Many folks looking for a no-code desktop app builder have most likely come across long lists of tools that don’t hash out all the strengths and features of each one. This makes it very difficult to choose the best app builder. If you’re in this crowd, then today’s your lucky day.
I’ve recommended no-code tools and app builders for over a decade. I even run NoCode.Tech, which is dedicated to reviewing and providing loads of info about all things no-code. It’s fair to say that I know a little bit about the no-code space.
If you’re looking for the best no-code desktop app builder that fits your needs, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll review the 5 best no-code desktop app builders.
The 5 Best No-Code Desktop App Builders
- Adalo, the best overall no-code desktop app builder
- Glide, a no-code desktop app builder for beautiful apps
- Bubble, the no-code desktop app builder with the biggest ecosystem
- Betty Blocks, a desktop app builder for huge companies
- Draftbit, a low-code desktop app builder for techies
What Is A No-Code Desktop App Builder?
A no-code desktop app builder allows you to create apps and software straight from your desktop device without knowing any code or having any technical knowledge. No-code desktop app builders feature the following:
- Loads of templates: Each no-code desktop app builder comes preloaded, so you don’t have to start building your project from scratch. You’ll find all the necessary screens, web pages, and elements like forms, buttons, pictures, etc.
If you’re creative, fear not: Most no-code desktop app builders also let you start building your app from a completely blank slate, allowing you to create your project your way.
- A simple building interface: Instead of a coding language, a no-code desktop app builder uses a building interface similar to PowerPoint. You’ll cobble together your app or software by dragging and dropping elements and features while fine-tuning each part in an editing box.
- Flexible customization: A top-notch no-code desktop app builder lets you customize your no-code project to your needs and preferences. You can change the colors and layout and add your company logo.
Quality no-code desktop app builders also give you the power to create any application. Whether you need to make a booking app for your salon, a CRM app for your business development team, or an app to manage your real estate bookings, the no-code desktop app builders on my list are flexible enough to meet your needs.
How I Picked My Top 5 No-Code App Builders
No-code desktop app builders must check a few boxes to make my top 5 list. Here’s how I ensured each one measured up:
- Free Version or Free Trial: Like any other tool you’ll use daily, you’ll want to try your no-code desktop app builder before using it. So, I ensured that each no-code desktop builder included a free version or free trial.
- Trendy and Modern: Unfortunately, some no-code desktop app builders haven’t been updated since 2015. As expected, these tools crash often and don’t produce the best-looking projects. Thus, I made sure only the most modern and up-to-date app builders made my list.
- Ecosystem: An app builder’s ecosystem is the sum of its resources. These include a forum or community board for connecting with other users and experts, a library full of tutorials, an academy with courses to learn all the app builder's ins and outs, and more.
#1 The Best Overall No-Code Desktop Builder
Adalo
What is it?
Adalo is a no-code desktop builder that allows you to breathe life into any app idea.
Why do I like it?
Adalo is the easiest-to-use app-building platform on my list. You won’t need to watch tutorials to get started — Adalo is so simple that you can use it intuitively right after creating an account.
But Adalo doesn’t sacrifice power for simplicity. Its nearly 40 pre-made templates are fully loaded with everything you need to create your app, including a database and all the app screens. When you make your app with Adalo, you’ll have everything you need to get started.
Who is it best for?
Of the 250 no-code building tools I’ve reviewed over the years, Adalo is the one I’ve recommended the most. If you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or small or medium business owner, you’ll love the ease, power, and flexibility that comes with Adalo.
Pricing
Get started with Adalo for $36/month.
Features
- Not only can you publish your app on the web, but you’ll also be able to publish it on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This ability can give your app more traction.
- Adalo has one of the best free-versions out there. You’ll be able to publish your app to the web and take payments with Adalo’s Stripe integration.
- You’ll have access to Adalo’s thriving ecosystem, which has an active forum, useful help documentation, and The Adalo Academy, which you can leverage to become an Adalo expert.
#2 A No-Code Desktop App Builder For Beautiful Apps
Glide
What is it?
Glide is a no-code mobile web app builder that puts a premium on aesthetics.
Why do I like it?
When you build your app with Glide, you’re all but guaranteed to make a stunning app. Glide offers over 100 free and paid templates, and each one has been vetted and approved by the Glide team.
But Glide doesn’t sacrifice functionality: You’ll also be able to weave Glide’s powerful AI features into your app. Glide’s AI capabilities will give your app the power to describe images, summarize documents, and more.
Who is it best for?
While Glide has templates for almost any type of app, it particularly excels at creating internal business apps like sales funnels, CRM boards, accounting tools, and more.
Pricing
Get started with Glide for $60/month. If you need to build multiple apps, look no further than Glide’s $125/month version.
Features
- Glide lets you integrate with several databases, like Google Sheets, Airtable, SQL, and more. So, no matter where your data lives, you’ll most likely be able to connect it to your Glide app.
#3 The No-Code Desktop App Builder with the Biggest Ecosystem
Bubble
What is it?
Bubble is one of the most powerful and flexible no-code web app builders in the game.
Why do I like it?
Folks have used Bubble to create apps since 2012, and its user base continues to grow. As a result, Bubble has an ecosystem that’s unmatched in terms of size.
While Bubble is one of the most challenging app builders, with a learning curve that takes months to grasp, it brings a nearly unmatched level of power. If you can put in the time to learn the building interface, you’ll be able to build almost any app imaginable.
Who is it best for?
Bubble is used by everyone from freelancers to enormous organizations with over 10,000 members. However, you’ll need to put in some serious elbow grease to learn Bubble properly.
Pricing
At $32/month (billed monthly), Bubble lets you build a test app. If you want access to integrations and better security features like 2-factor identification, try Bubble’s $134/month (billed monthly) version.
Features
- Bubble’s ecosystem offers enough tutorials, courses, and help documentation to guide you over its difficult learning curve.
- You’ll also find over 100 plugins and tools made by Bubble’s developer community. Add these to supercharge your app.
#4 A Desktop App Builder for Large Companies
Betty Blocks
What is it?
Betty Blocks is a no-code app builder with all the features big businesses need.
Why do I like it?
If you’re an enormous organization, enterprise, or Fortune 500 company, Betty Blocks is for you. And it’s a truly no-code platform, which is rare among enterprise-level app builders — you’ll find that many enterprise app builders require technical and programming knowledge.
Who is it best for?
While Betty Blocks is mainly geared toward the needs of large organizations, they recently released a version for small and medium businesses. However, it’s best for simple use cases only.
Pricing
If you want the app builder for small and medium businesses, you’ll have to pay at least $1,000/year (billed annually). Betty Block’s enterprise version starts at $3,250/year (billed annually).
Features
- If you’re a Microsoft user, you’ll love that Betty Blocks has a one-click deployment with Azure infrastructure.
- Want to run your app on-prem (on your servers)? Betty Blocks lets you do so, which increases your security and keeps your IT Team happy.
#5 A Low-Code Desktop App Builder for Techies
Draftbit
What is it?
Draftbit is a low-code desktop app builder for creating native mobile apps.
Why do I like it?
Attention techies: If you want an app builder that combines no-code simplicity with opportunities to patch in your custom code, look no further than Draftbit. When you finish building your app, you can publish it to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for easy download.
Who is it best for?
You’ll need to have some programming experience and an understanding of technical concepts like JSON and how API calls work if you want to use Draftbit.
Pricing
Start using Draftbit for $29/month (billed monthly) and get unlimited API endpoints and projects. Try Draftbit’s Pro Version at $79/month (billed monthly) to publish on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Features
- Draftbit comes with a Github integration, so you can share your app with the GitHub community and apply the code you find there directly to your app.
- You can keep your app’s source code, which means you can add more features to your app on platforms other than Draftbit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cheapest No-Code Desktop Builder?
Bubble has the cheapest version at $32/month (billed monthly). However, Bubble’s difficult learning curve will require months of your time to master. A better alternative, at only $36/month (billed monthly), is Adalo, which is easy enough to start using right out of the box.
What is the Best No-Code Desktop App Builder for Those with Technical Experience?
If you know how computers work and understand the logic behind programming, check out Draftbit. It also lets you keep your source code and has a handy Github integration.
Which No-Code Desktop App Builder is the Most Customizable?
While you can use your code to create unique features with Draftbit, you’ll need tons of technical knowledge. Bubble is also highly customizable, but learning how to build its interface takes some time. If you want an app builder that you can use immediately and offers enough design freedom to create an app exactly how you want, try Adalo.
