Decision rule: Choose SheetsDB when the data can be public and the application only needs rows as JSON. Choose Google's API when you need private access, writes, formatting, or advanced range operations.
| Need | SheetsDB | Google Sheets API |
|---|---|---|
| Read a public Sheet as JSON | Yes | Yes |
| Read a private Sheet | No | Yes |
| Write cells | No | Yes |
| Google Cloud project | Not required | Required |
| OAuth scopes or service account | Not required for Sheet access | Required for private Sheets, not public Sheets |
| Formatting and spreadsheet metadata | No | Yes |
Choose SheetsDB for a narrow read path
SheetsDB has one endpoint and two body fields. That small surface fits public catalogues, schedules, directories, and prototypes where Google Sheets is already the editing tool.
Choose Google's API for product data
Use the official API when records must stay private, users edit through your application, or you need formulas, formatting, named ranges, batch updates, and Google Workspace permissions.
Security is determined by the Sheet
A shared link is not a private access control. Anyone who has the link can view the Sheet. If that is not acceptable for the data, do not use SheetsDB for it.
Can an application use both?
Yes. One public content feed can use SheetsDB while private application records use a database or Google's API. Keep API keys on the server in either setup. The CORS and caching guide explains the SheetsDB side.