Airtable differs from traditional spreadsheets in that it offers database features applied to a spreadsheet. While traditional spreadsheets are typically used for simple calculations and data analysis, Airtable allows users to create custom databases, set up column types, add records, link tables, and collaborate in real-time. It also offers a range of features such as filtering, sorting, and grouping, as well as the ability to link records and create dependencies, making it ideal for managing complex data sets and workflows.