AppSheet

What is AppSheet?

Features of AppSheet

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: AppSheet’s user-friendly interface lets you build apps without any coding experience. It offers simple tools like forms, buttons, and data tables that you can easily arrange in your app’s layout.

• Cross-Platform Deployment: Once built, your app can be deployed on iOS, Android, and web platforms without extra modifications. This ensures your apps are available to all users.

• Data Integrations: AppSheet connects with various data sources like Google Sheets, Excel, MySQL, and Salesforce, allowing you to build apps that pull real-time data from these platforms.

• Offline Access: Apps built on AppSheet work even when offline. The app syncs data automatically when a connection is available, making it ideal for field workers in areas with poor connectivity.

• Automation: With built-in automation tools, you can set up workflows for tasks like sending email notifications, SMS alerts, or push notifications based on triggers like data updates.

• Advanced Features: AppSheet offers features such as GPS and geofencing, barcode and NFC scanning, and real-time data collection, which are invaluable for industries like logistics, field service, and healthcare.

Pros of AppSheet

• No-Code Simplicity: AppSheet lets you create apps without any technical knowledge. The drag-and-drop functionality makes app creation easy for non-developers, while still offering advanced features for those who need them.

• Seamless Integration with Google: If you're already using Google Workspace, AppSheet is a perfect fit. It integrates smoothly with Google Sheets, Forms, and other Google services, allowing for real-time data updates and app automation.

• Offline Functionality: For industries that need data collection in remote locations, the offline capability ensures that users can still gather and work with data, even without a stable internet connection.

• Flexible Data Handling: AppSheet supports a wide variety of data sources, from cloud-based spreadsheets to SQL databases, so you can use your existing data infrastructure without needing to migrate it.

• Collaboration: AppSheet allows multiple users to collaborate on app development. This feature is great for teams that need to build and maintain apps together.

Cons of AppSheet

• Limited Customization: While AppSheet is great for basic app development, it may lack the design flexibility and advanced customizations available in other low-code platforms. The templates can sometimes feel restrictive.

• Steeper Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Building basic apps is easy, but mastering complex features like automation, API integrations, or advanced data manipulation can be challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with database management.

• Pricing Increases: AppSheet’s costs can rise quickly if you need to scale your app or have a large team of users. While there is a free tier, more advanced features are only available in higher-priced plans.

• Google Ecosystem Dependency: Although AppSheet works with non-Google services, it is optimized for Google’s ecosystem. If you rely heavily on other systems, you may find that AppSheet doesn’t integrate as seamlessly.

Alternatives to AppSheet

• Bubble: For users wanting more design freedom and advanced features, Bubble is a better choice. However, it has a steeper learning curve and may require some technical skills. Read our detailed review of Bubble.

• Glide: Ideal for building simple apps from spreadsheets, Glide is known for its easy-to-use interface and quick deployment. It’s a good choice for small businesses needing a fast solution. Read our detailed review of Glide.

• Zoho Creator: Offers more advanced customization options and scalability, making it suitable for businesses needing extensive control over their app's design and functionality.

• Quickbase: Like AppSheet, Quickbase is a no-code platform, but it offers better scalability for larger businesses and organizations with complex workflows.

AppSheet is for you if:

• You want to create apps quickly without any coding experience. The platform is especially useful if you’re already using Google Workspace and want a solution that integrates smoothly with Google Sheets and other services.

• You need to build internal apps for your business, such as inventory tracking, field data collection, or customer surveys.

• Offline access is important for your app users, especially if your team works in areas with poor or no internet connectivity.

• Collaboration is a key requirement, and you want multiple team members to work on the same app without hassle.

AppSheet is not for you if:

• You need highly customized app designs. If you require a lot of design flexibility or complex front-end features, AppSheet’s template-based approach may feel too limited.

• You rely heavily on non-Google services and need a platform that integrates seamlessly with systems outside the Google ecosystem.

• You’re building apps for customer-facing purposes and need a polished, highly interactive user experience. AppSheet is better suited for internal business tools and operational apps.

AppSheet FAQs

Is AppSheet free to use?

What platforms does AppSheet support?

How easy is it to use AppSheet?

Does AppSheet work offline?

Can AppSheet integrate with databases?