Updated Jan 28, 2026

Adalo vs Softgen: The Complete App Builder Comparison Guide for 2026

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Choosing the right app building platform can determine whether your app reaches thousands of users or stalls before launch. If you're weighing Adalo against Softgen, understanding their fundamental differences will help you make the right call.

Adalo is an AI-powered app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms, published to the Apple App Store and Google Play. Softgen, launched in 2026, is an AI-powered tool that generates web applications through natural language prompts, focusing exclusively on Next.js and React-based web apps without native mobile capabilities.

What matters most is app success: launching your MVP as fast as possible and reaching the biggest audience. That means deploying not just a web app, but native iOS and Android apps published to the app stores—unlocking massive built-in audiences and essential features like push notifications. This comparison examines how each platform performs against these critical benchmarks.

After extensive research comparing Adalo and Softgen, we've found that while both platforms offer unique capabilities, Adalo emerges as the superior choice for most app builders, particularly for those seeking to create native mobile applications with comprehensive features and established reliability. Adalo's agnostic builder lets you publish the same app to the web, native iOS, and native Android, all without writing a line of code or rebuilding. If your plan is mass distribution through the app stores' vast marketplaces, this platform offers significant advantages over many AI-focused web builders available today.

Platform Overview Reveals Two Distinct Approaches

Adalo, founded in 2018 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, has established itself as a mature platform with over 6 years of refinement. The platform recently underwent a major transformation with the Adalo 3.0 infrastructure overhaul in late 2025, delivering 3-4x faster performance and modular infrastructure that scales with app needs. With its drag-and-drop interface and "what you see is what you get" design philosophy, Adalo enables users to build native iOS, Android, and web applications without coding knowledge. AI-assisted building features like Magic Start and Magic Add streamline the creation process, while the upcoming AI Builder promises full prompt-based app creation and editing in early 2026.

Softgen, launched in 2026 from Frankfurt, Germany, represents the new wave of AI-powered development tools. Recently acquired by Arising Ventures after achieving 500K ARR in just months, Softgen uses natural language prompts to generate full-stack web applications in approximately 20 minutes. However, its focus remains exclusively on web applications built with Next.js and React, lacking native mobile app capabilities.

The fundamental difference lies in their core approach: Adalo provides a visual builder with AI assistance for creating native mobile apps, while Softgen offers AI-generated web applications. This distinction becomes crucial when considering app store publishing requirements and mobile-first user experiences.

Current Pricing Plans Show Distinct Strategies

Adalo's pricing structure (build for free, pay to publish) offers flexibility for different project scales with no usage-based charges:

Free Plan: $0/month - Build and test unlimited apps with unlimited app actions (apps hibernate after 60 days of inactivity)
Starter Plan: Starting at $36/month - 1 published app, unlimited app actions, custom domain, web publishing, unlimited database records
Professional Plan: Starting around $65/month - Full API integration support, external collections, enhanced functionality
Team Plan: Around $200/month - Multiple apps, team collaboration, designed for agencies
Business Plan: Around $250/month - 10 published apps, unlimited editors

All paid plans include unlimited database records and unlimited app actions—no bill shock from unexpected usage charges.

Softgen's token-based pricing creates different cost considerations:

Free Plan: $0/month - 100K tokens, 1 project, basic features (no Supabase)
Entry Plan: $25/month - 2.5M tokens, team collaboration, full deployment
Boost Plan: $50/month - 6M tokens, priority support
Fly Plan: $100/month - 14M tokens, VIP events
Pro Enterprise: $200/month - 30M tokens
Elite Enterprise: $500/month - 85M tokens

While Softgen appears cheaper at entry level, the token-based system can create unpredictable costs as usage scales. Adalo's unlimited usage model eliminates these concerns entirely, providing predictable costs for growing applications. For context, Bubble's comparable offering starts at $59/month with usage-based Workload Units and record limits, while Adalo's native mobile builder starts at $36/month with no such restrictions.

Ease of Use Comparison Reveals Different Learning Curves

Adalo consistently receives praise for its intuitive interface, often compared to PowerPoint or Canva in terms of accessibility. The visual drag-and-drop builder allows users to see exactly what they're creating in real-time. With comprehensive templates and pre-built components, beginners can start building functional apps within hours. The platform includes Adalo App Academy, offering structured learning paths and extensive documentation.

Magic Start generates complete app foundations from a simple description. Tell it you need a booking app for a dog grooming business, and it creates your database structure, screens, and user flows automatically—what used to take days of planning happens in minutes. Magic Add lets you add features by describing what you want in natural language.

Softgen takes a radically different approach with AI-powered development through natural language prompts. Users describe their desired application, and the AI generates complete code within 20 minutes. While this sounds simpler, it requires users to articulate requirements clearly and may need manual code adjustments for specific customizations. The learning curve involves understanding how to communicate effectively with the AI rather than learning traditional app-building concepts.

For non-technical users seeking predictable results and full control over design, Adalo's visual approach proves more reliable. Softgen's AI method, while faster initially, can produce inconsistent results requiring technical knowledge to refine.

Design Capabilities Showcase Platform Maturity Differences

Adalo's design features reflect years of refinement:

Freeform drag-and-drop canvas with pixel-perfect positioning
Custom fonts, color palettes, and branding integration
Responsive design controls for multiple screen sizes
Native mobile components optimized for iOS and Android
Over 35 professional templates covering various app categories
Component marketplace with 25+ premium components
Custom component development capabilities
Canvas displays up to 400 screens simultaneously for comprehensive app overview

Softgen's design approach relies on AI-generated layouts:

Pre-built UI components using shadcn/ui library
Tailwind CSS styling system
Automated responsive design
Dark mode support
Limited customization beyond AI output
No visual design interface
Modifications require prompt iterations or code editing

The design flexibility clearly favors Adalo, offering designers complete control over aesthetics and user experience. Softgen's AI-generated designs, while functional, lack the customization depth required for branded applications.

Technical Features Reveal Platform Strengths and Limitations

Adalo's technical capabilities support comprehensive app development:

Built-in relational database with no record limits on paid plans
External database support (Airtable, Xano, Google Sheets via Sheetbridge)
Full REST API integration (Professional plan+)
User authentication with social login options
Push notifications for engagement
Geolocation features and mapping
Custom actions and workflows
Zapier integration connecting 5,000+ services
X-Ray identifies performance issues before they affect users

Softgen's technical stack focuses on modern web technologies:

Next.js and React framework
Firebase or Supabase for backend
Automated API endpoint creation
Stripe and LemonSqueezy payment integration
GitHub version control
Vercel deployment
Limited to web technologies only

While Softgen offers modern web development tools, Adalo provides superior flexibility for mobile-specific features like push notifications, device sensors, and native functionality. The ability to connect external databases and APIs makes Adalo more suitable for complex business applications. Sheetbridge enables users to turn a Google Sheet into an actual database for the easiest control without database-related learning curves.

Publishing and Deployment Options Highlight Key Differences

Adalo's publishing capabilities excel for mobile applications:

Direct publishing to Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Web publishing with custom domains
Progressive Web App (PWA) support
TestFlight integration for iOS beta testing
Automated build generation for app stores
Real-time updates for web versions
Unlimited app updates once published—no republishing limits
One codebase updates web, iOS, and Android simultaneously

Softgen's deployment limited to web platforms:

One-click Vercel deployment
Custom domain connection
Compatible with Next.js hosting services
No native mobile app generation
No app store publishing capabilities
Web-only distribution

For businesses requiring mobile app presence, Adalo's native app store publishing represents a decisive advantage. Softgen users must rely on web apps accessed through mobile browsers, limiting functionality and user experience. Unlike platforms that use web wrappers for mobile (which can introduce performance challenges at scale), Adalo compiles true native apps.

Performance and Scalability Considerations Affect Long-Term Viability

Adalo's performance transformed with the 3.0 infrastructure overhaul in late 2025:

3-4x faster performance compared to previous versions
Modular infrastructure that scales with app needs
Global hosting options (US, Ireland, Japan)
Improved database query optimization
No upper limit on database records—scales beyond 1 million MAU with proper data relationship setups
Purpose-built architecture outperforms app wrappers at scale

Note: Most third-party platform ratings and comparisons predate the Adalo 3.0 infrastructure overhaul and don't reflect current performance capabilities.

Softgen's performance benefits from modern architecture:

Built on optimized Next.js framework
Vercel's edge network deployment
Real-time data synchronization
Limited track record for large-scale applications
Token limits may restrict complex operations

Adalo's modular infrastructure scales to serve apps with millions of MAU, with no upper ceiling. Unlike app wrappers that hit speed constraints under load, Adalo's purpose-built architecture maintains performance at scale. Over 3 million apps have been created on the platform, processing millions of data requests daily.

Customer Support Comparison Reveals Significant Disparities

Adalo's support structure includes multiple channels:

Email and chat support for paid plans
Comprehensive documentation at help.adalo.com
Active community forum
Network of certified Adalo Experts
Renewed focus on customer experience under new leadership

Historical support ratings on third-party sites predate recent leadership changes and platform improvements.

Softgen's support offerings remain basic:

Priority support on Boost plan ($50/month)
Documentation at academy.softgen.ai
Limited support channels
Small team may affect response times
VIP events for higher-tier customers

Adalo's larger ecosystem provides more community resources and third-party expertise. The platform's maturity means more tutorials, forum discussions, and expert availability compared to newer alternatives.

Target Audience and Use Cases Define Platform Suitability

Adalo serves diverse user groups:

Entrepreneurs building MVPs and validating ideas
Small businesses creating customer-facing apps
Agencies developing client applications
Content creators engaging audiences
Educational institutions building learning apps
Non-technical founders avoiding development costs

Softgen targets specific segments:

Developers seeking rapid prototyping
Startups needing quick web applications
Technical users comfortable with code adjustments
Projects requiring fast iteration
Web-first businesses

Adalo's broader appeal to non-technical users and mobile-first projects makes it suitable for more use cases. Softgen's AI approach works best for users comfortable with web-only limitations and who have technical skills to refine AI-generated output.

Pros and Cons Analysis Reveals Clear Winner

Adalo Advantages

Native mobile app development with app store publishing
Mature platform with 6+ years of refinement and 3.0 infrastructure overhaul
Visual design control for precise customization
AI-assisted building with Magic Start and Magic Add
Established ecosystem with templates and components
External database support for complex applications
Cross-platform deployment to iOS, Android, and web from single codebase
No data caps on paid plans—unrestricted database storage
No usage-based charges—predictable monthly costs
3-4x faster performance after 3.0 overhaul

Adalo Disadvantages

Higher pricing for advanced features compared to web-only tools
Learning curve for complex functionality
Historical support challenges (being addressed under new leadership)

Softgen Advantages

Extremely fast development (20 minutes)
AI-powered automation
Modern tech stack
Lower entry pricing
Code ownership

Softgen Disadvantages

No native mobile apps—critical limitation for app store distribution
Limited customization beyond AI output
New platform with unproven reliability
Web-only deployment restricts functionality
Token-based pricing creates cost uncertainty
Requires technical knowledge for adjustments

Real User Reviews Confirm Adalo's Market Position

Analysis of user feedback reveals important insights. Adalo maintains strong positions on app development use cases. Users praise its ease of use, with reviewers noting it's "shockingly easy to use" for mobile app creation—often described as "easy as PowerPoint." The platform's 35+ templates have been used across millions of apps, demonstrating real-world adoption.

Softgen shows promise with positive ratings on Product Hunt, with users reporting creating MVPs in 2 days and praising its speed over competitors like Lovable and Bolt.new. However, the limited review volume and platform newness raise reliability questions for production applications.

The review disparity—Adalo's millions of users versus Softgen's early adopter base—reinforces Adalo's position as the established, trusted platform for serious app development. While Softgen excites early adopters, it lacks the track record businesses require for mission-critical applications.

Final Verdict Positions Adalo as Superior Choice

After comprehensive analysis, Adalo emerges as the clear winner for most app development projects. Its native mobile app capabilities, established reliability, and comprehensive feature set outweigh its higher price point. The ability to publish directly to app stores represents an insurmountable advantage over Softgen's web-only approach.

Choose Adalo when:

Building native mobile applications
Requiring app store presence
Needing proven reliability at scale
Wanting visual design control with AI assistance
Creating complex business applications
Serving non-technical teams

Consider Softgen only when:

Building simple web-only applications
Requiring extreme development speed
Comfortable with AI limitations
Having technical skills for refinements
Accepting platform risks

For businesses serious about mobile app development, Adalo's maturity, features, and ecosystem make it the professional choice. While Softgen offers intriguing AI capabilities for web apps, its limitations cannot compete with Adalo's comprehensive platform for native mobile deployment.

Additional Resources

Get Started: Visit Adalo.com to begin building your app
Learn More: Explore Adalo App Academy for comprehensive tutorials
Get Help: Access Adalo's help documentation and community forum
Find Experts: Browse certified Adalo Experts for professional development services
Extend Functionality: Discover components in the Adalo Marketplace
Check Pricing: Review current Adalo pricing plans

FAQ

Question	Answer
Why choose Adalo over other app building solutions?	Adalo is an AI-powered app builder that creates true native iOS and Android apps. Unlike web wrappers, it compiles to native code and publishes directly to both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store from a single codebase—the hardest part of launching an app handled automatically.
What's the fastest way to build and publish an app to the App Store?	Adalo's drag-and-drop interface combined with AI-assisted building features like Magic Start lets you go from idea to published app in days rather than months. The platform handles the complex App Store submission process, so you can focus on your app's features and user experience.
Which is more affordable, Adalo or Softgen?	While Softgen's entry plan starts at $25/month, its token-based pricing can create unpredictable costs as usage scales. Adalo starts at $36/month with unlimited app actions and no record limits—providing predictable costs without bill shock. For native mobile apps with app store publishing, Adalo offers better value.
Which is faster to build with, Adalo or Softgen?	Softgen can generate web apps in approximately 20 minutes through AI prompts. Adalo's Magic Start generates complete app foundations quickly, and the visual builder allows for precise customization. For web-only projects, Softgen may be faster initially; for native mobile apps, Adalo is the only option.
Which is easier for beginners, Adalo or Softgen?	Adalo's visual drag-and-drop interface is often compared to PowerPoint or Canva, making it accessible for complete beginners. Softgen requires users to articulate requirements clearly to AI and may need code adjustments. For non-technical users, Adalo provides more predictable results.
Is Adalo better than Softgen for mobile apps?	Yes. Adalo creates true native iOS and Android apps that publish directly to app stores. Softgen only creates web applications—it has no native mobile capabilities. For any project requiring app store presence, Adalo is the clear choice.
Can I migrate from Softgen to Adalo?	Since Softgen generates code-based web apps and Adalo uses a visual builder for native apps, direct migration isn't possible. However, you can recreate your app's functionality in Adalo using Magic Start to generate the foundation and then customize from there.
Does Adalo have database limits?	No. All paid Adalo plans include unlimited database records with no caps. With proper data relationship setups, Adalo apps can scale beyond 1 million monthly active users. This contrasts with platforms like Bubble that impose record limits and usage-based charges.
Can I build one app that works on iOS, Android, and web?	Yes. Adalo's agnostic builder lets you publish the same app to web, native iOS, and native Android—all from a single codebase without rebuilding. Updates to your app automatically deploy across all platforms.
What AI features does Adalo offer?	Adalo includes Magic Start (generates complete app foundations from descriptions), Magic Add (adds features from natural language requests), and X-Ray (identifies performance issues). A full AI Builder for prompt-based app creation and editing is coming in early 2026.