Are you looking to build an app but don’t know how to code? No-code app builders are here to help! These platforms allow you to create fully functional applications without any coding experience.
The growing popularity of no-code app builders cannot be overstated, as they are reshaping the landscape of app development. That’s why in this article, we’ll present a curated list of the best no-code app builders for 2024. Let’s dive right in!
The Rise of No-Code Development Platforms
What began as simple website builders has now morphed into sophisticated platforms capable of building complex applications. In fact, no-code development platforms help anyone make fully functional apps using straightforward visual editors that offer pre-coded elements like text boxes, videos, buttons, etc.
The evolution of no-code app development now empowers businesses and individuals by breaking down the barriers to app development, making it more accessible and cost-effective for everyone. They also help professional developers save time on building basic features, freeing up their schedule to tackle bigger coding problems.
What Makes Great No-Code App Builders?
When evaluating no-code app builders, several criteria are important. On the one hand, ease of use is one of the critical features to consider: the platform you choose should be intuitive and user-friendly. In fact, great no-code app builders are easy to use, even for beginners, and offer a wide range of features to create a fully functional app.
On the other hand, flexibility in design and functionality allows you to develop a wide range of applications. The platform should also be flexible enough to allow for customization and integration with other tools. Lastly, price is also a crucial factor, as it needs to align with the budget constraints of specific individuals or businesses.
Here, we’ll present 5 of the most well-known app builders for you to try in 2024. However, when choosing which one to use, you’ll first need to consider what you’re looking for, what features you need the platform to have, and what you’re going to build with it.
Top 5 No-Code App Builders for 2024
1. Bubble
Bubble it’s a well-known no-code platform that’s especially tailored for those aiming to create complex, feature-rich applications without deep coding knowledge. Its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface simplifies the app-building process, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
The platform’s main strength lies in its extensive toolkit, enabling the creation of diverse applications, from basic prototypes to sophisticated, data-driven systems.
Additionally, Bubble’s integration capabilities with various third-party services make it an ideal solution for projects that require advanced features like user authentication, interactive data visualization, and automated workflows.
Pricing: In Bubble, you can start building your prototype for free and then upgrade to a paid version when you’re ready to go live. The plans start at $32/month.
2. Adalo
Adalo is ideal for creating custom, responsive web and mobile apps without needing any coding knowledge. The platform is known for its intuitive interface and its wide range of components and customization options, which allow users to design apps that are not only functional but also visually appealing.
Also, Adalo allows you to manage your content inside the platform or use external data, and easily publish your app to any app store or custom domain.
Pricing: In Adalo, you can start building your prototype for free and then upgrade to a paid version when you’re ready to go live. The plans start at $45/month.
3. Draftbit
With Draftbit, you can build native mobile apps, responsive web apps, and internal tools visually and collaboratively. Its key feature is the ability to integrate seamlessly with external data sources and APIs, as well as providing you with the source code so you completely own your app.
Additionally, the platform’s intuitive interface balances ease of use with advanced customization options, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. In fact, Draftbit offers a unique blend of no-code functionalities with the option for custom code. This makes it a great low-code platform for those who want to start no-code but might require more advanced features down the line.
Pricing: You can start building in Draftbit for free and then upgrade to take your app live and iterate on it. The plans start at $29/month.
4. Glide
Glide is known for its ability to transform spreadsheets into beautiful, functional apps with an integration with Google Sheets that enables real-time data synchronization. The platform it’s intuitive enough for users to easily drag and drop elements, making app creation accessible even to those with no technical background.
Additionally, Glide apps are not just visually appealing: they are also highly responsive across various devices. Whether it’s for personal projects, small businesses, or larger enterprises, Glide is an opportunity to rapidly prototype and deploy apps.
Pricing: Glide is free for personal use and individuals building their first apps. Paid plans start at $25/month.
5. Thunkable
Thunkable allows users to create mobile apps for both iOS and Android. Its user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface makes it an excellent choice for beginners who want to focus on the design and functionality of their app without dealing with bugs or technical difficulties. It also allows teams to work collaboratively.
Moreover, Thunkable offers a wide range of customization options. You can include various features and functionalities in your apps, from basic elements like buttons and text to more advanced features thanks to integrations with third-party services like Airtable, Firebase, Figma, Backendless, and more.
Pricing: You can have up to 10 projects in Thunkable for free. After that, paid plans start at $15/month.
FAQs
What Is the Best No-Code Builder?
The is no “best” no-code app builder since it depends on your specific needs and requirements. Each platform has its own unique features and ideal use cases, so we recommend evaluating each platform based on ease of use, flexibility, features, and price to determine which one is the best fit for you.
Is There a Completely Free App Builder?
While all of the no-code app builders in this blog post offer free versions, only Glide and Thunkable allow you to create an app completely for free. Their free plans are certainly limited, but they are nevertheless a great option for beginners.
Can I Create My Own App for Free?
Yes, it’s possible to create apps for free with Glide or Thunkable. If you need more advanced functionality, you can still create your app for free but for this, you’ll require coding knowledge. Most no-code platforms require you to pay to publish your apps on app stores.
What Are the Disadvantages of No-Code App Builders?
No-code app builders, while user-friendly, may lack the customization and scalability offered by traditional coding. They might also have limitations in terms of integration and performance for complex applications. So, if you have some coding knowledge, or there are members of your team who do, using a low-code platform can give you the best of both worlds.
No-code app builders are a great way to create fully functional applications without any coding knowledge. If you need a no-code website to promote your newly created app, check out our post on how to build an SEO-friendly landing page with Carrd!
