Many folks looking for a no-code app builder narrow their choices down to Adalo, Softr, and Glide. On the surface, these three platforms look the same.
However, aside from a few general similarities, they’re all very different. Luckily for you, we’ll be sharing these differences and similarities.
In this article, we’ll discuss the functionalities and offerings of Softr vs. Glide vs. Adalo so you can choose the best app builder for your next project.
Softr vs. Glide vs. Adalo: A Quick Summary of Differences
Softr vs. Glide vs. Adalo: Similarities
Softr, Glide, and Adalo feature the following similarities:
- Actually, no-code: When you build with Adalo, Glide, or Softr, you won’t need to worry about optimizing JSON or defining parameters. Each features a drag-and-drop interface that lets you move parts around your screen using your cursor to create your app piece by piece.
Anyone can use Adalo, Softr, and Glide without any technical or coding knowledge.
- Database integrations: Want to build an app with your pre existing database? Adalo, Softr, and Glide allow you to plug your database into your app. All three app builders integrate with Google Sheets and Airtable, two of the most popular database providers.
- Templates: You don’t need to worry about an app-building block because each builder offers dozens of templates packed with features and functionalities to help you start building your app.
You’ll find preloaded forms, buttons, and more — and you can move them around and replace or delete them as you please.
- Ecosystem: Want to learn every feature and functionality of your chosen app builder? Luckily, you won’t need to dig for them yourself: Adalo, Softr, and Glide all have enormous ecosystems with tutorials, classes, YouTube videos, and forums so you can find all the answers to any question.
- Free version: You’ll know how each app builder works and feels before you pay or provide credit card information. Each of these app builders even lets you publish the free version of your app to a limited number of users so you can get feedback and rejig it as needed.
Softr: Transform Your Spreadsheet into an App
Who It’s Good For
Softr is the go-to for those with a pre existing database who want to build their app or software. Because you absolutely must connect your database to the app-building platform, Softr is geared toward businesses and individuals who already have a database.
Features
- While Softr doesn’t have its database builder (unlike Glide and Adalo), you can easily connect your Google Sheets, Airtable, SmartSuite, HubSport, or MySQL database directly to Softr.
- Softr offers an extensive selection of fully loaded templates, each featuring all the charts, graphs, and other tools you need to visualize your data.
- Can’t find a template that’s compatible with your app idea? No worries — just plug in your database and use Softr’s AI generator to create a unique app based on your prompt.
Pricing
Softr starts at $59/month (billed monthly), letting you build unlimited apps with one custom domain and 5,000 database records per block (chart, graph, or form) on your app. Go with the $167/month (billed monthly) version for 25,000 records per block and your white-label branding.
Glide: Best in Appearance
Who It’s Good For
If you want to make an app that turns heads, Glide is your platform. Glide’s screens and elements have a slick and modern feel, giving you the power to create a gorgeous app.
Features
- While you won’t need to bring an external database, you’ll need to build one first. If you don’t have a database, just use Glide’s database builder, Glide Tables.
- Glide’s paid plans feature an industry-leading AI tool that lets your app gather and manipulate data from pictures, documents, or sound files. This can be used to organize inventory or product information.
- If you’re already using another app but want to share data from your Glide app, leverage Glide’s Webhooks integration to seamlessly transfer all the info you need from your Glide app to your third-party app accounts.
Pricing
For $60/month (billed monthly), try Glide’s Maker Version. It gives you up to 5 GB of storage space and over 35 third-party integrations, such as with apps like Twilio, Gmail, OpenAI (the makers of ChatGPT), and more.
Glides Team Version, at $125/month (billed monthly), gets you the basic Glide API so you can automatically make changes to your database. You’ll also get up to 100 GB of storage and the ability to publish unlimited apps.
Adalo: Best for Everyone
Who It’s Good For
No matter what kind of app you want to make, be it a revenue management tool, a fitness tracker for your personal training business, or a client portal for your CRM system, Adalo’s got you covered. Adalo has the flexibility and power to make any app idea a reality.
Features
- Adalo features one of the easiest yet most powerful drag-and-drop interfaces on the market. While it only takes a few minutes to learn, it provides the flexibility and control to give you incredible design freedom and customization.
- While Softr and Glide only allow you to create web apps that you access on the internet or download via a link, Adalo lets you publish your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, giving you an audience of a few billion people.
- Adalo’s free version is one of the most generous in the app-building game. After you publish your app to the web, you’ll even be able to take payments with its Stripe integration and add over 50 components to boost your app’s power.
Pricing
Get Adalo for only $36/month.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
You’ve finished the reviews and started considering these app builders’ free versions. Before you get too deep into any platform, here are a few more points to keep in mind when considering Glide vs. Softr vs. Adalo:
1. The Need for a Database
If you choose Softr, you’ll need a database before building your app. If you go with Glide, you’ll need either a pre-made database or a database built using Glide tables before you build your app’s screens.
Regarding database requirements, Adalo stands out from Softr and Glide. You won’t need to bring or build one before creating your app’s screens. Add pictures and elements to your app screens, and then build your database with Adalo’s built-in option.
2. Push Notifications
Because Glide’s platform only allows you to publish your app on the web, you won’t be able to send your users push notifications directly to their devices.
While Softr's higher-tier version supports publishing your app as a Progressive Web App (PWA), it also doesn't let you send push notifications — and it costs a jaw-dropping $323/month (billed monthly),
Since Adalo lets users download your app directly from the app stores to their phone, sending push notifications is supported. Refreshingly, you’ll be able to do so, starting at only $36/month, which is nearly $300/month cheaper than Softr.
3. Publishing on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Unfortunately, the Softr and Glide building platforms don’t allow you to easily publish your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you build your app with Softr or Glide and wish to publish it in the app stores, you’ll need to use a third-party converter like Natively.
There’s no guarantee that your app will function exactly as intended after using a third-party native app converter.
Additionally, jumping through more hoops during the conversion might prolong the publishing process, especially when you’re pitted against Apple’s stringent standards.
Regarding app-store publishing, Adalo stacks up against Softr and Glide very favorably. It’s the only app builder out of the 3 that simplifies the publishing process to both app stores, letting you get your app in front of the app store audiences with relative ease.
Remember that it’s 2024, and most people still associate apps with the ones you download to your phone from the App Store and Play Store. Many folks will think that not having an app available in the app stores is downright strange.
Next Steps: Create Your App with Adalo
Want to create your app and not worry about bringing your database or building your database first? Go with Adalo.
Adalo comes with a few dozen pre-loaded templates that include everything you need to create your app: Screens, buttons, forms, a database, and more. Build out each part of your app the way you want, when you want.
You’ll have the design freedom to move your elements on your screens like you were creating a marketing brochure using graphic design software.
And don't worry — it doesn’t lack power. Adalo is packed with thousands of integrations and over 100 developer-made plugins and add-ons.
When considering Softr vs. Glide vs. Adalo, Adalo stands out if you want to publish your app in two easily found and highly trafficked places: The Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
