Building a custom application nowadays is no longer a job reserved for expert developers. With the introduction of user-friendly application building software, anyone can create a web or mobile app. Here are our top picks for the best low-code/no-code app builders. Whether you’re looking to launch that personal project or build a new SaaS agency, one of these will bring your ideas to life.
1. Softr
Softr is a no-code application building software that helps users create custom apps and websites without any coding background. It works like an all-around tool box filled with blocks that you can assemble to build your desired app.
Do you need a portal for customers to access resources? Softr got you covered! And the best part is that you don’t need to be well-versed in coding to create no-code apps. Softr’s user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop features make it accessible to everyone.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Pre-built templates
- Integrates with other tools
- Scalable
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Limited design flexibility
- Can get expensive
- Some features may take time to learn
- It may slow down with complex apps
2. Zapier Interfaces
Zapier Interfaces is a Zapier product that lets you create a centralized hub for managing external and internal business processes. With drag-and-drop tools, you can create landing pages to attract potential customers. You can also create forms and client portals to help customers access resources. Aside from these major features, there are many advanced features, too. You can add payment collection, password protection, and AI chatbot into your app - all from Zapier.
Pros:
- Intuitive and User-Friendly
- Visual Workflow Builder
- Extensive App Integrations
- Customizable Triggers and Action
Cons:
- Limited Customization
- Performance Bottlenecks
- Pricing Mode Can Become Expensive
- Steep Learning Curve
3. Bubble
Bubble has a visual programming language that helps beginners create an app without code while providing flexibility of a low-code platform. This means you’ll have control over the way your application looks, including its data structure and overall performance. Some no-code agencies exclusively use Bubble to build apps for their clients.
Pros:
- Build nearly anything
- Great for prototypes and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs)
Cons:
4. Glide
Glide is a no-code app builder that transforms your Google Sheets or Airtable data into functional mobile and web apps. Its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface lets you create apps without coding, making it ideal for building task management tools, customer portals, or internal systems quickly.
Pros:
- Fast Development
- User-Friendly
- Google Sheets Integration
- Responsive Design
Cons:
- Limited Advanced Customization
- Dependent on Google Sheets
- Scalability Limitations
5. Bildr
Bildr visual development platform can help you create Web apps, Chrome extensions, and blockchain-enabled apps for Web3. What makes Bildr different from other apps on our list is that it runs on a highly-visual and flexible process.
Glide's user-friendly interface is similar to popular design tools like Figma or Miro. It allows you to visualize and organize your app's structure, from individual screens to complex user flows. You don't have to switch between different tools since everything you need is in a single place.
Pros:
- High Customization
- Perfect for developers building blockchain-based or Web3 applications.
- Active Discord community for support
- Scalable
Cons:
- Steep Learning Curve
- Expensive
- Limited Resources
6. Backendless
Backendless promises to build apps at lighting speed. This visual app development platform offers low-code and no-code tools for app and web developers of all experience levels. Backendless features include a component-based UI Builder, real-time database, user authentication and management suite, push notification and in-app messaging console, Codeless logic builder, API management, and much more.
Pros:
- Highly-flexible
- Users have high control over every part of the app
Cons:
- Expensive
- Steep learning curve
7. FlutterFlow
FlutterFlow is an AI-assisted application building software that helps designers and developers to build high-quality apps without the hassle of coding. This low-code/no-code platform developed by two former Google engineers features a drag-and-drop interface that speeds up development. Because of this feature, FlutterFlow became a viable option for a wider audience.
By streamlining the app development process, FlutterFlow helps businesses save significant costs and launch products sooner. Additionally, this no-code platform empowers you to build feature-rich apps, including animations, push notifications, and API integrations, without extensive coding expertise.
Pros:
- Rapid Development
- Cost-Effective
- Ease of Use
- Strong Community and Support
Cons:
- Very steep learning curves
- Limited customization
8. WeWeb and Xano
If you're looking for a more flexible and scalable solution than traditional no-code platforms, consider the WeWeb and Xano combo. By separating the front-end and back-end, you can build highly customized and efficient applications. WeWeb handles the user interface, while Xano powers the underlying data and logic.
Pros:
- Great to mix no-code, low-code, and code solutions into a single app
- Enterprise-grade features
- Extremely flexible combination
Cons:
- Two platforms, two learning curves
- Expensive
9. Appian
Appian is an application building software designed to help businesses design, automate, and optimize complex processes. The world's most innovative organizations trust Appian for improving workflows, unifying data, and optimizing operations. This results in better growth and superior customer experiences.
Appian features drag-and-drop design for app building, automated work processes, unified data management, and cloud-based deployment.
Pros:
- Drag-and-drop functionality
- Low-code deployment
- Regular updates
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Lacks integration with other products
10. Mendix
This low-code development platform provides various solutions for process automation and legacy modernization. Mendix is designed to support businesses in fast-tracking the process of application delivery in the entire management process. As a cloud-based solution, it also enables you to deploy the created apps on-premise or on any cloud with ease.
Pros:
- Extensible
- Provides several collaboration tools
- Supports truly agile development
Cons:
- Weak customer support
- Only cost-effective for large companies
Conclusion
Building an app without code is fun yet overwhelming. After reading this article, you might already have a general idea of which platform is the best for your project. Majority of the apps in this list either have a free plan or a "free to learn/pay to launch" option so you can sign-up and start exploring the platform.
