If you’re looking to find the best no-code app builder to bring your ideas to life, you’ve come to the right place.
Over the last decade, while running NoCode.Tech, I’ve tried and reviewed over 250 different no-code tools, I’ve educated 1000s of entrepreneurs on building their first app without code, and I’ve advised some of the biggest companies in the world on embedding no-code within their teams.
In other words? I know a thing or two about no-code app builders.
Throughout my many years in the no-code industry, I’ve heard the same questions come up time and time again:
- What is the best no-code app builder for my app idea?
- I’m non-technical - Can I actually use no-code app builders, or is it all just smoke and mirrors?
- Is my app idea too complicated for no-code app builders? Should I just learn to code instead?
In this article, I’m going to dispel any concerns you may have about using no-code app builders, and walk you through the absolute best nine platforms you should be using.
The Best No-Code App Builders
- Adalo, if you want powerful, real mobile apps and web apps in an easy-to-use package
- Bubble, for web apps with no limits. If you can put up with the learning curve, you can build almost anything
- Softr, if you’re completely new and just want a simple web app
- Glide, if you want a serious mobile and web app for your medium-large business
- Backendless, if you’re semi-technical but want to leverage your skills into bigger apps
- Bravo Studio, if you’re a designer and want full freedom for mobile apps
- Xano, if you’ve got an IT background or want full flexibility in your backend
- Betty Blocks, if you need enterprise-grade no-code apps
- VoiceFlow, if you want to build AI-powered apps, chatbots or even Alexa skills
What Exactly is a No-Code App Builder?
No-Code app builders allow you to drag and drop your way to a complete app. Most no-code app builders take care of everything, including:
- The Interface: Otherwise known as the “frontend” - This is the part your user sees and interacts with. The screens, the buttons, the pictures and the overall design.
- The Functionality: Otherwise known as the “backend” - When your user taps or clicks something on your app, the backend is the hidden part which decides what happens.
- The Database: When a user signs up to your app, this is where all of their data and information is stored.
While every tool on this list can cover at least 2 (and usually all 3) of these aspects, most no-code builders can only cover one type of app. Here are the five types we’ll cover:
- (“Native”) Mobile Apps: Proper mobile apps, publishable on the Apple iOS App Store or Android Play Store. These can often access phone-specific functionality, like the camera or GPS for location tracking.
- Web Apps: These are websites with a logged-in experience or functionality. If you’ve used the web version of Facebook, Twitter, eBay or Airbnb then you’ve used a web app.
- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs): Mobile apps in disguise, these apps look and feel just like mobile apps, but also work just as well on the web. The catch? They can’t be published on the app stores.
- Responsive Apps: Not to be confused with responsive design, this type of app is new on the scene and can be deployed as a native mobile app, a web app and a progressive web app. In other words, you have as many chances to bring a user onboard as possible. At time of writing, Responsive Apps are currently only supported by Adalo.
- Voice Apps/Chatbots: Unlike other apps above, voice apps tend to be a bit more
flexible. They could be a GPT-style AI chatbot, they could be an Alexa Voice Skill - or even a WhatsApp bot that your users can talk to directly. They’re not as popular as mobile apps, but they’re quickly gaining steam.
Are No-Code App Builders the Real Deal? Or Should You Just Learn to Code?
If you go back to pre-2018, no-code app builders weren’t great - But that’s all changed over the last 6 years.
Whereas older app builders were restricted by the technology of the time, we’ve gotten much better at building these platforms. Now, these newer platforms have caught up with modern design, they’ve had years of building up their communities, educational resources and third-party plugin libraries - And they’ve accumulated the experience and fixes of building tens of millions of apps.
I won’t lie - Some of these platforms have a real learning curve to them. But I’m talking about a couple of days chipping away at your app-building platform until it all makes sense, not spending 6 months learning the ins and outs like you would if you learned to write real code.
And I’ve heard of very few app ideas in my time that can’t be built with code. Sure, if you want to build a fancy Apple Vision Pro app, or create a niche 3D modeling tool then, yes, no-code app builders won’t help you.
But if you’re just trying to build a normal, everyday app like the rest of us? A no-code app builder will definitely work for you.
What We Look For in the Best No-Code App Builders
No matter which type of app you’re trying to build, there are a few common factors I look for in every no-code app builder I recommend. Every no-code app builder I recommend must be:
- Easy to use: You’re here because you’re not technical, so you don’t want your no-code app builder to look like the cockpit of a jumbo jet.
I’ve picked out the app builders I find easiest and quickest to use, which I’ve already recommended to 1000s of non-technical people over the last few years. You won’t be banging your head off of your desk with these tools. - Endlessly Flexible: Many would-be app developers quickly move on from no-code app builders because they picked tools which only have limited functionality and abilities.
I’ve specifically picked out the app builders which allow you to build anything you want, and give you both the power and the freedom to create functionality that you won’t find in any other app. - Properly Supported: No matter how easy a no-code app builder is to use, everyone runs into a challenge eventually.
I’ve only included app builders which have easily accessible support, large and helpful communities, and an extensive library of on-demand tutorials and guides for both their major functions and some of their edge cases. You won’t be stuck for long with these tools. - Actually No-Code: Lots of app builders claim to be truly no-code, but then they either use a highly-technical term (What’s an “Object”? Or an “Integer”?) or they lure you in with pretty functionality, then expect you to write code once you’re in.
I believe that no-code means ZERO coding knowledge required, so I’ve included app builders which are TRULY accessible to non-technical, non-”computer savvy” people. If you’re technically minded, you will find appropriate apps on this list - but they’re all accessible to less technically inclined readers too.
I Also Considered These Other Important Factors
- Lots of Plugins and Templates: The best no-code app builders let their communities do the heavy lifting for you by providing lots of high-quality, pre-made templates and plugins.
- API Access: Being able to communicate with APIs means that your no-code app can connect to almost infinite third-party services and software. The best no-code app builders make this simple and easy, or let you use Zapier and Make.
- Affordable Pricing: No one (sane) wants to bet the farm on their new app venture. The best no-code app builders have cheap, accessible pricing, and only charge you more when your app is doing well. You should win together!
- Modern and On-Trend: There are lots of app builders out there which give you functionality and freedom at a great price…but they just look 10 years out of date. The best app builders have design and functionality which is appropriate for the 2020s and beyond, like flat design options and AI-powered features.
#1 The Best Overall No-Code App Builder
Adalo
What is it?
Adalo is a full no-code app builder which perfectly balances both freedom of design and powerful functionality inside an easy-to-use interface.
What kind of apps can it build?
Adalo can build responsive apps, native mobile apps, web apps and PWAs.
Why does it stand out?
Adalo is the only no-code tool which creates real, native mobile apps. And while most app builders on this list have a tradeoff between ease of use and power, Adalo has a ton of functionality but keeps it entirely accessible to non-techies. To top it off, Adalo’s responsive apps mean that your mobile app will also work on the web and as a PWA. There’s a reason I’ve recommended Adalo to over 250 builders over the past 2 years!
Who is it best for?
If having your app on the app stores is essential (and it probably is!), there’s no better choice than Adalo.
What else should you know about Adalo?
- Adalo has tons of templates and third-party plugins available. For example, this Adalo plugin marketplace has everything from a QR code reader plugin to a TikTok-style vertical video component.
- The pricing is one of the best on this list. It starts at $36/month, but you can build for free as long as you like.
- Adalo has plenty of functionality for most use cases, but if you find you need a little more horsepower, Adalo has a strong integration with Xano, a backend app builder on this list with limitless functionality - albeit at the cost of a learning curve.
#2 The Best No-Code Web App Builder
Bubble
What is it?
Bubble is a full no-code web app builder with unmatched functionality and flexibility, as well as a gigantic ecosystem of third-party plugins, tutorials and helpful experts.
What kind of apps can it build?
Bubble can build web apps. With the use of a third-party plugin, Bubble can also create PWAs.
Why does it stand out?
Bubble is well-known for being able to build almost anything you can imagine - without having to write code. With that said, the learning curve is significantly higher than with platforms like Adalo and Softr; and Bubble apps aren’t the most performant either.
Who is it best for?
If you’ve got the patience to sit through a learning curve and want to create an app or SaaS with complicated functionality, Bubble is your best bet.
What else should you know about Bubble?
- I’ve mentioned it already, but I cannot stress the importance of Bubble’s plugin marketplace enough! There’s pre-made functionality for more or less any use case you can think of. While I always recommend learning how to build apps properly, you can more or less build 80% of your app by dragging and dropping plugins together.
- If you’re worried about no-code tools being flash-in-the-plan, Bubble has been around for almost 12 years and has maintained support for apps built over a decade ago.
#3 The Easiest No-Code Web App Builder
Softr
What is it?
Softr is a no-code web app builder which allows you to drag and drop “blocks” together to create the design you want, then easily configure each block to create a web app.
What kind of apps can it build?
Softr can build web apps and PWAs.
Why does it stand out?
While it’s not the most powerful or flexible option on this list, Softr is the easiest to use. As a result, it’s also very quick to build functional, useful apps with this app building platform.
Who is it best for?
If you’re struggling to get to grips with other app builders on this list, or just want to build something simple, Softr is going to be the best choice for you.
What else should you know about Softr?
- Though Softr has its roots in helping entrepreneurs start new app and SaaS businesses - The platform is still great at this, the company recently pivoted to focusing on helping medium-large businesses build internal tools for themselves.
- You might notice that we didn’t call Softr a full no-code web app builder. That’s because it doesn’t have a database. While you can build your frontend and backend in Softr, you’ll need to connect it to a tool like Airtable or Google Sheets to store your app’s data.
- Unlike most no-code app builders, which focus on the logged-in experience for your users, Softr knows that many of the apps built on their platform will have public, anonymous usage. As well as support for this, Softr also has excellent SEO support built in, meaning more people can find your Softr app.
#4 The Best No-Code App Builder for Medium-Large Businesses
Glide
What is it?
Glide is a no-code mobile app builder aimed at businesses, with cutting-edge AI features built in, gorgeous design by default and a first-class PWA experience.
What kind of apps can it build?
Glide can build PWAs and web apps.
Why does it stand out?
Every other no-code app builder on this list requires a bit of work (or a well-chosen template) if you want your app to look good. Glide, however, makes every app look beautiful out of the box. Glide also makes it easy to build AI-powered functionality into every aspect of your app.
Who is it best for?
If you’re building for a medium or large business (IE 30-50 employees or more), especially one which would benefit from a mobile app, then Glide is probably the best choice for you.
What else should you know about Glide?
- Glide’s AI functionality is a stand-out on this list. You can use AI to do things like extract text from an image (for example, taking a picture of a receipt for an accounting app), turn recorded audio into text and even act as a support agent all from within your app
#5 The Best No-Code App Builder If You’re Semi-Technical
Backendless
What is it?
Backendless is a full no-code app builder, with a powerful visual programming system and enterprise-grade hosting and reliability.
What kind of apps can it build?
Backendless can build web apps, native mobile apps and PWAs, though coding chops are required to bring their mobile apps to life.
Why does it stand out?
My favorite case study of Backendless is that it powers a national banking app of a fairly large Middle-Eastern country. In other words, Backendless stands out on this list because it’s frequently used to power the most serious, enterprise-grade apps. The downside of this is that the learning curve is harsh and Backendless requires at least basic technical skills if you want to build a successful app.
Who is it best for?
If you’re already technical, but just want to move faster than you can with code, Backendless is likely the right fit. If you’re a decision-maker in a large company, Backendless might also be a good choice for you.
What else should you know about Backendless?
- Backendless uses a visual programming language first developed by MIT to teach kids how to program. While their implementation is naturally a little more hardcore than what you might teach to kids, it’s much more accessible than actual programming.
- Backendless is componentized - A fancy way of saying it comes in several parts. For example, if you like, you can choose to only use the UI builder or the backend builder. This is ideal if you’re working alongside developers who want to use some real code.
#6 The Best No-Code App Builder If You’re a Designer
Bravo Studio
What is it?
Bravo Studio is a no-code mobile app builder which turns Figma designs into a real, working mobile app with the click of a button.
What kind of apps can it build?
Bravo Studio builds native mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Why does it stand out?
Bravo Studio is the only no-code app builder which gives you full control over every last pixel in your app’s design. You can design your app in a tool you’re already familiar with (Figma), export that to Bravo, and then connect Bravo’s pre-built components, bring your own backend or use a tool like Xano to build a fully-functional app.
Who is it best for?
If you’re a designer and feeling constrained by other options on this list, Bravo Studio is the right choice for you. Bravo Studio might also be a good choice if you’re looking for a mobile app frontend builder to connect to your existing backend.
What else should you know about Bravo Studio?
- This company isn’t shy to help personally onboard users. Unlike other tools on this list, Bravo Studio’s team often helps users get to grips with the platform and figure out how to build their ideal app.
- Bravo comes packed with support for native phone features, like using the camera, GPS tracking, native maps and - my favorite - making your device vibrate.
- Want a no-code app, but don’t want to build v1 yourself? Bravo’s Barcelona-based team provides a full app development service for their platform.
#7 The Best No-Code App Builder If You’re an IT professional
Xano
What is it?
Xano is a no-code backend builder. While Xano can’t build an entire app on its own, it can be integrated with numerous frontend and app builders on this list - like Adalo, Bravo Studio and Bubble, to create an infinitely scalable, endlessly powerful app.
What kind of apps can it build?
Xano builds backends which can be used for any kind of app.
Why does it stand out?
When I first met the team behind Xano, they told me that Xano is so powerful that you could build Xano in Xano. And it’s not hard to see why - Xano has an incredibly powerful functionality builder. There’s definitely a learning curve, but anyone with either an IT background or a bit of grit and determination will be able to get their head around Xano.
Who is it best for?
If you’re the kind of person who knows your way around computers and can explain what an API is, but can’t quite code an entire app by yourself - then Xano is for you. It’ll give you the freedom and power you want, without demanding Silicon Valley technical chops.
What else should you know about Xano?
- Xano is HIPPA compliant. That means you can build medical-grade apps and healthcare without having to code.
- Xano has fantastic customer service. They host daily sessions where you can hop on a Zoom and get direct help there and then with any Xano issue you might have.
- Xano has partnered with all manner of no-code app builders and frontend builders. As a result, you’ll find tons of in-depth tutorials and guidance on how to combine Xano with other tools.
#8 The Best No-Code App Builder For Enterprise Companies
Betty Blocks
What is it?
Betty Blocks is a full no-code app builder that is specifically designed for large, Fortune 500-sized businesses.
What kind of apps can it build?
Betty Blocks can publish web apps and PWAs.
Why does it stand out?
Most enterprise-focused tools bill themselves as “no-code”, but are actually low-code. Betty Blocks is the real deal, though, and your employees can easily drag and drop their way to mobile apps and web apps without having to learn any technical skills.
Funnily enough, Betty Blocks call themselves low-code; but don’t be fooled, this tool is no-code through and through.
Who is it best for?
If you need the security, reliability and scalability of an enterprise platform, but want something truly no-code and easier to use than Backendless, then Betty Blocks should be your port of call. It works especially well in a Microsoft-based environment.
What else should you know about Betty Blocks?
- Betty Blocks has a tight integration with Azure. This means the tool can be one-click deployed on an Azure public or private cloud server. In other words, your IT team will be delighted.
- Betty Blocks can also be self-hosted. If you don’t want to mess with cloud hosting, or just need complete control over your data and infrastructure, then Betty Blocks is one of the very few no-code app builders which can be deployed on-prem.
#9 The Best No-Code App Builder For Voice Apps and AI Apps
Voiceflow
What is it?
Voiceflow is a full no-code voice app builder which lets you build out voice-based apps (like an Alexa skill) and AI-based chatbots (such as for a website).
What kind of apps can it build?
Voiceflow can build voice apps and chat-based experiences which can be embedded on websites or inside other apps.
Why does it stand out?
Mostly because it specializes in building voice and chat apps! Beyond that though, Voiceflow has an incredibly simple user interface, and plenty of templates and pre-made components to help you put together your app. Alongside Softr, this is one of the easiest-to-use tools you’ll find in the no-code space.
Who is it best for?
Anyone who wants to build a voice app, a chatbot or an AI-powered customer service app.
What else should you know about Voiceflow?
- Voiceflow has real-time collaboration features built right in. That means you and a colleague can be dragging and dropping an app together at the same time and seeing the changes as they happen.
- Voiceflow can train its AI on your existing data. For example, if you want to build a customer service app which knows your products inside out, Voiceflow makes it easy to “teach” the AI about your business.
- Voiceflow has a marketplace packed with pre-built components. You can use these components to add functionality like meeting booking with Calendly, file upload and Whatsapp support to your app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Best No-Code Mobile App Builder?
The best no-code mobile app builder is Adalo. That’s because it makes it easier to build a native mobile app than any other no-code platform, and yet doesn’t sacrifice any power, flexibility or customization.
What’s The Best No-Code Web App Builder?
The best no-code web app builder is Bubble. That’s because it can build more or less any app idea that you can come up with. Despite the learning curve of Bubble, the extensive plugin marketplace - the largest of any no-code tool - makes it easy to find functionality others have already made and plug it straight into your app.
What’s The Cheapest No-Code App Builder?
Technically, the cheapest no-code app builder is Bubble - which starts from $29/month (billed annually). However, this cost can quickly scale up depending on the “workload” your app requires.
Adalo is the cheapest no-code app builder with fixed pricing, at $36/month and the cheapest no-code mobile app builder.
Most no-code apps have a free tier that won’t cost you anything, but they’re usually very restrictive and intended only to give you time to build your app out.
Do You Get to Keep The Code When You Use a No-Code App Builder?
Generally, you do not get access to the code a no-code app builder creates. This is because the no-code app isn’t necessarily writing code under the hood, it is configuring pre-made components together in a way which can only be deployed on the no-code app builder’s own platform.
There are some exceptions to this, like DrapCode, but the best no-code app builders do not allow code exporting.
What’s The Best No-Code App Builder For Beginners?
If you’re building a web app, then Softr is the best no-code app builder for beginners, with an easy and intuitive building block system.
If you’re building a mobile app or PWA, then Adalo is the best no-code app for beginners, with a straightforward drag and drop system and an extensive library of templates.
If you’re familiar with Figma, then Bravo Studio may be the best no-code app builder for you, since you won’t have to learn to design on a new platform.
What’s The Best No-Code App Builder For Developers?
The best no-code app builder for developers is Xano, which lets you create API-based backends using programming concepts you’re already familiar with, like functions and resources. Every Xano app is deployed as an individual Kubernetes container, meaning it’s infinitely scalable, and the API-first approach means you can easily integrate Xano backends into an existing stack.
Can No-Code Apps Scale?
Yes, no-code apps can scale to handle hundreds of thousands - even millions - of users. Most no-code app builders are capable of this, though you may need to pay for the highest-tier pricing plans, and the performance of your app will depend on exactly how resource-intensive the app is.
Some no-code platforms, like Xano and Backendless, are specifically designed to handle incredibly complex and high-scale apps which even a fully-coded, developer-built app would struggle to.
And remember: Most no-code app builders have entire teams dedicated to scaling their infrastructure. If you code your app, you’ll have to learn to do that by yourself!
