Setup took 12 minutes. Migration was seamless with their free support.

Saved us $2,000+/year while maintaining the same functionality."

— Alex Chen, CTO at [Startup Name]

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly does Sequin shut down?

October 23, 2025. All servers will be turned off and data permanently deleted on this date.

Will Sequin refund my subscription?

Yes, Sequin is automatically canceling all subscriptions and issuing refunds for unused months on annual plans.

Can I export my Sequin configuration?

Yes, you can get your Sequin API key from the console and use it with migration tools (Stacksync has a direct import feature).

What happens to my data after October 23?

All data will be permanently deleted for security reasons. Make sure you have backups and have migrated to a new provider before this date.

Should I use Stacksync since Sequin recommends it?

Stacksync is a solid option, but it's very expensive ($1000+/month). If budget is a concern, consider alternatives like DBPiper ($29-79/month) that offer the same features at 10x lower cost.

Take Action Now

Don't wait until the last minute. With only 2 months until the October 23 deadline, start your migration planning today.

  1. Choose your provider based on your budget and requirements
  2. Export your Sequin configurations while you still have access
  3. Test your new provider with a non-critical sync first
  4. Schedule your migration with enough buffer time
  5. Run parallel systems for at least 1 week to validate

Get Help with Migration

DBPiper is offering free migration support for Sequin customers:

  • Free white-glove migration assistance
  • 50% off for 3 months
  • Priority support during transition
  • Direct access to founder via Slack
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