A long time ago, if you wanted to build an app, website, or software tool for your business, you had to dedicate hundreds of hours to painstakingly learn a programming language. Luckily, times have changed for the better.
Today, you no longer need to labor in front of your computer screen to learn the complexities of Java and C++. All you need to do is find a no-code software program, open an account, and start building your app without knowing how to write a single line of code.
But not all no-code software building platforms are created equal — I can explain. I’ve worked with no-code tools for over a decade and even created a website, NoCode.Tech, dedicated to reviewing them. In this article, I’ll walk you through the 10 best no-code software of 2024.
The 10 Best No-Code Software Platforms
- Adalo, the best overall no-code software
- Wix, for making business websites
- Bravo Studio, for designers wanting to make apps
- GoodBarber, for making e-commerce apps
- Squarespace, for making eye-catching websites
- Bubble, a no-code app-builder with the most extensive ecosystem
- Softr, for making apps from a pre-existing database
- Glide, for making stunning internal business apps
- Airtable, for making a database
- Betty Blocks, a no-code app-building platform for big businesses
What is No-Code Software?
As the name suggests, no-code software leverages the power of no-code and allows anyone without any programming or tech experience to create their own software tool or application. You’ll start building from a premade template using a no-code software platform.
A good no-code software builder lets you customize every bit of your project’s colors, structure, physical appearance, and more. You’ll be able to create a project or application that fits perfectly with your brand, donning your logo and company colors.
What Can You Make With No-Code Software?
Today, hundreds of no-code software-building platforms are on the market. As technology advances, these tools can create almost any software applications that you can imagine, like:
- An enormous website with hundreds of pages
- A simple 1-page website
- CRM tools
- A mobile app for an e-commerce store
- Scheduling and booking apps for restaurants, salons, and other services
- Accounting and finance tools
- Real estate listing apps
- A database and backend for your business’s project management tool
…the list could go on. The point is this: If you need a software application for your business, organization, or personal use, you can use a no-code software platform to make it yourself.
You can also use no-code software to make the separate parts of an app:
- The Frontend: This is the part of an app or software your users will see and interact with. It can be screens, website pages, forms, and more.
- The Backend: The backend is the “brain” of a software program. It receives information from the user and fetches data, connects with other apps, and performs calculations.
- The Database: Although this is part of the backend, it gets its own mention because it’s where all the information crucial to a software’s operations is stored. This can be user data on a social network (names, interests, etc.), product information on a wine website (wine type, number of bottles in stock, etc.), and more.
What I Look For In a No-Code Tool
Because so many no-code software platforms exist, I can’t stress enough that some are much better than others. I've tested hundreds of no-code tools throughout my decade-plus career in the no-code space.
I evaluate no-code software building platforms using these 3 attributes:
- Actually No-Code: Sometimes, you’ll find a no-code software platform claiming that you don’t need any coding or technical knowledge. But as soon as you try to start building, you’re asked to enter parameters…huh? This smells like a low-code software building platform, not a no-code one.
When I review no-code building platforms, I ensure there’s no need for technical knowledge. The platforms that are up to my standards use either a drag-and-drop or point-and-click building interface, allowing you to cobble together your own software application without using code.
- Large Ecosystem: A good no-code software-building platform will always have a robust ecosystem, which is a platform’s community of users, plugins and tools, tutorials, documentation, and more.
A robust ecosystem will help you learn an app-building platform’s ins and outs. It will also help you connect with other users; you can ask questions and get answers on a community forum. Another benefit of a robust ecosystem is having access to plugins, templates, and other tools built by developers (people with tech skills).
- Free Version or Free Trial: It's super important to try out a no-code software program before you commit to paying for it. Free versions and free trials give you a taste of what the platform feels like and if you like using it.
Importantly, they allow you to estimate the time needed to learn the platform, as some platforms come with steeper learning curves than others.
#1 The Best Overall No-Code Software
Adalo
What is it?
Adalo is a no-code native mobile app builder that provides the power and flexibility to create any type of app to your exact needs and tastes.
Why do I like it?
There’s a reason why I continue to recommend Adalo more than any other app builder: It’s simple enough that you can start building right after signing up, yet it’s robust enough that you can use it to build anything: Websites, kanban boards, scheduling apps, and more.
Who is it best for?
Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small and medium businesses will all find Adalo super useful for bringing any app idea to life.
Pricing
Get started with Adalo for $36/month.
Features
- Adalo comes packed with nearly 40 different fully loaded templates. Each template has pre-customized screens and a built-in backend and database, meaning all you need to do is add your data and customize your app’s appearance to your brand.
- Maximize your reach by publishing your app on the web, which users will access using their browsers, and in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
- Out of all the no-code software platforms on my list, Adalo’s free version is the most generous. You’ll be able to work on up to 10 projects and then publish your favorite one to the web…for free.
#2 No-Code Software For Making Business Websites
Wix
What is it?
Wix is a no-code website builder that gives anyone the power to create powerful and professional-looking websites.
Why do I like it?
Since the early 2010s, Wix has enabled non-techies to create websites for their businesses and organizations. Because it was one of the first movers in the no-code space, Wix has developed one of the most thriving and abundant ecosystems — you’ll have the power to create any website with Wix.
Who is it best for?
Wix is best for beginners who are completely new to no-code. But don’t think this limits how professional your Wix-made site will look — global companies like Coca-Cola and Tesla are built on Wix.
Pricing
Wix’s Lite Plan, at $17/month (billed one time annually–no monthly pricing available), is good for small sites. It allows 2GB of storage space and your own custom website address. If you need more power, look no further than Wix’s Core Plan, at $36/month (billed monthly), which gives you basic e-commerce features like accepting payments.
Features
- Wix has one of the largest template libraries out of all no-code website builders — you’ll have hundreds of templates to choose from.
- Attention content marketers: Wix has a powerful SEMrush integration, allowing you to optimize your written content for SEO.
#3 No-Code Software For Designers Wanting to Make Apps
Bravo Studio
What is it?
Bravo Studio lets you transform your Figma designs into unique and eye-catching apps.
Why do I like it?
Bravo Studio blends Figma with no-code mobile app creation, turning designers into no-code app builders. So, if you’re a Figma designer (or if you still use Adobe XD), you’ll get nearly pixel-perfect design freedom to make truly one-of-a-kind apps.
Who is it best for?
If you have Figma experience, you’ll be at home with Bravo. Unfortunately, if you don’t have Figma experience, you’ll need to learn the Figma platform and create your own designs before you can use Bravo.
Pricing
Publish your own app with up to 30 screens for $21/month (billed monthly). If you want to build a larger app, try out the $117/month (billed monthly) version. It lets you publish your own branded, white-label app with up to 80 screens.
Features
- Bravo Studio is a native mobile app no-code software builder. It lets you publish your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, putting it in front of billions of eyeballs.
- You’ll also get an extensive suite of native-mobile features, like GPS, camera and microphone integration, and many more. These give you the flexibility to make a really cool app.
#4 No-Code Software for Making E-commerce Apps
GoodBarber
What is it?
GoodBarber is no-code software that specializes in creating apps for e-commerce.
Why do I like it?
If you’re trying to sell something online or already have an online store, GoodBarber is the app-building platform for you. And it’s very beginner-friendly — it comes packed with preloaded templates for nearly every e-commerce endeavor you can imagine.
You’ll be able to create your app quickly and easily, opening another revenue stream for your business.
Who is it best for?
GoodBarber excels at making apps for all types of e-commerce platforms. Whether you sell a weekly news video, workout gear, ebooks, or more, you can’t go wrong with GoodBarber.
Pricing
To create an app to publish your content, GoodBarber starts at $36/month (billed monthly) and $40/month (billed monthly) for an app selling physical goods. If you want to publish your apps to the app stores, you’ll have to pay $70/month (billed monthly) for content and $90/month (billed monthly) for physical products.
Features
- GoodBarber has many integrations with payment platforms like Stripe, PayPal, and Square.
#5 No-Code Software for Making Eye-Catching Websites
Squarespace
What is it?
Squarespace is a no-code website-building platform that prides itself on creating good-looking e-commerce websites.
Why do I like it?
If you’re into aesthetics and want to create a website that catches attention and makes jaws drop, look no further than Squarespace. Although Squarespace has fewer templates than Wix, they’re second to none regarding looks.
Who is it best for?
People with zero no-code experience will find Squarespace’s drag-and-drop interface insanely easy to learn. Anyone who wants to build a site for their business or organization that people gawk at should seriously consider Squarespace.
Pricing
After a 14-day free trial, you can start off with Squarespace’s Personal Plan at $25/month (billed monthly). If you need more features, like website analytics and the capability to accept payments, try the Business Plan at $36/month (billed monthly).
Features
- Squarespace has solid e-commerce capabilities, such as the ability to send invoices for free and 0% transaction fees (for the billed-monthly $40/month plan).
- Don’t worry about your website being optimized for both mobile and desktop — when you build with Squarespace, your site will automatically optimize for both, ensuring a seamless experience for your website visitors.
#6 A No-Code App-Builder with the Most Extensive Ecosystem
Bubble
What is it?
Bubble is a no-code software builder that lets you create powerful web apps.
Why do I like it?
Although Bubble can’t create native mobile apps that can be published in the app stores, it’s one of the most potent app-building platforms owing to its thriving ecosystem. While you must overcome a learning curve to build with Bubble, you’ll find it nearly endlessly flexible.
Who is it best for?
No matter whether you’re a freelancer just starting out or a seasoned enterprise listed on the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Bubble lets you create an app that is perfect for your needs. Remember that you’ll need to spend a few months learning the complex building interface.
Pricing
Get to learn Bubble’s building interface with its free version. Then, build and publish your first app at $32/month (billed monthly). If you need lots of storage space (we’re talking 100GB), try out Bubble’s Growth Version at $134/month (billed monthly).
Features
- Bubble was among the first to launch in the no-code app building space in 2012. Because of this, Bubble has developed one of the most extensive ecosystems with a useful forum, helpful academy, and cool, cutting-edge templates and plugins made by the Bubble developer community.
The support offered by Bubble will help you learn its complex functionality, and its tools will give your app extra oomph.
#7 No-Code Software for Making Apps From a Database
Softr
What is it?
Softr is a no-code web-app-building platform allowing those with a database to build their app fast.
Why do I like it?
Although you’ll need a database to start using Softr, the building interface is straightforward. After you choose your template and connect your database, Softr will integrate your data with the screens of each template. Then, drag over “blocks,” which are buttons, forms, or images, to each screen and customize your app.
Who is it best for?
Softr is an excellent choice for anyone with a pre-existing database, making it attractive for businesses of all sizes.
Pricing
After learning Softr’s building interface, check out its Basic Version for $59/month (billed monthly). If you need more business-centric features, like kanban boards, charts, and more, Softr’s Pro Version is for you at $167/month (billed monthly).
Features
- If you’ve already got your database on Google Sheets, Airtable, Hubspot, or SmartSuite, then you’re in luck: Softr seamlessly integrates with these 4 database providers.
- Want to forgo choosing a template and building out your app’s features? Then Softr’s AI option is right up your alley: Just enter a 200-word description of your app, and Softr’s AI will build it for you. Then, customize it to your liking.
#8 No-Code Software for Making Eye-Catching Apps
Glide
What is it?
Glide is a no-code app-building software platform that lets you create stunning apps right out of the box.
Why do I like it?
While Glide is most useful for businesses wanting to make internal tools, it also provides options for creating client-facing software like booking apps, social media, and more. A database isn’t required to start building your app, as Glide’s premade templates come with their own databases that you can edit to your needs.
Who is it best for?
Glide suits the needs of freelancers, multinational corporations, and everything in between.
Pricing
Publish an app with Glide using its free version. But to make an app with Glide’s 35+ integrations and its connection to Google Sheets, you’ll have to get Glide’s Maker Version at $60/month (billed monthly).
Features
- Glide has one of the most potent AI tools out of all the no-code software today. Its AI can summarize PDFs, organize new data, describe pictures, and more.
#9 The Best No-Code Database Builder
Airtable
What is it?
Airtable is a no-code database and backend-building platform.
Why do I like it?
Airtable is a simple yet powerful no-code software tool for building a backend. It has a low learning curve, so you can start creating your backend soon after signing up. Conveniently, Airtable integrates with app-building platforms like Adalo, Glide, Softr, and more.
Who is it best for?
Those looking for a simple app-building platform to build a robust database will find Airtable super useful. It fits the needs of everyone from complete tech beginner to MIT Computer Science Professor Emeritus.
Pricing
Get Airtable starting at $25/month (billed monthly per user). If you need to create a bigger database, look into Airtable’s $45/month (billed monthly) version.
Features
- Use Airtable’s automation feature to quickly structure your data’s schema.
#10 A No-Code App-Building Platform for Big Businesses
Betty Blocks
What is it?
Betty Blocks is an app-building platform that meets the needs of big businesses.
Why do I like it?
Enormous enterprises and Fortune 500 companies take note: Betty Blocks is the perfect no-code software for building your next PWA or web app. It comes jam-packed with all the security and scalability features that large organizations need, so they can rest assured that their app can reach their audience safely.
Who is it best for?
While Betty Blocks recently released a new pricing tier for small businesses under 50 people, its core business remains geared toward the needs of large organizations.
Pricing
Small and medium-sized businesses can get Betty Block’s SMB plan starting at $1,000/year (no monthly pricing available). This plan allows for creating one app for a simple use case. For large organizations, pricing plans start at $3,250/year (no monthly pricing available).
Features
- If you’re like many large organizations, you’ve probably got your own servers. You and your IT team will be happy to know that Betty Blocks allows you to run your app on your own server, which will add another layer of security to your app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cheapest No-code Software Builder?
Wix has the cheapest plan at $17/month (billed monthly). However, you can only create a website with Wix. If you want to create a website that also functions as an app that your users can download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, get Adalo at $36/month (billed monthly).
Which No-Code Software Can Build a Frontend and a Backend?
Adalo, Glide, and Bubble all allow you to build your frontend and backend. Bubble has a learning curve that takes a few months to surpass, and with Glide, you’ll need to create your database before you make your frontend. Adalo, however, lets you build your frontend and backend simultaneously.
What’s the Easiest No-Code Software Builder?
Adalo, Wix, Squarespace, and Softr are simple and intuitive platforms. Softr does have limitations because you’ll need to bring a database before you build, Wix and Squarespace are limited to website building only. Adalo provides the most robust option, as you’ll be able to create a website that works as a web app and a native mobile app on the same platform.
