Updated Feb 19, 2026

Adalo vs Softr: Which No-Code Platform Is Right for Your App?

Table of Contents

Adalo and Softr are two powerful no-code tools, but they serve different purposes. Adalo focuses on creating native mobile apps for iOS and Android, while Softr specializes in web apps like dashboards, CRMs, and client portals.

Here's the short version:

Adalo is perfect if you need to publish apps on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. It supports native features like push notifications and geolocation, with pricing starting at $36/month.
Softr is ideal for web-based solutions using external data sources like Airtable or Google Sheets. It's great for internal tools or multi-app setups, starting at $59/month.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Adalo	Softr
Primary Use	Native mobile apps	Web apps and internal tools
App Store Publishing	Yes	No
Database	Built-in + external options	External + Softr Databases
Design System	Free-form drag-and-drop	Block-based
Push Notifications	Yes (native support)	No
Starting Price	$36/month	$59/month
Scalability	1M+ monthly active users	Best for internal tools

If you need a mobile-first product with app store publishing, Adalo is the way to go. For quick and simple web-based apps, Softr's integration-friendly platform is a better fit.

Softr vs Adalo (2026) | Which One is Better?

Adalo

What Each Platform Does Best

Understanding each platform's core strengths helps you make the right choice from the start. Here's what sets them apart.

Adalo: Building Mobile Apps

Adalo is an AI-powered app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms. AI-assisted building and streamlined publishing enable launch to the Apple App Store and Google Play in days rather than months. These apps aren't just web pages wrapped in an app shell—they're compiled into native code, meaning they can tap into device hardware like cameras and GPS while supporting native push notifications.

The platform combines your frontend, backend, and database management into a single environment. Magic Start generates complete app foundations from simple descriptions—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 describe new features in plain language, and the system configures them for you. With its visual builder, you can manage up to 400 screens on one canvas, making even complex apps easier to handle.

This platform shines for projects that need a strong mobile presence: social media platforms, delivery services, restaurant booking systems, personal training apps, e-commerce stores, or directory apps. Adalo's modular infrastructure scales to serve apps with 1M+ monthly active users, with no upper ceiling. Unlike app wrappers that hit speed constraints under load, Adalo's purpose-built architecture maintains performance at scale.

While Adalo excels at mobile apps, Softr takes a different approach for web-based solutions.

Softr: Building Web Apps

Softr focuses on web-based business applications. Whether you're creating client portals, internal CRMs, project management tools, or reporting dashboards, Softr makes it straightforward. The platform transforms existing databases into web apps through a block-based design approach.

Using pre-built components like Lists, Charts, Forms, and Tables, Softr significantly speeds up development. It's especially useful when you need to get internal tools up and running quickly. Its 2-way data sync feature connects seamlessly with external sources like Airtable, Google Sheets, and SQL databases, so you can build a professional web interface without restructuring your data.

The key distinction: Softr cannot publish native apps to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If mobile presence matters for your project, this limitation is significant.

How Easy They Are to Use

Both platforms aim to simplify app development by removing the need for coding, but they approach this goal in distinct ways.

Adalo: Visual Builder with AI Tools

Adalo offers a drag-and-drop interface that feels as intuitive as popular presentation software while providing the flexibility of advanced design tools. You can freely position elements anywhere on the canvas, making it ideal for crafting detailed apps with multiple interconnected screens.

The AI Builder transforms how you start projects. Magic Start builds your app's foundation from a text description—enter what you need, and you get a fully-formed database structure, screen designs, and user flows. Need to add a feature later? Magic Add lets you describe your idea in plain language, and the system configures it automatically. This approach lets you launch apps quickly without mastering database relationships or navigation logic upfront.

Adalo does require some time to learn how its components and data flows work. But once you understand the system, you gain complete control over your app's design—a key benefit when publishing on major app stores where user experience directly impacts ratings and downloads.

Softr: Block-Based Design

Softr uses a block-building system with pre-made components, making it easy to get started. If you've used tools like Notion or Airtable, you'll feel right at home.

The platform includes over 100 templates and prebuilt blocks to speed up development. Its AI app generator also lets you create a functional template from a 200-word prompt, giving you a quick starting point.

However, this block-based system offers less flexibility for customizing layouts. While this might limit creative freedom, it works well for internal tools, client portals, or business dashboards. The streamlined setup minimizes design decisions, enabling faster builds for straightforward projects. The trade-off is clear: speed and simplicity versus design control and customization.

Data Management and Backend Features

Data management is at the core of your app's functionality and ability to grow. The differences here significantly impact long-term costs and scalability.

Adalo: Built-In Database and External Integrations

Adalo comes with a built-in relational database that allows you to set up data structures, screens, and backend logic seamlessly. Over 1 million apps have been built on Adalo, processing 20 million+ daily data requests with 99%+ uptime.

A critical advantage: paid plans starting at $36/month include unlimited database records with no usage-based fees. This means no caps on actions, users, records, or storage—your monthly cost stays predictable regardless of how your app grows. App actions have been removed entirely, eliminating the unpredictable charges that plague other platforms.

Need external system connections? Adalo's External Collections feature integrates with platforms like Airtable, Google Sheets, Firebase, and Xano. It also connects to SQL databases using DreamFactory and supports any JSON REST API over HTTP. If you're working with Google Sheets, the Sheetbridge feature transforms them into functional databases.

Softr: Versatile Data Source Options

Softr operates primarily as a frontend solution, connecting to more than 15 external data sources, including Airtable, Google Sheets, HubSpot, Notion, monday.com, Xano, Supabase, BigQuery, and various SQL databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MariaDB. Data is transmitted in real time through APIs, with a 24-hour caching system to ensure speed.

Softr recently added its own built-in database, Softr Databases, capable of handling over 1 million records. This option avoids the API rate limits that often constrain spreadsheet-based backends. For apps with high user concurrency (tens of thousands of users), Softr recommends either its advanced data sources or Softr Databases, as spreadsheet-based backends typically support only 200–300 concurrent users.

Here's how Softr's pricing aligns with record limits:

Basic plan ($59/month): Supports up to 50,000 standard records.
Professional plan ($167/month): Handles up to 100,000 standard records, while advanced sources scale to 1,000,000 records.
Business tier: Designed for larger needs, scaling up to 10,000,000 records.

The pricing difference becomes significant at scale. Adalo's $36/month plan includes unlimited records, while Softr's equivalent functionality requires the $167/month Professional plan for comparable capacity.

Pricing and Growth Options

When choosing a platform, aligning the pricing model with your growth strategy is crucial. Adalo and Softr cater to different needs, reflected in their pricing structures.

Adalo: Pay to Publish Apps

Adalo's "Pay to Publish" model lets you build for free and pay only when you're ready to publish. The Starter plan at $36/month includes one published app with no caps on records, actions, or storage. The Professional plan at $52/month adds a second app and five editor seats. For teams, the Team plan at $160/month supports five apps and ten editors, while the Business plan at $200/month scales up to ten apps with unlimited editors. You can also add extra apps for $25/month each and additional editors for $15/month.

This structure avoids usage-based fees entirely, making costs predictable as your app grows. Compare this to competitors like Bubble ($69/month) that charge Workload Units for CPU and record usage—costs that can spike unpredictably as your user base expands. Adalo's modular infrastructure delivers apps that scale to over 1 million monthly active users without performance degradation.

Compared to traditional app development costs, which can soar between $40,000 and $400,000+, Adalo offers an alternative that ranges from $300 to $1,000 annually.

"Adalo has helped me to speed up this project at such a low cost that it's crazy. I am able to fulfill my dreams in half the time & that is the largest cost-benefit."
– Alexandrina Mabonga, Maker of Sunscreen

Softr: Unlimited Apps Included

Softr's pricing revolves around user counts and database limits rather than the number of apps. The Basic plan at $59/month supports three published apps, 20 app users, and 50,000 Softr DB records. The Professional plan at $167/month offers unlimited app creation, 100 app users, 500,000 records, PWA publishing, and removes Softr branding. For larger needs, the Business plan at $269/month accommodates 500 app users and 1 million records with added security features. The Enterprise plan provides custom pricing with unlimited users, SSO (SAML/OpenID), and dedicated success management.

The unlimited app creation in the Professional tier is ideal for businesses needing multiple portals, dashboards, or tools under one subscription. However, Softr focuses on web apps and PWAs—it cannot publish native apps to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

"We're not coders or developers, but Softr is so easy to use and learn - it lets us run with our ideas."
– Ashley Kalinauskas, CEO, Torigen Pharmaceuticals

The pricing comparison reveals a clear pattern: Adalo offers the lowest price for native app store publishing ($36/month) with truly unlimited, predictable pricing. Softr's entry point is higher ($59/month), and PWA publishing requires the $167/month plan.

What Works Well and What Doesn't

Adalo: Pros and Cons

Adalo stands out for its ability to publish native mobile apps. With just one build, you can release your app directly to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This includes access to native features like push notifications, geolocation, and camera functionality. Another significant advantage is its built-in relational database with no data caps on all paid plans—no usage-based charges that spike as you grow.

The platform accelerates development with AI-powered tools. Magic Start creates app foundations from simple descriptions, while Magic Add lets you add features using natural language. The AI Builder transforms what used to be weeks of planning and configuration into minutes of describing what you need.

Adalo's free-form drag-and-drop interface offers extensive design flexibility, but it takes time to learn. Some external reviews cite past performance issues with large datasets, though it's worth noting that most third-party ratings predate the Adalo 3.0 infrastructure update (launched late 2025), which completely overhauled the backend architecture. The current platform handles 20 million+ daily requests with 99%+ uptime.

Softr: Pros and Cons

Softr shines in speed and ease of use. Its block-based design system allows non-technical users to build and launch web apps in under 30 minutes. It integrates seamlessly with external data sources like Airtable, Google Sheets, HubSpot, and SQL databases, with real-time syncing.

"We thought we'd need developers, a product manager, and UX designers before launching a new project management system. With Softr, we built it ourselves in weeks."
– Natalie Neumann, COO, Designity

Softr excels in permission controls, offering features like SSO support, magic links, and detailed role-based access. These features make it a strong choice for internal tools and client portals. For businesses managing multiple dashboards or portals, the Professional plan allows unlimited app creation under one subscription.

However, Softr has significant limitations. It cannot publish native apps to app stores without using third-party converters. While the block-based design system is user-friendly, it restricts customization—users are confined to pre-set block layouts. The platform does not support native push notifications, even on its highest-tier plans. For consumer-facing apps where mobile presence and engagement matter, these gaps are substantial.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here's how Adalo and Softr compare across key dimensions:

Feature	Adalo	Softr
Primary Use	Native mobile apps (iOS/Android)	Web apps and internal tools
App Store Publishing	Yes (Native)	No
Database	Built-in + external connections	External only (e.g., Airtable, Google Sheets, SQL)
Design System	Free-form drag-and-drop	Block-based (limited customization)
Push Notifications	Native support	Not supported
Starting Price	$36/month	$59/month
Database Records	Unlimited on paid plans	Tier-dependent (50,000 to 1,000,000)
Usage-Based Charges	None	Scales with users and records
Scalability	1M+ monthly active users	Best for internal tools
AI Building Tools	Magic Start, Magic Add	AI app generator

Conclusion

Choosing between Adalo and Softr comes down to understanding your audience and the type of app you're building. Adalo excels at creating native mobile apps for the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. With built-in database functionality, no data caps on paid plans, and AI-assisted building through Magic Start and Magic Add, it's the clear choice for mobile-first products. Features like push notifications and native device integrations make it essential for apps that need to feel truly mobile-native.

Softr is tailored for web-based solutions like internal tools, client portals, and directories. If you already have data in platforms like Airtable or Google Sheets, Softr lets you transform it into functional dashboards or no-code CRMs quickly. Its block-based design system simplifies the process, making deployment fast for straightforward projects.

For native mobile apps with app store presence, Adalo's combination of the lowest starting price ($36/month), unlimited usage, and AI-powered building makes it the standout choice. If your focus is on building no-code web apps that rely on external data sources, Softr's integration capabilities work well for internal use cases. Both platforms offer free plans, so you can explore and test before committing.

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 from a single codebase. Unlike web wrappers, it compiles to native code and publishes directly to both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. With unlimited database records and no usage-based charges on paid plans, your costs stay predictable as you scale.
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 through Magic Start and Magic Add 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 features and user experience instead of certificates and provisioning profiles.
Which is more affordable, Adalo or Softr?	Adalo starts at $36/month with unlimited database records and no usage-based fees. Softr starts at $59/month with caps on records and users. For native mobile app publishing, Adalo offers significantly better value—Softr cannot publish to app stores at any price tier.
Which is faster to build with, Adalo or Softr?	For simple web apps using existing data, Softr's block-based system can be faster initially. For mobile apps, Adalo's Magic Start generates complete app foundations from descriptions in minutes, and you get native app store publishing included—something Softr cannot provide regardless of build speed.
Which is easier for beginners, Adalo or Softr?	Softr's block-based design has a gentler learning curve for basic web apps. Adalo's AI Builder with Magic Start and Magic Add significantly reduces the learning curve for mobile apps—describe what you want, and the AI configures your database, screens, and logic automatically.
Is Adalo better than Softr for mobile apps?	Yes. Adalo creates native iOS and Android apps with push notifications, geolocation, and camera access, publishing directly to app stores. Softr only creates web apps and PWAs—it cannot publish native mobile apps to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Can I migrate from Softr to Adalo?	Yes. If you've outgrown Softr's web-only limitations and need native mobile apps, you can rebuild in Adalo. Both platforms connect to external data sources like Airtable and Google Sheets, so your data can transfer. Adalo's Magic Start can accelerate the rebuild by generating your app foundation from a description.
Does Adalo support push notifications?	Yes, Adalo fully supports native push notifications on iOS and Android. Since Adalo compiles apps into native code rather than wrapping web pages, your apps can access the full capabilities of mobile devices. Softr does not support push notifications on any plan.
How does Adalo handle database scaling?	Adalo's paid plans include unlimited database records with no usage-based charges. The platform processes 20 million+ daily data requests with 99%+ uptime. Softr's database limits scale with pricing tiers, from 50,000 records on the Basic plan to 1 million on Business.
Can Adalo apps scale to handle large user bases?	Yes. Adalo's modular infrastructure scales to support over 1 million monthly active users with no upper ceiling. Unlike app wrappers that hit performance constraints under load, Adalo's purpose-built architecture maintains speed at scale.