Can Solo Entrepreneurs Create SaaS Solutions?
With no-code tools, cloud services, and automation, building a scalable SaaS product is now easier than ever
We all know that no-code app development is much cheaper and faster than traditional development. With no-code, we can build scalable, data-intensive, and fully-featured apps without a doubt.
But the question is, which no-code app builder is best for building a web app? Whether you want to build an e-commerce app, SaaS, or CRM, each no-code builder has its own strengths and weaknesses.
We have been in the no-code industry since 2016 and have experienced and heard many things about each platform. Today, we will share our insights and compare the top 6 no-code web app builders. By the end of this article, you should be able to decide which one is right for you.
Let’s get started and find the perfect no-code builder for your web app!
Key Takeaways:
- Bubble.io - Complex and fully-fledged web applications
- Webflow - Design-heavy websites with some web app functionality
- Glide - Internal tools and quick-to-build data-driven apps (Dashboards, Analytics)
- Adalo - Consumer-facing apps and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
- Bildr - A no-code platform with custom code capabilities, ideal for building Web3 apps (manual setup for integrations)
- Wappler - Ideal for developers needing custom code flexibility (coding knowledge required)
1. Bubble.io
Best for: Complex and fully-fledged web applications
If you’re looking for a no-code platform that can handle complex apps, Bubble.io should be at the top of your list. Bubble is one of the most versatile no-code tools on the market, ideal for building scalable, data-driven web applications. Whether you're developing a SaaS platform, marketplace, or CRM system, Bubble gives you the flexibility to create highly customized solutions without needing to code.
One of Bubble’s biggest advantages is its powerful backend capabilities. You can set up complex workflows, dynamic data structures, and real-time updates. For businesses looking to scale, Bubble can handle high traffic and large volumes of data. At a certain level, you can also integrate an external database to scale your app.
What sets Bubble apart is its extensive plugin ecosystem, allowing you to integrate third-party services like payment gateways, APIs, and external databases. Plus, with access to over 650 Bubble plugins from Zeroqode, you can extend the platform’s capabilities far beyond its core offerings.
However, it’s important to note that while Bubble excels for web apps, it’s not designed natively for mobile app development. You can still use third-party tools or services to convert your web app into a native mobile app. Additionally, Bubble’s proprietary nature can make it difficult to export your app to another platform if you ever need to switch.
If you’re building a robust, feature-rich web app that needs complex logic and scalable infrastructure, Bubble is a clear winner.
If you're short on time or expertise, don't worry. As a Bubble Gold-Tier agency, Zeroqode is here to help you bring your vision to life. With over 300 completed Bubble apps, we can turn your ideas into fully functional no-code applications quickly and efficiently.
2. Webflow
Best for: Design-heavy websites with some web app functionality
Webflow is known for its design flexibility, allowing users to create beautiful websites without writing any code. If you want full creative control over your website’s appearance, Webflow is an excellent choice. Its visual editor lets you design websites as if you’re using a graphic design tool—everything from custom animations to responsive layouts is at your fingertips.
Webflow is ideal for portfolios, landing pages, or business websites, and it even supports some light e-commerce features. But where it truly excels is in its visual precision. Designers who want pixel-perfect control over interactions, animations, and typography will find Webflow very satisfying.
However, Webflow isn’t as suited for more complex web apps. While it can handle content-driven websites easily, it lacks the backend functionality needed for highly interactive apps like CRMs or SaaS platforms. If your web app requires dynamic workflows, databases, or user authentication, platforms like Bubble or Wappler would be better choices.
One thing to keep in mind is that Webflow has a steep learning curve. It’s much more powerful than basic website builders, but that also means you need a good understanding of web design principles to make the most of it.
At Zeroqode, we built Mojju on Webflow, a custom GPT-based platform that integrates with services like Zapier, Google Analytics, and Shopify. If you're looking to build something similar or have a unique idea for a no-code app, feel free to reach out to us. We specialize in creating custom no-code apps tailored to your specific needs.
3. Glide
Best for: Internal tools and quick-to-build data-driven apps
When speed is your top priority and you need to turn data into an app almost instantly, Glide should be your top choice. Glide is best known for transforming Google Sheets into powerful apps with just a few clicks. It’s a great option if you need to build internal tools like CRMs, dashboards, or inventory-tracking apps that sync data in real-time.
What makes Glide particularly appealing is its simplicity. Unlike some other no-code platforms, you don’t need to spend hours learning the ins and outs of the tool. The learning curve is minimal, which means that even people with no development experience can build fully functional apps within minutes. This makes Glide ideal for small businesses, entrepreneurs, or teams needing rapid prototyping or internal tools.
With its Big Tables feature, Glide now supports apps with up to 10 million rows of data, giving it the power to handle more complex, data-heavy applications. However, where Glide falls short is in design flexibility. If your app requires intricate user interfaces or advanced workflows, you might find Glide’s templates too restrictive.
It’s also less suitable for customer-facing applications where you need more design control or customization—here, platforms like Webflow or Adalo might be better choices.
Overall, Glide is perfect if you need a quick, functional solution, especially for internal business apps that rely on real-time data syncing.
4. Adalo
Best for: Consumer-facing apps and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
If you want to create mobile-friendly, consumer-facing apps without any prior coding knowledge, Adalo is the best option. Unlike some other no-code platforms, Adalo lets you publish your apps directly to the Apple App Store and Google Play. This makes it an excellent choice for startups and small businesses looking to launch customer-facing mobile apps or Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
Adalo’s drag-and-drop interface is intuitive and easy to use, making it accessible to non-technical users who want to create native mobile apps without any coding. Its templates cover a wide range of use cases, from e-commerce platforms to fitness apps. The platform also includes basic database functionality, allowing you to store and manage data directly within your app.
However, Adalo does have some limitations. While it’s great for simple mobile apps, it can struggle with performance when scaling up or dealing with complex workflows. If your app has heavy data usage or requires significant backend logic, you may find the platform becomes slow and restrictive. In that case, more powerful tools like Bubble or Wappler may be a better fit.
For small to medium-sized consumer apps with straightforward functionality, Adalo is a cost-effective and user-friendly choice.
5. Wappler
Best for: Ideal for developers needing custom code flexibility (coding knowledge required)
Wappler stands out by combining no-code with low-code functionality. If you know some coding but want to speed up development with visual tools, Wappler offers the best of both worlds. It's perfect for developers who need full control over both the front-end and back-end while still enjoying the speed of no-code development.
One of Wappler’s key features is its visual server-side logic builder, which lets you create complex workflows without coding everything manually. If you want more customization, you can easily write your own HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side code. This makes Wappler ideal for building anything from custom e-commerce platforms to data-heavy web applications.
Unlike many no-code platforms, Wappler doesn’t lock you into a specific hosting provider. You can deploy your apps anywhere, giving you complete freedom to scale and manage your infrastructure. This is a big advantage for developers who don’t want to be tied to a proprietary platform.
However, Wappler’s power comes with a steep learning curve, especially for beginners. It’s not as user-friendly as tools like Webflow or Bubble, so it’s better suited for users with some technical background or those willing to spend time learning the platform.
6. Bildr
Best for: Full control over design, development, and complex workflows
Bildr offers a unique combination of deep customization and full-stack control, making it a top choice for developers who need full flexibility over both the front-end and back-end. It’s perfect for users who want the speed of no-code with the ability to dive into custom code when needed.
Bildr’s biggest strength is its support for complex workflows and integrations. Whether you’re building a web app that integrates with blockchain technologies, APIs, or payment processors, Bildr gives you the control to create powerful, feature-rich apps. It even allows for custom server-side logic and database management, giving you control over every aspect of your app’s architecture.
However, while Bildr markets itself as a no-code platform, some coding knowledge is helpful—especially if you want to fully utilize its features. If you know CSS and JavaScript, you can access even more customization options.
Bildr is especially good for web 3.0 applications or projects that need a lot of flexibility. However, its smaller community and frequent updates can sometimes cause bugs, making troubleshooting a bit more time-consuming compared to larger platforms like Bubble. Achieving responsiveness is more complicated compared to Bubble, and technical knowledge is required to manually set up third-party integrations.
The platform's community is smaller compared to competitors like Bubble, and its resources, though increasing, are more limited. Additionally, frequent updates can sometimes cause bugs, requiring users to troubleshoot and spend extra time on fixes.
Comparison of Popular No-code Web App Builders
Platform | Pricing | Best for Building | Unique Feature |
Bubble | Free plan; paid from $32/month | Complex web apps with logic and workflows | Extensive plugin ecosystem and built-in database |
Bildr | Starts at $29/month | Full-stack, highly customizable web apps | Combines no-code and custom code for advanced flexibility |
Webflow | Starts at $18/month | Visually stunning web apps with basic functionality | Design-first platform with advanced animations and CMS |
Glide | Free plan; paid from $65/month | Simple internal web apps | Transforms Google Sheets and other data sources into web apps |
Wappler | Starts at $19/month | Professional web apps with full control | Full-stack low-code environment with self-hosting options |
Adalo | Free plan; paid from $45/month | Simple web apps for small businesses | Direct publishing to PWA and web without external hosting |
Also, check out our comprehensive features comparison table of popular no-code app builders.
Summary
- Bubble is the leading no-code platform for building complex web apps. It offers extensive customization options and API integrations but has a steep learning curve.
- Webflow shines in design flexibility and is ideal for users focused on building highly customized, visually stunning websites.
- Glide is the easiest to use, particularly if you're working with simple mobile apps, making it ideal for non-technical users.
- Adalo is great for building native mobile apps quickly but lacks some of the deeper customization options found in platforms like Bubble.
- Wappler offers advanced control and deployment flexibility, making it suitable for professional developers who want the power of low-code tools with custom coding options.
- Bildr offers no-code simplicity with developer-like flexibility, making it ideal for building full-stack and Web3 apps. While it lacks plugins and third-party services, and responsiveness can be trickier than Bubble, coding skills and technical knowledge are required to manually set up integration.
We hope this guide has helped you find the best no-code web app builder for your needs. If you're still unsure, we recommend using Bubble.io for building web apps. It's great for scalability, and security, and has a wide range of plugins to add more features to your app.
If you're still deciding, check out our guide, "Bubble vs. Webflow," for a detailed comparison. Or, if you prefer, reach out to us! We can help turn your ideas into a working no-code web app quickly and easily.
Related Posts
What is a SaaS Business? (Software as a Service)
A SaaS business delivers software over the internet, allowing users to access applications without the need for installation or maintenance
Bubble vs Webflow: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need
Comprehensive comparison of no-code builders Bubble and Webflow to help you decide the best platform for your project and needs