Today, many folks want to build their own web app using a no-code web app builder. No-code web app builders give non-technical people the power of a coding language: They can create their own web app without knowing anything about programming.
But it’s 2024, and the choice of no-code web app builders is dizzying. That’s where my expertise comes in: For more than a decade, I’ve helped individuals, businesses, and organizations choose the best no-code web app builders for their needs.
If you’re one of many non-techies looking to build your very own web app, you’ve landed in the right spot. In this article, I’ll introduce the 5 best no-code web app builders of 2024.
The Top 5 Best No-Code Web App Builders
- Adalo, the best overall no-code web app builder
- Glide, a no-code web app builder for sleek-looking apps
- Bubble, the no-code web app builder with the biggest ecosystem
- Noloco, a no-code web app builder for business tools
- Backendless, a no-code web app builder for techies
What Is a No-Code Web App Builder?
A no-code web app builder is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a tool that uses a PowerPoint-like building interface to create a web app. You don’t need to know any programming language or have any technical skills to use a no-code web app builder.
If you can create a Facebook or Instagram account, you can use a no-code web app builder.
You’ll sign into a no-code web app builder straight from your browser and create your web app with an internet connection. This means you won’t need to worry about downloading any software directly to your computer — all your work will be done in the cloud.
What Can You Build With a No-Code Web App Builder?
There are two types of web apps: Web apps, which you access and use right from your phone, tablet, or desktop browser, and progressive web apps (PWAs), which you can download directly to your phone or tablet from a link.
You most likely use web apps every day, like when you sign into an account from a browser. They’re a lot like websites, but have some interactive functionality like booking reservations and appointments, making payments, and more.
Examples of web apps are online banking, Zillow, and a restaurant web app that offers online booking and ordering.
PWAs, on the other hand, are more powerful than web apps because they’re downloaded directly to your phone. In some cases, they can use your phone’s processors, camera, GPS, and other physical hardware.
Many proprietary business apps, like CRM boards or inventory management tools, are PWAs that only employees can download from a private link.
It’s important to note that in most cases, neither web apps nor PWAs can be published in the Apple App Stores or Google Play stores. This limits their audience, as both app stores have billions of daily users.
To avoid confusion, whenever I use the word “web app,” I’m referring to both a web app and a PWA since all the no-code web app builders on my list can create both types.
What To Look For In a No-Code Web App Builder
When shopping for and comparing different types of no-code web app builders, ensure that they check each of the following boxes:
- Robust Ecosystem: By ecosystem, I mean support, tutorials, tools, and templates. A standout web app-building platform will have:
- Hours of video tutorials that walk you through every part of the no-code web app-building platform.
- Detailed help documentation for easy reference.
- Dozens of templates to get your building started.
- Tools and plugins made by developers.
- A thriving forum where you can connect with fellow users.
When a web app builder’s ecosystem is strong, you’ll be able to overcome many issues you encounter and have all the tools to build a super powerful web app.
- Actually No-Code: Sometimes, you’ll sign up for a no-code web app builder. When you get started, they’ll ask you to “define parameters.” Such a tool is a low-code platform, and it requires technical knowledge.
But if you do have some technical skills, you might want to give a low-code platform a go, as building an app with one will fit your skillset.
- Free Version or Free Trial: Before you commit your money to a no-code web app builder, you’ll want to test it. Doing this will give you a feel of how that no-code web app builder works and if you can use it to build the exact kind of web app you want.
A web app builder offering a free trial or free version lets you get a feel for the building interface, features, and functionality.
- Can Build All The Parts of Your Web App: All web apps have three parts, and a good web app builder will allow you to construct each one:
- The Frontend: This is the part of a web app that you see and interact with. It includes the app’s screens, pictures, text, buttons, and more.
- The Backend: Serving as a web app’s brain, the backend receives user requests from the front end and retrieves information for the user, such as photos from a social network.
The backend also connects to other apps and websites to gather data, such as up-to-date stock market information.
- The Database: Although the database is part of the backend, it functions like a storage box that retains information such as menu items for a restaurant app, products on an e-commerce app, etc.
The backend will display info database info that users request to the frontend.
Now, let’s jump in!
#1 The Best Overall No-Code Web App Builder
Adalo
What is it?
Adalo is a no-code web app and native mobile app builder that combines enough power, design freedom, and functionality to bring any app idea to life.
Why do I like it?
There’s a reason I selected Adalo as the best overall web app builder: While it’s probably the easiest to use on this list, it’s also one of the most powerful. When you use Adalo, you’ll be able to start building right after you sign up.
When it comes to the kinds of web apps you want to build, Adalo’s got you covered. It doesn’t matter if you want to make a CRM system with client profiles, a restaurant ordering app, or a social network for Yorkie owners, Adalo brings the power and design tools to build it.
Who is it best for?
Over the years, I’ve recommended Adalo more than any other tool or no-code web app-building platform. Adalo is flexible enough to meet the needs of any freelancer, entrepreneur, or small or medium business.
Pricing
Get started with Adalo for $36/month.
Features
- Want to get your app in front of more eyes? Adalo lets you publish your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores. And, you won’t need to worry about reconfiguring your design because Adalo automatically converts your web app to a native mobile app.
- Choose from over 35 premade templates to kick-start building your web app. Adalo’s pre-made app templates are packed with screens, text, databases, and more. All you need to do is reconfigure the designs and content to meet your needs.
- Juice up your web app’s power with some of Adalo’s integrations — Adalo integrates with over 5,500 third-party apps. Connect your QuickBooks account to use your revenue data or integrate with your MailChimp account to bring your marketing campaign data to your web app.
#2 A No-Code Web App Builder for Sleek-Looking Apps
Glide
What is it?
Glide is a no-code web app builder that puts a premium on app aesthetics.
Why do I like it?
Though it’s not as customizable as Adalo or Bubble, Glide gives you the power to make seriously gorgeous, eye-catching apps. It also features an easy-to-use interface that makes building your web app a breeze, especially if you already have a pre-made database.
For those without a database, you’ll need to start with Glide’s built-in database, Glide Tables, before you create your app’s screens. While it may sound daunting, Glide Tables is very user-friendly.
Who is it best for?
Glide functions best for folks who want to create an internal business tool. So, if you want to turn your database into a CRM Board, Accounting tool, or Quality Control App, Glide might be a good choice.
Pricing
Get Glide for $60/month (billed monthly). You’ll get over 35 integrations and Glide’s powerful AI tools. If you need to make an app for a bigger organization, look no further than Glide’s $125/month (billed monthly) version, which will allow for up to 20 logged-in users.
Features
- Glide has over 100 beautiful templates to help you get started on your app.
- When you get Glide, you also get a very powerful AI tool. This tool lets you summarize PDFs, read and organize written information and data from pictures, and more.
#3 The No-Code Web App Builder with The Biggest Ecosystem
Bubble
What is it?
Bubble is a battle-tested, uber-power no-code web app builder.
Why do I like it?
Bubble was one of the first movers in the no-code web app builder space, taking off in 2012. Since then, the Bubble Ecosystem has grown exponentially, and now Bubble offers nearly endless video tutorials, classes, documentation, plugins, and more.
Full caveat: Bubble comes with a tough learning curve that takes a few months to pin down. But the good news is that you’ll be supported by Bubble’s tutorials and help guides along the way.
When you build your app with Bubble, you’ll have nearly unlimited power and flexibility. This allows you to make an app that executes almost any task you want done.
Who is it best for?
Bubble can make web apps for pretty much anything. Businesses of all sizes, from fresh startups to 150-year-old Fortune 500s, have used Bubble with stellar results. You just need to put in the time to learn Bubble’s building interface.
Pricing
For only $32/month (billed monthly), you can build and launch your start-up app to a limited audience. If you want to harness more of Bubble’s power, try Bubble’s $134/month (billed monthly) version, as you’ll be able to expand its functionalities and get better security features.
Features
- Bubble offers over 400 templates, 100 plugins, and tools. Use these to start building a highly customized and powerful app.
#4 A No-Code Web App Builder for Business Tools
Noloco
What is it?
Noloco is a no-code web app builder that specifically caters to businesses of all sizes that want to create their own internal tools.
Why do I like it?
While Noloco doesn’t have a free version or trial, it comes with community support and a chat function on the website. It’s packed with webinars, tutorials, and guides that walk you through each tool on the building interface.
If you need to create multiple apps for your business, Noloco might be the way to go: Even Noloco’s lowest pricing tier allows you to create an unlimited number of apps, including unique apps specialized for your accounting, sales, and operations teams.
Who is it best for?
Noloco is designed for creating internal business apps and tools. It’s not meant to make public-facing apps like those for an e-commerce site or social media. So, businesses of all sizes looking to streamline their internal operations will be right at home with Noloco.
Pricing
Start using Noloco for $49/month (billed monthly), and you’ll be able to enter 5,000 rows of data. If you need more space, try the $149/month (billed monthly) version, and you’ll get 50,000 rows of data.
Features
- Noloco integrates with several database providers, making creating an app or tool easy from pre-existing data. You’ll get integrations with Airtable, SmartSuite, Postgres, Google Sheets, and a few others.
- You’ll be able to automate your workflows, saving your team time by running several actions simultaneously.
#5 A No-Code Web App Builder for Techies
Backendless
What is it?
Backendless is a low-code web app builder that lets technical people craft web apps to their precise needs.
Why do I like it?
While Backendless is specifically designed for tech enthusiasts, it features some no-code elements, like a drag-and-drop interface. You’ll be able to use it to build your frontend fast.
Backendless also lets you build your own backend (hence the name). Techies will love Backendless because it allows you to customize your backend to your needs, which most no-code web app builders don’t allow.
Who is it best for?
While you won’t need to be fully fluent in a coding language, knowing the logic behind programming languages and how different database structures work will help you understand Backendless.
Pricing
Get Backendless for $15/month (billed monthly) with lots of security features and API keys. If you need more space (up to 50 database tables), go with the $40/month (billed monthly) version.
Features
- Backendless’s free version is generous: It offers free API calls to gather data and is a great opportunity to learn the building interface.
- If you’re a big enterprise, listen up: Backendless has an enterprise-level plan that lets you run your app on-prem (on your very own server), providing extra security, functionality, and a happy IT team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cheapest No-Code Web App Builder?
While Bubble and Backendless are the cheapest, at $32/month (billed monthly) and $15/month (billed monthly), Bubble has a tough learning curve, and Backendless requires technical knowledge.
A better alternative that won’t break the bank is Adalo, at $36/month, which is so easy that you can start using it right after you sign up.
What Is the Easiest No-Code Web App Builder?
Both Adalo and Glide are super easy to get started with. But, with Glide, you’ll need to either bring a database or build your database before you start building your frontend.
Adalo is easy enough for you to start building your frontend immediately. You’ll be able to create your database as you create your front end.
Can I Publish to the App Stores?
Adalo is the only no-code web app builder that also lets you create native mobile apps for publishing on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Publishing to these stores puts your app in front of more people and makes it easier for them to download it on their phones.
