You don’t need to be a techy or coder to build apps. Even if it sounds untrue, it’s a fact. If you’re a designer, freelancer, startup owner, or businessman ready to build an application but can’t afford to hire a full-stack developer, we have you covered.
You don’t have to worry about your limited coding knowledge because you don’t need them to bring your idea into reality in the form of an application.
Here are the top 5 best no code app builders to create your own application without a developer’s support. This blog maps out the remarkable features of no code app builders to let you know which platform can fulfill your demand. Let’s dive.
TL;DR:
- Bubble — A reliable development platform for app development enthusiasts to build an application from scratch.
- Airtable — An app builder with solid database management elements that present users with all the required features to create distinctive applications.
- Appy Pie — The most beginner-friendly application that permits users to develop and preview their own built application before it goes live.
- Thunkable — A mobile-first no-code development platform that allows you to create an application that is compatible with all devices.
- Glide — A robust no-code builder allows users to create competitive applications similar to professionally coded ones.
#1 – Bubble
Best Overall No Code Platform
Bubble is one of the best no code web app builders that comes with drag-and-drop visual elements to provide you with complete freedom to design your own application. This easy no code app builder can be your go-to development platform for building a full-fledged application with advanced functionalities.
Key Features
The existing Bubble users – the bubblers find the platform to be a blank canvas that gives them the liberty to bring out their exact idea or imagination into life without being tied down by limitations.
This no code web app builder allows you to connect to any API or backend and gives you the perk of working or collaborating with your internal team. Moreover, Bubble is rife with ready-to-use templates and plugins like Mailchimp, Intercom, Airtable and so on.
Another perk of using Bubble is being a community member with millions of other bubblers who are actively posting tutorials and providing constant support for each other. It’s an all-in-one package to save time and create a full-fledged professional application.
What I Like/Dislike About Bubble
| Like: | Dislike: |
| Multi-platform app experience, i.e., if any changes are made in the web version, the same changes can reflect in the app as well. | You need to be able to learn the nuances on-the-go to get used to the platform. |
| Top-notch features at hand’s distance at an affordable price. | Some features and design elements need more time to get familiar with. |
Pricing
- Free – $0 per month
- Personal – $25 per month
- Agency – $78 per month
- Professional – $115 per month
- Production – $475 per month
#2 – Airtable
No Code Platform with Robust Database
Airtable is a no code database app builder that allows you to maintain a centralized database to put together an all-in-one application for your users, teams and clients. Airtable is known for its operating speed and power-packed features that enable you to create a robust application.
Key Features
Being used by 3,00,000+ companies on a day-to-day basis, Airtable provides various templates that meet the requirements of different niches like marketing, sales, and finance. In simple terms, when it comes to database management, Airtable possesses the advanced features of Excel and Spreadsheets.
As an Airtable user, you can integrate your application or database with different apps like Slack, Gmails, Softr, etc. With the help of robust automation enablement and a centralized database, you can build applications even if you lack technical or coding knowledge.
The unique core aspects of Airtable are its automation, integration, efficiency and effectiveness. Another specialty of Airtable is that you can decide which underlying information can be made available to your users, team or even clients.
What I Like/Dislike About Airtable
| Like: | Dislike: |
| One of the best platforms to collaborate with your team and create the most up-to-date app in the market. | Accessibility to more advanced tools, however, takes time to understand and use the platform to its fullest. |
| Highly customizable elements or designs allow you to create the software or app you planned. | Takes time to set up before starting to get your hands on creating your first-ever app. |
Pricing
You can also sign up for a free trial for plus and pro plans for 14 days.
- Free – $0 per month
- Pro – $24 per month
- Enterprise – Contact sales
#3 – Appy Pie
Go-to No Code Platform for Beginners
Appy Pie was once a game development platform. However, now it has evolved into one of the best no code web app builders that presents solutions to build mobile apps and websites. Appy Pie is tailored to serve the needs and demands of beginner app developers with little to no coding skills.
Key Features
You can play around with the layout and visuals while observing the app’s changes happening in real-time. Without previous coding knowledge, you can create unique applications and preview them before launching them to trial run the user experience.
In terms of the use case, Appy Pie is best suited for most common business models that demand minimal customization. Additionally, if you’ve laid out a robust system and structure before creating the application, you can build an app for both the play store and app store without spending excess time on both versions.
With that said, if you ever get stuck during the creation process, Appy Pie’s customer support is a few minutes away virtually. They provide active support to users as and when demanded.
What I Like/Dislike About Appy Pie:
| Like: | Dislike: |
| You get live support to facilitate the navigation and onboarding process while you sign up. | Inability to duplicate products to upload on the web. |
| Availability of different templates that suits various business verticals. | Social network features like the go live button, notification sound setting and other features can be improved. |
Pricing
- Free – $0 per month
- Basic – $36 per month
- Gold plan – $72 per month
- Premium plan – $120 per month
#4 – Thunkable
Easy to Start No Code App Builder
Thunkable is a San Francisco-based no code app development platform aimed at helping small business owners, freelancers, designers and startup founders with zero coding or programming knowledge.
Key Features
Thunkable is a free no code app builder that enables non-technical users to create native android and iOS applications. This open source no code app builder lets you build an application that is compatible with any operating software (OS)- be it Windows, Apple, Google, Linux and so on.
With easy-to-use drag-and-drop elements, you can create an application that can be made available in the play store, app store, and web within a few clicks. Moreover, this mobile-first platform claims its users can create an app without typing a single line of code.
The development platform has extensive beginner-friendly features that allow users to create an application with dynamic functionalities.
What I Like/Dislike About Thunkable
| Like: | Cons |
| Allows users to create error-free cross-platform apps. | Users demand more tutorials to develop iOS-based apps. |
| Most ready-to-use elements are free of cost. | Some users state that the app crashes on a few occasions. |
Pricing
- Free plan – $0 per month
- Starter plan – $13 per month
- Pro Plan – $38 per month
#5 – Glide
No Code App Builder with Prominent Integrations
Glide is an easy no code app builder that allows business owners or founders to create an app that competes with professionally developed apps. With Glide, one can create the most powerful web and mobile custom software without any coding knowledge.
Key Features
Applications created via Glide are compatible with all devices. With this platform, the data or information are in sync with different elements of your business; hence, changes made in one database can automatically reflect its impact in other databases, keeping the app up-to-date.
Glide’s core specialty is that it presents you with the most complex google sheets data in a more digestible manner to your users and teams. With faultless integration with different platforms similar to Google Sheets, Airtable, and Excel, you can access and modify data from different sources.
All-in-all, Glide ensures that its users with zero coding knowledge can develop an app supported by a power-packed, reliable database that can process and run apps with heavy functionalities.
What I Like/Dislike About Glide
| Like: | Dislike: |
| Flexible, reliable and intuitive developing platform | Workflow and column management can be made simpler or easier to use. |
| Easy integration with various other software allows users to update information across their workspace easily. | The restriction of limited editors to work on an app is a boon. |
Pricing
Individual
- Free – $0 per month
- Starter – $25 per month
- Pro – $99 per month
Business
- Pro – $90 per month
- Business – $249 per month
- Enterprise – $799 per month
Read more – 7 Best Rank Tracking Software: Your Go-to Keyword Tracking Tools
FAQ
What is no code builder?
No code builder is the term that denotes the no-code development platforms that allow users with zero coding skills to create an app on their own without the help of a developer.
How to build a no code app?
Many paid, and open source no code app builders are available online, with basic to advanced features to aid you in creating the most effective mobile solutions. A few are Glide, Airtable, Appy Pie, Bubble, and Thunkable.
Conclusion
We have reached the conclusion of the blog. We listed out the top 5 no code app builders and presented their notable features that could help you build the app you imagined. Mapping out your exact requirements in terms of functionalities or features, UI and other aspects can help you pick the best development platform.
With that said, if you would like to read more comparisons or reviews of various on-demand software, visit Softwarist to read more.
