
Choosing between app building platforms can feel overwhelming when you're ready to bring your idea to life. Both Adalo and WeWeb promise to simplify development, but they take fundamentally different approaches that impact what you can actually build and launch.
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. WeWeb, by contrast, is a frontend-focused builder that creates web applications and progressive web apps, requiring external backend services for database functionality and offering no native mobile app publishing.
When evaluating these platforms, what matters most is app success: launching your MVP as fast as possible and reaching the biggest audience possible. That means considering not just web deployment, but native iOS and Android apps in the app stores—where you gain access to massive marketplaces and the ability to use push notifications for user engagement. This guide breaks down how each platform performs across the features that actually drive real-world results.
Executive Summary: Why Platform Choice Matters
The verdict upfront: While WeWeb offers impressive frontend building capabilities for web applications, Adalo emerges as the superior choice for serious app builders who need a proven, comprehensive platform that can grow with their business. The platform creates database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps from a single codebase. AI-assisted building and streamlined publishing enable launch to the Apple App Store and Google Play in days rather than months.
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 represents a significant advantage over many frontend-only builders available today.
WeWeb excels at creating sophisticated web applications with custom backend integrations, but its limitations become apparent when you need native mobile apps, all-in-one simplicity, or proven scalability for non-technical teams. Meanwhile, Adalo has powered over 3 million apps and offers the critical features that separate a prototype from a production-ready application.
Understanding the Fundamental Differences
Development Approach: All-in-One vs Frontend-Only
Adalo employs a complete solution that includes everything you need:
- Built-in database and backend infrastructure with no record limits on paid plans
- Visual drag-and-drop interface described as "easy as PowerPoint"
- Automatic hosting and deployment
- Native mobile app generation for iOS and Android
- Integrated user authentication and payments
- AI-assisted building features including Magic Start and Magic Add
Think of Adalo like using a complete development studio—if you can arrange elements visually, you can build a fully functional app that works everywhere.
WeWeb takes a frontend-only approach that requires external services:
- Visual frontend builder (web applications only)
- Requires separate backend service (Xano, Supabase, etc.)
- Progressive Web Apps (PWA) only—no native mobile apps
- Custom domain hosting through WeWeb or code export
- External authentication and payment setup required
Platform Maturity and Market Position
Adalo has established itself as a leader in the app building space since 2018, with:
- Over 3 million apps created on the platform
- Successful app acquisitions (SPOTTO being the first)
- Comprehensive Adalo App Academy with 70+ courses
- Active component marketplace with 50+ components
- Strong funding backing ($8M Series A from Tiger Global)
- Adalo 3.0 infrastructure overhaul in late 2025 delivering 3-4x faster performance
WeWeb is a frontend specialist that has evolved significantly:
- Focused on web application development since inception
- Growing user base with strong technical capabilities
- Recent pricing model updates in February 2026
- Limited to web applications only
- Still developing native mobile app capabilities (not yet available)
Feature Comparison That Matters
App Publishing Capabilities
Adalo's Publishing Advantage:
- ✓ Native iOS Apps: Direct publishing to Apple App Store
- ✓ Native Android Apps: Direct publishing to Google Play Store
- ✓ Progressive Web Apps: Publish to custom domains
- ✓ Universal Deployment: Build once, deploy everywhere
- ✓ Unlimited App Updates: No restrictions on republishing to app stores
WeWeb's Publishing Limitations:
- ✗ Web-Only: Can only create web applications
- ✗ No Native Apps: Cannot publish to app stores
- ✓ PWA Support: Progressive Web Apps with mobile-like experience
- ✓ Custom Domains: Available on paid plans
- ✓ Code Export Capability: Download Vue.js source code
AI-Powered Building Features
Adalo's AI Builder, due for release in early 2026, promises to transform how apps are created. The platform already includes several AI-assisted features:
Magic Start generates complete app foundations from 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 add features by describing what you want in natural language. Need a user profile section with photo upload? Just describe it, and the feature appears.
X-Ray identifies performance issues before they affect users, highlighting potential bottlenecks so you can address them proactively rather than discovering problems after launch.
WeWeb does not currently offer comparable AI-assisted building features, requiring more manual configuration for each element and workflow.
Design and Customization Freedom
Adalo provides complete design control through:
- ✓ Freeform canvas with pixel-perfect positioning
- ✓ Custom fonts, colors, and branding options
- ✓ 50+ pre-built components for rapid development
- ✓ Component marketplace with specialized elements
- ✓ Responsive design that works across all screen sizes
- ✓ Canvas displaying up to 400 screens at once for comprehensive app overview
WeWeb offers frontend-focused design with:
- ✓ Professional frontend builder with CSS-like controls
- ✓ Advanced styling capabilities for experienced designers
- ✓ Custom animations and interactions
- ✓ Single Page Application (SPA) architecture
- ✗ Limited pre-built components compared to Adalo
- ✗ Requires frontend development knowledge for advanced customization
Database and Backend Capabilities
Adalo's Robust Data Management:
- ✓ Built-in relational database with visual management interface
- ✓ Unlimited database records on paid plans—no data caps
- ✓ External database connections (Xano, Airtable, Google Sheets)
- ✓ Sheetbridge integration turns Google Sheets into actual databases without DB-related learning
- ✓ REST API integration for any service
- ✓ User authentication and permissions built-in
- ✓ Real-time data updates across all devices
WeWeb's Backend Approach:
- ✗ No built-in database—requires external backend service
- ✓ Deep Supabase integration for PostgreSQL databases
- ✓ Xano integration for custom backend logic
- ✓ API connectivity to multiple data sources
- ✗ Additional costs for backend services (Xano: $59-$299/month)
- ✗ Technical complexity in managing frontend-backend connections
Pricing Breakdown: Understanding the Real Costs
Adalo Pricing Structure (2026)
Adalo's transparent pricing model scales with your needs. All plans now include unlimited usage—App Actions have been removed entirely, meaning no bill shock from unexpected usage charges.
Free Plan:
- ✓ Build and test unlimited apps
- ✓ No time limits on development
- ✗ Publishing restricted to Adalo subdomain
Starter ($36/month):
- ✓ Publish 1 app with core features
- ✓ Custom domain support
- ✓ App store publishing with unlimited updates
- ✓ Unlimited usage included
- ✓ No record limits on database
Professional ($65/month):
- ✓ Multiple apps and advanced features
- ✓ Extended integrations
- ✓ Advanced user management
- ✓ Unrestricted database storage
Team (Starting from $200/month):
- ✓ Collaboration and agency features
- ✓ Multiple team members
- ✓ Priority support
- ✓ No data caps
Business (Starting from $250/month):
- ✓ Enterprise-grade capabilities
- ✓ Advanced security features
- ✓ Custom integrations
- ✓ Unlimited everything
Key Value Points:
- ✓ No hidden fees or surprise charges
- ✓ Additional apps for $25/month
- ✓ All plans include hosting, database, and backend
- ✓ Predictable scaling costs with no usage-based billing
WeWeb Pricing Structure (2026)
WeWeb uses a seat-based system updated in February 2026:
Free Plan:
- ✓ Build unlimited projects
- ✓ WeWeb domain publishing only
- ✗ WeWeb branding required
- ✗ No custom domains
Launch ($49/month per seat):
- ✓ Custom domain publishing
- ✓ Up to 25,000 monthly app sessions
- ✓ 5GB bandwidth
- ✓ Code export capability
- ✓ Basic AI tokens included
Grow ($99/month per seat):
- ✓ Up to 100,000 monthly app sessions
- ✓ 25GB bandwidth
- ✓ Advanced AI tokens
- ✓ Team collaboration features
- ✓ Priority support
Scale ($179/month per seat):
- ✓ Up to 500,000 monthly app sessions
- ✓ 100GB bandwidth
- ✓ Unlimited AI tokens
- ✓ Advanced team features
- ✓ Custom integrations
Hidden Limitations:
- ✗ Backend service required: Add $59-$299/month for Xano or $25-$599/month for Supabase
- ✗ Per-seat pricing: Team of 3 = $147-$537/month before backend costs
- ✗ Session limits: Overage can impact performance
- ✗ No native mobile apps at any price tier
True Cost Comparison
For a small team of 3 people building 2 apps:
| Cost Component | Adalo | WeWeb |
|---|---|---|
| Base Platform | Team Plan: $200/month | 3 Launch seats: $147/month |
| Additional App | $25/month | Included |
| Backend Service | Included | Xano: $59/month minimum |
| Database | Unlimited records included | Depends on backend tier |
| Native Mobile Apps | Included | Not available |
| Total | $225/month | $206+/month (web-only) |
While WeWeb's base cost appears similar, it delivers significantly less value: no native mobile apps, no built-in database, and additional technical complexity in managing separate services.
Important Pricing Note: Both platforms update their pricing regularly. Always check the official pricing pages for the most current information: Adalo Pricing and WeWeb Pricing.
Integration Ecosystem Comparison
Adalo's Extensive Integration Network
Zapier Integration: Connect with 5,000+ apps including:
- ✓ Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Calendar)
- ✓ Slack and Microsoft Teams
- ✓ Mailchimp and email marketing services
- ✓ Stripe payment processing
- ✓ CRM systems like HubSpot and Salesforce
- ✓ Stripe for payments: Built-in payment processing
- ✓ Twilio for SMS/voice: Communication capabilities
- ✓ Google Maps: Location services
- ✓ Social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
- ✓ Analytics tools: Track user behavior and app performance
API Capabilities:
- ✓ Full REST API support for any service
- ✓ Custom webhook integration
- ✓ External Collections feature for database connections
- ✓ Authentication headers and custom API calls
WeWeb's Integration Approach
Primary Integration:
- ✓ Deep Supabase dependency for database operations
- ✓ GitHub for version control and code export
- ✗ Limited third-party options compared to Adalo
- ✗ No visual integration builder—requires manual setup
API Support:
- ✓ Basic API integration through custom code
- ✗ Requires manual implementation for most services
- ✗ No drag-and-drop integration setup
- ✗ Limited authentication options without backend service
Performance and Scalability Analysis
Real-World Performance Metrics
Adalo 3.0 Performance Improvements:
The late 2025 infrastructure overhaul delivered transformative results:
- ✓ 3-4x faster performance across all app operations
- ✓ Modular infrastructure that scales with app needs
- ✓ 20 million+ daily data requests processed with 99%+ uptime
- ✓ Native apps perform better than web wrappers under load
- ✓ Active infrastructure upgrades continuing to improve speed
Note that most third-party platform ratings and comparisons predate this major infrastructure overhaul. Reviews from 2026 or earlier don't reflect current performance capabilities.
WeWeb Performance:
- ✓ Fast initial development with visual builder
- ✓ Single Page Application architecture for smooth navigation
- ✓ Good PageSpeed scores for web applications
- ✗ Web-only limitations affect mobile user experience
- ✗ Performance depends on backend service chosen
Scalability Considerations
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. With the right data relationship setups, apps can scale beyond 1 million monthly active users.
Proven scalability with apps like:
- ✓ SPOTTO (acquired): Location-based social platform
- ✓ Covenant Connect: School management system serving thousands
- ✓ Multiple marketplace apps with thousands of active users
- ✓ Success stories across various industries
WeWeb scalability depends on:
- ✗ Backend service chosen (Xano, Supabase limitations)
- ✗ Monthly session limits on hosting plans
- ✗ Unproven for enterprise deployment at scale
- ✗ No native mobile performance benefits
Learning Curve and Support Quality
Educational Resources
Adalo App Academy offers:
- ✓ 70+ structured courses covering everything
- ✓ Video tutorials for every feature and use case
- ✓ Step-by-step project guides for building complete apps
- ✓ Design and database training for non-technical users
- ✓ Business and marketing courses for app monetization
- ✓ API integration tutorials for advanced users
WeWeb Documentation provides:
- ✓ Basic getting started guides
- ✓ Technical documentation for developers
- ✗ Limited structured learning path
- ✗ Assumes frontend development knowledge
- ✗ Gap in beginner-friendly content
Support Systems
- ✓ Dedicated support team with response guarantees
- ✓ Active community forum with thousands of discussions
- ✓ Expert marketplace for professional help
- ✓ Comprehensive help documentation with search
- ✓ Regular office hours and community webinars
WeWeb Support Options:
- ✓ Community Discord for peer support
- ✓ Technical documentation for developers
- ✗ Limited direct support on lower-tier plans
- ✗ No structured expert network for professional help
- ✗ Smaller community compared to Adalo
Use Case Suitability Analysis
When Adalo Excels
Perfect for:
- ✓ Mobile-First Businesses: Native app store presence required
- ✓ Marketplace Apps: Multi-sided platforms with complex logic
- ✓ SaaS Products: Subscription-based services with payments
- ✓ Educational Apps: Course delivery and student management
- ✓ Healthcare Apps: HIPAA-compliant solutions possible
- ✓ Enterprise Tools: Internal business applications
- ✓ E-commerce Apps: Complete shopping experiences
- ✓ Social Platforms: Community and networking apps
Success Stories:
- ✓ SPOTTO: First Adalo app to be acquired
- ✓ Covenant Connect: Modernized entire school operations
- ✓ Multiple food delivery and service apps in app stores
- ✓ Various marketplace apps serving thousands of users
When WeWeb Works
Suitable for:
- ✓ Web-Only Applications: No mobile app requirements
- ✓ Internal Business Tools: Dashboard and admin panels
- ✓ Data Visualization: Complex charts and analytics
- ✓ Frontend-Heavy Projects: Custom interactions and animations
- ✓ Existing Backend Integration: When you have a backend already
Limitations for:
- ✗ Mobile app requirements: No native app publishing
- ✗ Non-technical teams: Requires frontend knowledge
- ✗ All-in-one solutions: Need separate backend services
- ✗ Quick prototyping: More complex setup process
- ✗ App store distribution: Limited to web only
Template and Component Availability
Adalo's Rich Template Ecosystem
Feature Templates Include:
- ✓ Complete chat systems with real-time messaging
- ✓ E-commerce platforms with payment processing
- ✓ Social media feeds with engagement features
- ✓ Appointment booking with calendar integration
- ✓ Course management systems for education
- ✓ Restaurant ordering platforms with delivery
- ✓ Fitness and wellness apps with tracking
- ✓ Marketplace templates for various industries
Component Marketplace Highlights:
- ✓ Swipe cards (Tinder-style interactions)
- ✓ Google AdMob integration for monetization
- ✓ Calendar components for scheduling
- ✓ Progress tracking for user engagement
- ✓ Audio/video players for media
- ✓ QR code generators for easy sharing
- ✓ Custom animations and interactive elements
WeWeb's Template Limitations
Available Options:
- ✓ Basic starter templates for common layouts
- ✓ Community-shared projects and examples
- ✗ Limited variety compared to Adalo's ecosystem
- ✗ No component marketplace for extended functionality
- ✗ Requires custom development for specialized features
Making the Strategic Choice
Choose Adalo When You Need:
✓ Complete App Development Solution
- Native mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Built-in database and backend infrastructure
- All-in-one hosting and deployment
- No external service dependencies
✓ Non-Technical Team Empowerment
- True visual development experience
- Extensive learning resources and support
- Visual interface that anyone can master
- No frontend development knowledge required
✓ Proven Business Results
- App store publishing for maximum reach
- Successful acquisition examples proving viability
- Predictable pricing without hidden costs or usage charges
- Component marketplace for extended features
✓ Rapid Time-to-Market
- Rich template library for quick starts
- Built-in integrations for common services
- One-click publishing to multiple platforms
- No backend setup or configuration required
Consider WeWeb Only If:
✓ Web-Only Requirements
- You specifically need only web applications
- No mobile app publishing required
- Comfortable with Progressive Web Apps
✓ Technical Team Capabilities
- Strong frontend development skills available
- Comfortable managing separate backend services
- Need for custom frontend interactions
- Budget for multiple service subscriptions
✓ Specific Technical Requirements
- Need full code export capabilities
- Require specific backend architecture
- Have existing backend infrastructure
- Advanced CSS and JavaScript customization needs
The Bottom Line
While WeWeb represents a capable frontend building platform for technical teams, Adalo delivers the complete, professional platform that serious app builders need. The ability to publish native apps to both major app stores alone makes Adalo the clear winner for most use cases.
Adalo's mature ecosystem, extensive template library, proven scalability, and comprehensive support system provide the foundation for building real businesses, not just web prototypes. With over 3 million apps created and success stories ranging from acquired startups to enterprise solutions, the platform has proven it can handle everything from simple tools to complex platforms.
For those serious about building apps that can reach mobile users natively through app stores, grow with their business without technical complexity, and scale from MVP to enterprise-level usage, Adalo remains the superior choice.
Official Resources
Get Started with Adalo:
- Adalo Platform—Main website and platform access
- Pricing Plans—Current pricing and plan comparison
- App Templates—Ready-to-use app templates
- Component Marketplace—Extend your app functionality
- Help Documentation—Comprehensive guides and tutorials
- Adalo App Academy—Free courses and training
- Community Forum—Connect with other makers
- Expert Directory—Find professional help
WeWeb Resources:
- WeWeb Platform—Frontend building platform
- Current Pricing—Seat-based pricing model
- Documentation—Technical documentation
- Community Discord—Community support
Ready to start building? Explore Adalo's free plan, try the extensive template library, or dive into the Adalo App Academy to master the platform that's powering the next generation of successful apps.
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 and AI-assisted building let 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 instead of wrestling with certificates and store guidelines. |
| Which is more affordable, Adalo or WeWeb? | Adalo starts at $36/month with unlimited usage, no record limits, and native app publishing included. WeWeb starts at $49/month per seat but requires additional backend services ($59-$299/month for Xano) and cannot publish native mobile apps at any price tier. |
| Which is faster to build with, Adalo or WeWeb? | Adalo is faster for most use cases. Its all-in-one approach means no backend setup required, and features like Magic Start generate complete app foundations from descriptions. WeWeb requires configuring separate backend services before you can start building. |
| Which is easier for beginners, Adalo or WeWeb? | Adalo is significantly easier for beginners. Its visual builder is described as "easy as PowerPoint," with 70+ structured courses in the App Academy. WeWeb assumes frontend development knowledge and has limited beginner-friendly content. |
| Is Adalo better than WeWeb for mobile apps? | Yes. Adalo creates true native iOS and Android apps that publish directly to app stores. WeWeb can only create Progressive Web Apps—it cannot publish to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store at any price tier. |
| Can I migrate from WeWeb to Adalo? | While there's no direct migration tool, Adalo's visual builder makes it straightforward to rebuild WeWeb projects. Many users find the transition worthwhile to gain native mobile app capabilities and eliminate backend service dependencies. |
| Does Adalo have database record limits? | No. Paid plans have no record limits on the database—unlimited database records are included. With proper data relationship setups, Adalo apps can scale beyond 1 million monthly active users. |
| 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). The full AI Builder for prompt-based app creation is due for release in early 2026. |
| Are there usage-based charges with Adalo? | No. App Actions have been removed from all Adalo plans. All plans now include unlimited usage with no bill shock from unexpected charges—a significant advantage over platforms with complex usage calculations. |










