Create a Personal Resource Hub with No-Code Apps
Keep your resources organized and boost productivity with no-code tools like Notion, Airtable, Coda, Bubble, Glide, Trello, and Slite
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How we’ve transitioned from vanilla CSS/JS to frameworks and now to no-code solutions, is remarkable. Honestly, it has never been easier or more time-saving to build side projects with no-code platforms (by the way, some are building serious businesses with no code too).
Over the past 30 days, I have researched the best no-code platforms. Since I have been using no-code tools for 2 years, I immediately started building simple landing pages and apps that handle bookings and payment integration using these tools.
I have tested over 14 no-code app builders and discussed them with various forum members. Some are really useful and offer genuine free trials to build products, with paid plans to launch them. However, some platforms trick users into building products by asking a few questions, but then require payment to see and edit the app.
Anyway, I have categorized these tools into three groups: best no-code platforms for building web apps, mobile apps, and AI-driven apps or those that provide AI assistance. In this article, we will explore popular no-code app builders, their features, ease of use, pros and cons, and pricing.
I assume you are already familiar with the no-code concept. If not, please read.
Common Features of all No-code App Builders
- Cost Efficiency: No-code platforms are typically 40-60% cheaper than traditional software development. They cut down on the need for costly development resources by enabling you to create applications without extensive programming knowledge.
- Automatic Deployment: Most no-code platforms handle automatic deployment and real-time updates, making it easy to go live with new changes and maintain the application over time.
- Enhanced Security: No-code platforms often include built-in security features, such as protections against common threats like DDoS attacks, ensuring that applications are secure from various vulnerabilities.
- Prebuilt Templates and Components: No-code app builders offer a variety of prebuilt templates and drag-and-drop components that speed up development and help maintain a professional look and feel.
- Extensive Integration and Plugins: Many no-code platforms provide extensive third-party integrations and plugins, allowing you to seamlessly extend the functionality of their applications with external services and APIs such as payment integration, Google Maps, Zapier, and more.
Comparison of No-Code App Builders
Platform | Use Case | Pricing Range | AI Features | Scalability | Technical Expertise |
Bubble.io | Web & Mobile apps, SaaS platforms, marketplaces, CRM systems | Free plan available; paid plans start at $32/month | AI-assisted design tool, AI App Builder | High scalability with AWS infrastructure | Moderate (no-code but with a learning curve) |
Webflow | Websites, portfolios, landing pages, basic e-commerce | Paid plans start at $18/month | AI tools like Intellimize and AI Insights Assistant | Limited to website functions | Moderate (requires web design knowledge) |
FlutterFlow | Mobile apps for iOS, Android | Free plan available; paid plans start at $30/month | AI Gen tool for code and design generation | Good for cross-platform scalability | Moderate (helpful to know Flutter) |
Glide | Mobile and web apps from spreadsheets | Free plan available; paid plans start at $60/month | AI assistant for data analysis and dashboards | Limited scalability with large datasets | Low (intuitive for spreadsheet users) |
Bildr | Chrome extensions, Web3/blockchain apps | Paid plans start at $29/month | None | Highly scalable with custom server-side logic | High (best for those with technical background) |
Wappler | Web and mobile apps requiring custom code | Paid plans start at €19/month | None | High scalability with custom integrations | High (coding skills required) |
Thunkable | Cross-platform mobile apps | Free plan available; paid plans start at $15/month | None | Good scalability for mobile platforms | Low to moderate (beginner-friendly but can use JavaScript) |
BuildFire | Mobile apps for iOS and Android | Free plan available; paid plans start at $100/month | None | Moderate scalability | Low (beginner-friendly, SDK for advanced features) |
Adalo | Mobile apps, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) | Free plan available; paid plans start at $45/month | None | Moderate, better for small apps | Low (easy to use, limited customization) |
Appy Pie | Basic mobile apps websites and chatbots | Paid plans start at $5/month | Chatbot builder using AI | Low scalability, suitable for basic apps | Low (very user-friendly for beginners) |
For a more detailed breakdown of the best platforms in each category, check out our articles on
1. Bubble
If you’re looking to build a full-fledged web app, Bubble.io is definitely a platform you should consider. It’s known for its scalability and customization, which makes it ideal for building everything from SaaS platforms and marketplaces to CRM systems. You can create a fully functional app without needing to write traditional coding.
Unique Features
One of Bubble's standout features is its extensive plugin marketplace. There are over 650 plugins just from Zeroqode alone, allowing you to easily integrate features like payment gateways, APIs, and third-party services. This means you can expand your app's functionality with minimal effort.
Another unique feature is its AI-assisted design tool, which helps you build user interfaces by simply describing your vision in plain language—perfect for those who may not be design experts.
Pros and Cons
On the plus side, Bubble is well known for its scalability due to its infrastructure powered by AWS. It can handle large datasets, integrate with external databases, and manage real-time workflows. Just make sure to set up a solid database structure from the beginning to avoid performance issues later on. It's also highly customizable, which is great if you have a specific vision for your app.
Although there were some limitations, Bubble was not ideal for mobile app development, and we used to convert web apps into mobile apps using third-party wrappers. Now, Bubble has solved this problem by launching the Native Mobile Editor in October 2024. You can now build both web and mobile apps in the same ecosystem.
Additionally, Bubble has launched a new AI app builder (currently in beta) that allows you to input instructions and get a fully functional app in minutes. This tool automates design, backend, and workflows, creating polished apps using Bubble's visual programming system instead of traditional coding.
Pricing Options
Bubble offers flexible pricing to cater to different user needs:
- Free Plan: best for learning how to use Bubble and for projects under construction.
- Starter Plan: $32/month, best for launching your app and testing, suitable for MVPs and simple tools with small to moderate user bases.
- Growth Plan: $134/month, recommended for growing your user base, ideal for consumer projects with complex functionality.
- Team Plan: $399/month, best for scaling your team and business, great for scaling projects with high usage.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing, best for maximum security and scale, suitable for internal tools and customer-facing apps that require advanced features and support.
If you are looking to build an MVP or a custom app on Bubble, feel free to reach out to us. Zeroqode’s expert team has built over 500 apps on Bubble to date. check out our portfolio.
2. Webflow
Webflow is a popular no-code platform designed primarily for building visually stunning websites, and it’s especially well-suited for users who want full creative control over the design. If you're someone who appreciates pixel-perfect precision, Webflow’s visual editor will feel like a dream.
You can craft everything from intricate animations to responsive layouts, all without writing a single line of code. But keep in mind, that Webflow is best for creating websites, portfolios, landing pages, and even basic e-commerce functionality.
Unique Features
What sets Webflow apart is its integration of AI tools to streamline the design process. For example, AI Assistants like Intellimize help generate copy suggestions and optimize layouts for better SEO and design.
There’s even an AI Insights Assistant to offer real-time performance analytics, so you can make data-driven decisions to improve your site. While Webflow doesn't have built-in tools for creating full-fledged apps, you can still integrate APIs like OpenAI and Jasper to add AI-driven elements, such as chatbots or personalized content.
You can also export the HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and image assets of your website. This feature is particularly useful if you want to host your site elsewhere or work on it outside the Webflow platform.
Pros and Cons
Webflow generates clean, efficient code that ensures faster load times. For SEO, Webflow offers a strong set of options compared to platforms like Bubble.io, including better meta tag control and automatic sitemaps. Additionally, its WYSIWYG editor allows you to design with precision.
However, for users looking to build more complex web apps—like CRMs, SaaS platforms, or mobile apps—Webflow might not be the best choice. Unlike platforms such as Bubble.io or Wappler, Webflow lacks robust backend features like dynamic workflows, user authentication, and large-scale databases. This limits its capacity for handling highly interactive applications.
One thing to keep in mind is that Webflow has a steep learning curve. It’s more powerful than basic website builders, but this also means you need a good understanding of web design principles, CSS, and the box model to make the most of it.
Pricing Options
- Free Plan: Great for personal projects or testing; includes Webflow branding and limited features.
- Basic Plan ($18/month): Best for simple websites like portfolios or landing pages.
- CMS Plan ($29/month): Ideal for content-driven sites like blogs or portfolios, includes dynamic content management.
- Business Plan ($49/month): For larger sites with more traffic and advanced functionality like extra storage and faster support.
In short, if you're a designer or creative looking to build visually rich websites with some light app functionality, Webflow is perfect. But if you're after building feature-packed web or mobile apps, you might want to consider a tool like Bubble.io, which offers more in-depth backend support and dynamic capabilities.
3. FlutterFlow
FlutterFlow is another rising no-code platform, It excels at creating mobile applications for iOS and Android, but it also supports web apps, giving users flexibility across different platforms.
Unique Features
It offers a large library of pre-built components, including animations, push notifications, and chat functionalities. Another unique feature is the ability to export code—you can download your app’s Flutter code and continue working on it in other environments, which is a big plus for developers who need more customization.
Additionally, FlutterFlow integrates well with Firebase, making it a great choice for developers who want easy backend integration.
Pros and Cons
FlutterFlow’s AI Gen tool automates much of the app-building process by generating code and design layouts through natural language prompts. It creates front-end screens, and backend database schemas, and suggests design elements, speeding up development. However, the generated screens and components are more like "first drafts" that require manual adjustments.
Built on the Flutter framework, FlutterFlow is ideal for cross-platform development, allowing you to create apps for iOS, Android, and web platforms from a single codebase. It supports real-time collaboration, enabling teams to work efficiently on the same project.
Apart from these benefits, FlutterFlow has a learning curve, especially for those new to Flutter. For more complex features, technical expertise is needed to add custom code.
Pricing Options
- Free Plan: Includes basic features like visual app building and web publishing.
- Standard Plan: $30/month – Offers code export and APK downloads, making it ideal for developers needing flexibility.
- Pro Plan: $70/month – Adds source repository integration and localization features, allowing for more advanced app development.
- Teams Plan: $70/month per seat – Enables real-time collaboration and audit logs, perfect for teams working together on projects
Overall, FlutterFlow is the best option for quickly building cross-platform mobile apps (iOS, Android, and web). It's perfect for teams needing real-time collaboration and developers wanting to integrate Firebase and other backend services easily.
4. Glide
Glide is a no-code app builder well-known for quickly turning spreadsheet data into mobile and web applications. It’s an ideal solution for non-technical users or small businesses looking to create internal tools, dashboards, or MVPs without writing any code. If you’re familiar with tools like Google Sheets, you’ll find Glide very intuitive, as it directly integrates with Google Sheets, Excel, and Airtable.
Unique Features
I would highlight two unique features: real-time syncing and a fast development process.
Glide’s apps update in real time, pulling data from connected spreadsheets. This is perfect for dynamic applications like inventory tracking, CRM systems, or project management tools. Glide also offers pre-made templates and components specifically for industries like healthcare, education, and retail.
Pros and Cons
Just like other no-code tools, Glide also has an AI assistant that helps automate tasks like data analysis, content generation, and building intelligent dashboards.
Apart from this, there is one more advantage: Glide allows you to create progressive web apps (PWAs) that are accessible via a link or QR code. While you can’t directly publish apps to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, users can easily access the apps on mobile or desktop.
Now, let's look at some limitations of Glide. It is fast and easy to use, but it struggles with large datasets, especially on its lower-tier plans. Performance drops beyond 25,000 rows unless you upgrade to their more expensive plans, which include features like "Big Tables" that can handle up to 10 million rows.
Pricing Options
- Free Plan: best for learning how to create your first app. Allows for 10 personal users, no updates needed, 2 editors, and the ability to build 1 app.
- Maker Plan: Starting at $60/month, designed to create an app for your idea. Supports unlimited personal users, 500 updates, 2 editors, and the creation of 1 app.
- Team Plan: Starting at $125/month, ideal for turning your spreadsheets into tools. Includes 20 users (additional users at $4/user), 5,000 updates, 5 editors, and unlimited apps.
- Business Plan: Starting at $310/month, suitable for turning your databases into software. Offers 40 users included (extra users at $6/user), 10,000 updates, 10 editors, and unlimited apps.
Lastly, Glide is best for fast prototyping or building simple data-driven apps. However, it may not be the best choice for creating complex apps.
5. Bildr
Bildr is a no/low code platform. Why? You'll understand as you read more. It gives you full control over the front-end and back-end of your application. It's best suited for building Chrome extensions or Web3/blockchain-powered apps.
Unique Features
Bildr has a visual drag-and-drop editor for developing the front end of your app. It also lets you add custom code for more functionality, meaning you can use custom CSS to enhance your design.
A unique feature of Bildr is that it allows you to set custom server-side logic and manage your database, giving you full control over your backend.
Another feature is its contract editor. If you are building Web3 apps, it allows you to create NFT smart contracts without any code.
Pros and Cons
In the pros, I would say it offers more customization compared to any simple no-code platform. If you are already familiar with programming languages, you can use its full potential. You can also export HTML, CSS, and JS code, and it allows external hosting, meaning you can host your app outside of Bildr.
However, there are some limitations. It does not have any plugins or third-party integrations like Bubble. To integrate third-party APIs or services, you will need to do it manually, which requires technical knowledge.
Additionally, it can be challenging for some to make apps responsive. It has a much smaller community compared to Bubble, making it difficult to find answers to your questions related to bugs or troubleshooting issues.
Pricing Options
- Launch Plan: $29/month – Includes a custom domain, 2 builders, 25 GB bandwidth, and 50,000 API calls.
- Pro Plan: $199/month – Offers 5 builders, server-side functions, 250 GB bandwidth, and 500,000 API calls.
- Studio Pass: $999 one-time – Grants lifetime access to core features, unlimited projects, and hosting
Overall, Bildr should be your top choice if you are a technical person with prior development experience and want to build complex Web3-powered applications.
6. Wappler
Wappler is a low-code platform designed for developers who want full control over both the front-end and back-end of web and mobile applications. Unlike traditional no-code platforms like Bubble.io, Wappler is ideal for users with some technical background, as it offers deep customization through visual tools and direct coding.
Unique Features
One of Wappler’s standout features is its visual server-side logic builder, which allows you to create complex workflows without writing all the code manually. You can also connect to databases, send emails, manage files, and build login systems, all within its visual interface.
If you need more advanced functionality, you can directly add your own HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or server-side code (NodeJS, PHP). Plus you can also connect to any API or external database (such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and SQL Server) to scale your data-heavy applications.
Pros and Cons
With Wappler, you can build multiplatform apps for iOS and Android using Cordova, and desktop apps using the Electron framework. Additionally, it allows you to export the full code and host it externally, as there is no vendor lock-in like other no-code platforms.
With that said, there are a few limitations. The learning curve is very steep. Wappler is not for beginners; you will need coding skills to build a full-fledged app or use Wappler's full potential.
Another limitation is manual deployment. Since you will be hosting your code independently, you must know about deployments, and it requires manual setup for app store submission or web hosting.
Pricing Options
Wappler offers different pricing plans:
- Basic: €19/month for individuals and includes core web development tools.
- Pro: €29/month for individuals, supporting mobile apps and more advanced integrations.
- Company Plans: Start at €79/month, tailored for teams needing advanced collaboration and deployment options
Overall, Wappler is the best tool for developers who want more flexibility and control while still enjoying the speed and simplicity of a visual builder.
7. Thunkable
Thunkable is an ideal no-code platform designed for building cross-platform mobile apps for iOS and Android. You can create a variety of apps, from social networks and e-commerce stores to fitness apps and simple games. It’s especially useful for quickly prototyping apps or teaching basic app development.
Unique Features
One of Thunkable's standout features is its Logic Modules. These let you create reusable blocks of logic, speeding up development across multiple projects. This feature is also helpful for beginners or those learning app development, as it makes it easy to understand how app logic works, including conditions, loops, and events.
Plus, it also supports Bluetooth Low Energy integration, allowing your app to interact with external devices like speakers or smartwatches, a feature uncommon in many other no-code platforms.
Pros and Cons
Thunkable supports cross-platform development, allowing you to develop once for multiple platforms like iOS, Android, and even the web as a Progressive Web App (PWA). Another useful feature is its JavaScript Web Bridge, which lets you add custom code to your app for extended functionalities.
Like other no-code tools, it integrates with external services such as Google Sheets, Airtable, and Firebase. You can also test your app in real-time with Thunkable.
However, there are some limitations. You cannot export your code in Thunkable, and storage is limited to 1GB in their mid-tier plan. Unlimited storage is available only if you upgrade to a more expensive business plan.
Pricing Options
- Free Plan: Supports up to 10 projects, but limits app publishing and storage.
- Starter Plan: $15/month – Allows up to 20 public projects and 1 private project, along with basic features.
- Pro Plan: $45/month – Includes up to 50 private projects, unlimited public projects, and 2 web app publications.
- Business Plan: $200/month – Provides unlimited private and public projects, up to 5 web apps, and more storage.
- Team Plan: $500/month – Adds features like team collaboration, unlimited web apps, and a dedicated account manager
Overall, Thunkable is best for users who need an easy solution for small to mid-level projects but may not suit those looking for deep customization or complex functionality.
8. BuildFire
BuildFire is a no-code platform ideal for developing mobile apps for iOS and Android. Its drag-and-drop editor is very intuitive, even if you are not tech-savvy or are a beginner. However, for more advanced functionality, BuildFire also offers a developer SDK, allowing you to add custom features to your app.
Unique Features
BuildFire provides an Interactive Emulator, allowing you to see real-time changes in your apps. It also supports in-app purchases, such as tiered plans for monetizing your app. Additionally, you can set targeted push notifications and add various login methods, such as third-party login, session expiration, or one-time login, depending on your needs.
You can also restrict app content based on user tags. These features are more than enough for a solo person to build a basic to mid-level business without writing a single line of code.
Pros and Cons
BuildFire offers over 150 pre-built plugins, including options for social media messaging, video content, and music apps, among many others.
While it provides many built-in features, its design customization options may feel restrictive unless you use the SDK. Another confusing aspect is their pricing plans, which are based on quarterly or yearly payments.
Pricing Options
- MVP Plan: $100/month – Basic features, supports up to 25,000 monthly active devices, 100 downloads, and standard push notifications
- Growth Plan: $189/month – Includes unlimited downloads and supports up to 25,000 monthly active devices, but lacks premium features
- Starter Plan: $349/month – Adds premium features like Drip Notifications, QR Scanners, and integration with Zapier, supporting up to 50,000 active devices
- Standard Plan: $499/month – Offers enterprise-level features, custom integrations, and larger usage limits
Overall, BuildFire is great for businesses that need a customizable, easy-to-build platform without coding, but its pricing and complexity might not be the best fit for everyone.
9. Adalo
Adalo is another popular no-code platform where you can easily build mobile apps. Consider this if you want to develop consumer-facing apps or Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). Most people use it for creating simple apps like task managers, event planning tools, or small eCommerce solutions.
Unique Features
Adalo offers pre-built templates and customizable components. You can choose from a variety of premium components like image sliders, forms, and geolocation integration using Google Maps. Additionally, you can integrate third-party APIs and services such as Make, Zapier, Stripe, Sheets, and Airtable to extend your app's functionality.
Pros and Cons
Adalo is good for building cross-platform apps or quickly prototyping apps to validate your ideas. It is very easy to understand and edit the design, but personally, I feel its editor is not very intuitive. We cannot find elements as quickly as in FlutterFlow or other no-code apps, such as buttons, text, or other design elements.
That said, it can work well for simple apps, but it is not suited for complex apps. Some customization options are limited, and if your app grows, it may slow down the performance.
Pricing Options
- Free Plan: Includes basic features like unlimited screens, a built-in database, and Adalo branding
- Starter Plan: $45/month – Removes Adalo branding, allows up to 2,500 monthly active users, and includes 25 GB of storage
- Professional Plan: $65/month – Adds advanced features like custom integrations, design versions, and up to 10,000 monthly active users
- Team Plan: $200/month – Includes team collaboration features, priority support, and Xano integrations
- Business Plan: Custom pricing – Offers special add-ons and enterprise-level features like additional storage and user limits
Overall, Adalo is ideal for individuals seeking an easy-to-use tool to quickly build functional mobile apps and PWAs. However, as your app grows, you might encounter limitations in customization and performance.
10. Appy Pie
Appy Pie is a popular no-code platform that lets you build basic mobile apps and websites with minimal technical knowledge. Its drag-and-drop interface is especially user-friendly for beginners. You should try it if you want to build simple apps for personal use or basic prototypes.
Unique Features
I would say the only unique feature is its simplicity. When you start building an app, it asks you some questions and provides a basic prebuilt design, which you can later edit as needed. Additionally, you can add very basic e-commerce features, and it allows you to schedule and send push notifications to your users.
Another feature is Appy Pie’s Chatbot builder. You can upload files or data to train your chatbot, and within a few minutes, your chatbot will be ready to assist your customers on your website or social media.
Pros and Cons
Appy Pie has integrated AI extensively into their platform to help build apps quickly using text prompts. You can create Android and iOS apps or websites with text prompts. However, these apps are very basic and do not allow much customization.
Scalability is also a limitation; you cannot build complex apps as it may cause performance lags. The pricing structure is complicated because they offer multiple products such as app building, design, and automation, ranging from $5 to $100 depending on your needs.
No code isn't really no code
The way these platforms market themselves as "no code" does not mean it will be easy for anyone to build an app. Of course, if you are a beginner, you can use prebuilt templates, make a few edits, and your app will be ready. However, if you want to build a serious business using no code, it involves more than just dragging and dropping elements. You need to know web design principles to create responsive and scalable apps.
Speaking from personal experience, it took me 4 days to build a web app, but over 20 days to restructure it to meet my needs using best practices. So, start with best practices, whether it's for the database, design, or SEO. If you have technical knowledge and development experience, no-code platforms can save you a lot of time. You can build anything with no code.
And that was the comparison of popular no-code app builders. I tried over 14 no-code platforms but skipped many based on the principle that "First Impression is the Last Impression." I will add more in the future if I find them useful. I hope this guide has helped you understand which one to choose. I suggest you try each platform and attempt to build something. If you are a technical person, you can evaluate the platform within a few hours based on your needs.
If you are a non-technical person wanting to build an MVP or a full-fledged app, feel free to reach out to us. Zeroqode’s expert team is here to help you. We specialize in building apps with Bubble and have built over 500 apps.
Check out our portfolio.
If you are building with Bubble, explore our 720+ Bubble plugins.
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