The Bottom Line: AppInstitute is a relatively easy-to-use, point-and-click app builder. While it’s an excellent solution for creating e-commerce, online takeout, or service apps, it has functionality limitations, and is priced on the higher end of no-code app builders.
Pros:
- Finding a template to start making your app is a breeze due to AppInstitute’s huge template library.
- AppInstitute’s app-building interface is intuitive enough to start building your app immediately after signing up.
- You will have the option to publish your app as a native mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Cons:
- AppInstitute’s 3rd-party plugins don’t provide as much functionality as those from other no-code app builders.
- AppInstitute’s building interface loads slowly, appears dated, and makes bland-looking apps.
- When comparing its lowest pricing tier to most other app builders, AppInstitute’s pricing is much higher.
Pricing:
AppInstitute offers a free version that lets you try out their app-building interface and build your app. When you finish, you can publish your app as a PWA or native mobile app, but you’ll need to pay $67/month (billed annually).
What is AppInstitute?
AppInstitute is a no-code app builder that can create both native mobile apps and progressive web apps (PWAs), which are apps that look and feel like native mobile apps, but you access them through your phone’s browser.
Take advantage of AppInstitute’s free version to try its app-building interface. Before starting, you’ll choose a template that fits your business from its enormous library. AppInstitute has one of the largest template selections, with templates for 31 business types.
After choosing your template, you’ll have the option to enter your website address into a prompt. AppInstitute will then generate a color scheme for your app that matches your website. While this feature doesn’t exactly reinvent the wheel, it’s nice to have for keeping your tech on brand.
The app-building interface is very straightforward. On the left side of your screen, you’ll see your app dashboard, which lets you select the parts of your app you want to build. The other dashboard on the right adds granular details like colors, text, and other features.
In the middle of the screen, you’ll see how your app will appear live. You can toggle between the live editor view and a preview of how your app will appear.
Where AppInstitute Stands Out
- With such a large template selection, you should have no problem finding one that matches your business needs. You can also edit each template’s preloaded functionalities, like buttons, text boxes, pictures, and more.
- AppInstitute’s app-building interface is among the more intuitive ones on the market. You won’t need to spend much time watching tutorial videos or reading building guides — you can immediately start making your app right out of the box.
- You don’t need to bring a database to start building your app. AppInstitute is truly plug-and-play. But if you want to upload goods for your e-commerce store or menu items, you can upload a CSV file.
Where AppInstitute Falls Short
- AppInstitute’s interface is less responsive than other no-code app builders. When you add features, change colors, or update text, there’s always a lag before it updates.
- Although the interface is intuitive and simple, it looks and feels like it hasn’t been updated in over a decade. This makes for a boring building experience that falls short of other no-code app builders in terms of power.
- Apps created by AppInstitute tend to look shabby and dated.
- The live editor view doesn’t show every element you add in real-time. For instance, if you change the background image of a screen, you won’t be able to see it. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it does diminish the building experience.
- AppInstitute comes with over 40 features and plugins, but they tend to be basic and lackluster. While you’ll find some useful features, there’s no community of developers who release new APIs or plugins.
- And then there’s the price. AppInstitute’s lower-tier plan, at $67/month (billed annually), is priced much higher than nearly every other no-code app builder’s lowest tier.
AppInstitute Review: Is AppInstitute Right For You?
AppInstitute is an easy-to-use app builder; it has a limited audience. Select AppInstitute if:
- You have lots of money, and you want to build a simple app that you can publish to the app stores for your service company without any fuss.
However, you should take a look at other app builders if:
- Money is an issue, or you don’t want to pay for a relatively expensive lower-tier plan.
- You want to build a powerful app with several 3rd party plugins, APIs, and integrations.
- You want to have the power and design freedom to build an attention-grabbing, aesthetically pleasing app.
What Kinds of Apps Can I Build With AppInstitute?
AppInstitute caters to those wanting to create apps for their online store, business, or professional service. Here are just a few apps you can build:
- An app for your restaurant with takeout and table reservation features.
- A salon app that takes client bookings.
- An event app that takes payments and allows you to sell tickets to various events.
- An app for car dealerships that lets you list the cars you have for sale.
- A hotel app for reserving rooms in advance.
While AppInstitute does allow external client-facing apps, you’ll run into trouble if you try to build internal apps that heavily rely on external databases. This is mainly because AppInstitute cannot integrate with platforms like Airtable, Xano, and even Google Sheets.
AppInstitute Pricing: Is it worth it?
Get to know AppInstitute’s building interface by giving its generous free version a go. You’ll be able to build your entire app with the free version — you only have to pay when you want to publish it.
AppInstitute’s lowest tier, at $67/month (billed annually), lets you build your app and publish it as a PWA and to the app stores. This price is very high, especially compared to peers’ lowest-tier pricing. For instance, Adalo’s is $36/month, GoodBarber’s is $40/month, and Softr’s is $59/month.
Get AppInstitute's Pro Version for $84/month (billed annually). Perks include extra features like scheduled push notifications and live phone support. If you wish to use AppInstitute for building multiple apps, purchase their Reseller Version for $280/month (billed annually).
If you’re short on time but really want an AppInstitute-made app, you can hire a professional. Pricing starts at $499.
AppInstitute Alternatives: What other tools should you try?
If you feel like AppInstitute isn’t for you, try out these apps:
- Adalo, for building powerful web and native mobile apps using a highly intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
- GoodBarber, for building customized and powerful apps for your business or online store.
- Softr, for creating internal business apps or client-facing apps from your database.
Verdict
How do I feel about AppInstitute? Should you get it now, shortlist it, or avoid it?
Get it now if you have a bottomless bank account and want to build a simple-looking app with few functions.
Shortlist it if you want to learn how it compares to other app builders by using the free version.
If you want a super powerful app builder with a thriving ecosystem and over 5,500 integrations, look no further than Adalo. Adalo lets you publish your app as a PWA and native mobile app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Start using Adalo now for only $36/month.
