Many would-be app builders wishing to build their very first no-code app go with FlutterFlow. Unfortunately, this crowd starts using FlutterFlow and immediately faces some daunting hurdles.
While FlutterFlow claims to be a no-code app builder, you actually need to have a little bit of technical and programming knowledge to build an app with FlutterFlow. FlutterFlow is also priced on the higher end, and you’ll need to bring your own database to get started.
Unfortunately, FlutterFlow doesn’t check the boxes as a plug-and-play, use-right-out-of-the-box, no-code app builder.
But don’t be dismayed - many cheaper and more user-friendly FlutterFlow alternatives are out there!
In this article, we’ll introduce you to our top 5 FlutterFlow alternatives.
Why Look For A FlutterFlow Alternative?
FlutterFlow has some truly useful features, like a collaborative tool that lets a team work together on an app in real time. However, FlutterFlow is aimed at a technical audience and can get pricey. Even someone who has used no-code tools like Wix or Squarespace might get confused right from the get-go.
The FlutterFlow alternatives on our list require no technical skills to use, and you won’t need to connect your own database to start making your app.
After over 10 years of recommending app builders to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and businesses of all sizes, I’ve found that those seeking FlutterFlow alternatives do so for three reasons:
Complexity
Immediately after signing up to FlutterFlow, an intimidating app-building interface appears on your screen. While you’ll see your app’s canvas at the center, the right and left sides are embedded with complex, multi-part, non-intuitive dashboards.
These dashboards have buttons that ask for technical actions like “define parameters, enter string type, and add field.” Jargon like this might confuse and dishearten many non-techies. Without any technical knowledge, you’ll probably get stuck just trying to sort out these terms!
Which brings me to my next point about Flutterflow’s complexity: Technically it isn’t a no-code app builder, it’s a low-code app builder. This means that if you want to add certain features to your FlutterFlow app, FlutterFlow requires that you write in a few lines of code.
It goes without saying that this is a significant problem for those with zero coding experience.
Solution: Pick a no-code app builder that’s truly non-technical, has a user-friendly building interface, and doesn’t require any coding knowledge.
The Need To Bring Your Own Database
When you sign up to FlutterFlow, you’ll need to connect your own database to FlutterFlow’s app builder. FlutterFlow does have a convenient integration with Firebase, which lets you create your own database within FlutterFlow - but Firebase does come with its own cost.
For many non-techies, the word “database” conjures up frightening images of server-filled warehouses. Non-techies don’t have a database, and learning the Firebase system takes time.
Many would rather work on building their app than building a database: You sign up for an app builder, not a database builder.
Solution: Select an app builder like Adalo or Glide, which have their own databases built into their platforms.
High Pricing
Using FlutterFlow’s cheapest version, you can create progressive web apps (PWAs). These apps function exactly like the ones you use on your phone, but you can only access them with your phone’s web browser. FlutterFlow also lets you build a native mobile app that you can publish in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, but at the high-ish cost of $70/month (billed monthly).
Solution: Pick a no-code native mobile app builder like Adalo that lets you build a native mobile app that you can publish to the Apple App Store for $36/month when billed annually.
The Top 5 FlutterFlow Alternatives
- Adalo, the best overall FlutterFlow alternative
- Draftbit, the cheapest FlutterFlow alternative
- Bubble, the most best-balanced FlutterFlow alternative
- Glide, the best FlutterFlow alternative for internal business apps
- Bravo Studio, the best FlutterFlow alternative for designers
#1 The Best Overall FlutterFlow Alternative
Adalo
What is it?
Adalo is a highly intuitive no-code mobile app builder that provides the perfect balance of design freedom, flexibility, and power. It allows you to create your own native mobile app exactly to your liking.
What does it do better than FlutterFlow?
Adalo’s app-building interface requires no technical knowledge, is super simple to understand, and is very powerful. You won’t need to spend hours sifting through tutorials just to learn how to use the interface. Adalo is an app builder that you can really use right out of the box.
Adalo is the only FlutterFlow alternative on our list that lets you publish your app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store at a reasonable price. Adalo will also never require you to write your own code - it’s a truly no-code FlutterFlow alternative.
While FlutterFlow and other app builders require you to bring your own database to connect to your app, Adalo has its own database. This means you won’t need to go through the hassle of connecting a database or building one using different software.
Who is it best for?
Entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small and medium-sized businesses will find Adalo’s simplicity and power a great fit for creating and releasing their next app. Whether you want to build a social network or a delivery app, Adalo is an excellent choice.
Pricing
Try out Adalo’s free version, which is packed with more features than most other no-code app builders' free versions. Publish your native mobile app to the app store for $36/month (annual billing) - which is cheaper than FlutterFlow’s similar version by $14/month.
Final Verdict
Adalo is the best overall FlutterFlow alternative because it’s the easiest to use, most flexible, and comes with its own database–all at the best price.
#2 The Cheapest FlutterFlow Alternative
Draftbit
What is it?
Draftbit is a native mobile app builder similar to FlutterFlow because you need to bring your own database, and it requires a bit of technical knowledge.
What does it do better than FlutterFlow?
While its building interface looks similar to FlutterFlow’s, Draftbit’s is easier to learn —but it’s not as simple as Adalo’s. You can publish your app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, at a much lower price than FlutterFlow.
Who is it best for?
Draftbit is a good choice for those on a budget. A little technical knowledge will go a long way in helping you understand Draftbit’s building interface.
For those in need of keeping their apps’ source code, Draftbit is the only FlutterFlow alternative that allows you to download your app’s source code.
Pricing
Draftbit has a free version that gives you access to all its building features, so you can really learn how to use it. Its Basic Version is the cheapest of all FlutterFlow alternatives at $19/month (billed annually).
A gigantic bonus that comes with this version is the ability to publish in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Final Verdict
Draftbit’s great value makes it the best FlutterFlow alternative for anyone who’s on a budget.
#3 The Best-Balanced FlutterFlow Alternative
Bubble
What is it?
Bubble is the no-code FlutterFlow alternative that provides a balance of design flexibility and 3rd-party plugin functionality.
What does it do better than FlutterFlow?
While Bubble’s building interface might take a little longer to learn, it differs from FlutterFlow’s because it requires no coding or technical knowledge. If you’re intimidated by Bubble, you’ll find all the resources you need to start building in the Bubble Academy.
Bubble also comes with its own built-in database, so you won’t have to spend time trying to configure your data.
Who is it best for?
If you have experience with a no-code app or website builder, like Wix, Webflow, or Squarespace, you might find Bubble easier to use. Bubble is a PWA builder, so it works best for those making internal business tools.
You can also publish your Bubble app to app stores using a third-party plugin that requires a steeper learning curve.
Pricing
Using Bubble’s free version is a great way to learn the ropes. Its basic plan is almost the same price as FlutterFlow’s, at $29/month (annual billing), and it has enough power to make apps that meet the needs of small and medium businesses.
Bubble’s $119/month (annual billing) Growth Version is quite a bit more spendy than FlutterFlow’s $70/month version, but the Growth Version is geared towards experienced Bubble users.
Final Verdict
While you’ll need to spend some time to get comfortable with Bubble’s building interface, it’s much easier to learn and use–and cheaper–than FlutterFlow.
#4 The Best FlutterFlow Alternative for Internal Business Apps
Glide
What is it?
Glide is a no-code web app builder that lets users create aesthetically pleasing internal business tools.
What does it do better than FlutterFlow?
Glide’s point-and-click building interface is much easier to use than FlutterFlow’s complex one. While you might need to watch a few introductory tutorials, you’ll be able to start building your app shortly after signing up. And unlike FlutterFlow, you won’t need to have any technical or coding knowledge to use it.
Glide ensures that the apps you build will pass the eye test - and design skills aren’t required.
Who is it best for?
Because Glide only allows you to build PWAs, it’s excellent for those who don’t need a native mobile app that they can publish in app stores. Companies that create their own internal business apps, accessed through a browser-based login, might find Glide to be their FlutterFlow alternative of choice.
Pricing
While Glide’s cheapest version is $49/month (billed annually) and is about $27/month more expensive than FlutterFlow’s cheapest version, you won’t need to bring your own database, and your apps will look much better by default.
Final Verdict
Glide is the FlutterFlow alternative that builds beautiful and powerful apps to execute your business’s operations and administrative tasks.
#5 The Best FlutterFlow Alternative for Designers
Bravo Studio
What is it?
Bravo Studio is a no-code mobile app builder that transforms your Figma designs into your very own customized apps.
What does it do better than FlutterFlow?
Bravo Studio is our FlutterFlow alternative that is specifically made for designers. Whether you’ve got experience using Figma or are old-school and still use Adobe XD, Bravo Studio could be your app builder of choice.
With Bravo Studio, you’ll be able to breathe life into your Figma designs, transforming them into native mobile apps that you can publish to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. No coding required.
Who is it best for?
Bravo is the app builder that enables designers to also be app builders. If you have experience with Figma and know your way around a database, you’ll be right at home with Bravo Studio.
Designers who want to transform their designs into custom apps for a side hustle should also look into Bravo Studio.
Pricing
Bravo comes with a free version that lets you learn its interface. While Bravo’s Solo Version, at $18/month (billed annually), is $4/ month cheaper than FlutterFlow’s, you’ll have to pay $98/month (billed annually) to publish your apps in app stores - this is quite a bit steeper than the similar FlutterFlow version at $70/month.
Final Verdict
Bravo Studio is the best FlutterFlow alternative for designers. If you’re a designer, you’ll find Bravo much easier to use than FlutterFlow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Overall FlutterFlow Alternative?
Due to its powerful flexibility and intuitive, easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface, Adalo is the best overall FlutterFlow alternative. It checks all the boxes of a legit FlutterFlow alternative:
You can use it right out of the box, it’s not expensive, and you don’t have to bring your own database.
Adalo also lets you publish your native mobile app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
What is the Cheapest FlutterFlow Alternative?
Draftbit, at $19/month (billed annually) is the best-in-price version. It also lets you publish your app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. While these pricing and perks are nice, some find Draftbit’s building interface to be a bit difficult to learn.
If you want a more user-friendly experience and the ability to publish in the app stores, try out Adalo’s $36/month version.
What is the Easiest FlutterFlow Alternative?
Adalo is much easier to learn and use than FlutterFlow—in fact, Adalo is the most straightforward FlutterFLow alternative on this list. Glide is pretty easy to use after you watch a few tutorials, and Bubble has a steeper learning curve than Glide. Draftbit is harder than Bubble but easier than FlutterFlow.
If youknow how to use Figma, check out Bravo Studio: It’s an app-builder that caters specifically to designers. Bravo lets designers transform their Figma creations into stunning apps.
