Looking for a Glide alternative that better fits your app-building needs? You're in the right place to find the perfect match.
Adalo is a no-code 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. Glide is a no-code platform that transforms spreadsheet data into web apps and progressive web apps (PWAs), offering a quick way to create functional applications from existing data sources.
When evaluating alternatives, what matters most is app success—launching your MVP as fast as possible and reaching the biggest audience. That means building not just web apps, but native iOS and Android apps that can be published directly to the app stores, unlocking access to billions of users and powerful engagement tools like push notifications. Here's how the top Glide alternatives stack up.
Why Choose a Glide Alternative?
Glide is a solid app-building platform with the flexibility to create apps for many business solutions. However, several limitations restrict its audience, making it far from a one-size-fits-all solution for app builders.
Over the years, people have told me they want a Glide alternative due to the following reasons:
High Pricing with Limited Flexibility
Although Glide's free version allows you to build a nice-looking app, it doesn't give you the power or storage space to scale it. If you want to grow, you'll have to commit $60/month (billed monthly) just to get a custom domain—and you're still limited by app updates and data record rows, which attract additional charges. Need more storage space and Glide's basic API? The fee swells to $125/month (billed monthly). There's no pricing option between these two tiers.
Solution: Pick an AI-powered app builder like Adalo that offers several competitively-priced tiers. Adalo's paid plans start at $36/month with no record limits on the database and no usage-based charges—meaning no bill shock as your app grows. You'll find a pricing plan with all the features you need without overpaying for capabilities you won't use.
Can't Publish to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
Glide does make beautiful web apps and progressive web apps. These are apps that users access with a browser on their phone or download via a link. However, Glide doesn't offer direct access to publishing to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Being unable to publish to the app stores means you miss out on marketing opportunities to billions of potential users. If you want to build an app that you can scale and monetize, doing so without access to the app stores presents a major obstacle. The discoverability advantage of having your app where users already search for solutions cannot be overstated.
Solution: Get an app-building platform like Adalo, GoodBarber, or Bravo Studio that allows you to publish your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Adalo handles the complex App Store submission process, so you can focus on your app's features and user experience instead of wrestling with certificates, provisioning profiles, and store guidelines.
You Must Bring a Database
Before building with Glide, you'll need to have a database. While many established businesses might find this useful, this requirement may seem overwhelming for those building an app for the first time. They won't be able to start building until they have a database set up and connected.
Solution: Pick an app-building platform like Adalo, Bubble, or Bravo Studio that lets you build your database as you build your app. With Adalo, you can first upload your pictures and text to your app and then build out your database as you go, allowing you to learn the database-building process without any issues. Adalo's Sheetbridge feature even enables you to turn a Google Sheet into an actual database for the easiest control without database-related learning curves.
The Top 6 Glide Alternatives
- Adalo, the best overall Glide alternative
- GoodBarber, the Glide alternative for public-facing apps
- Softr, the easiest Glide alternative
- NoLoco, the best Glide alternative for internal business apps
- Bravo Studio, the best Glide alternative for designers
- Bubble, the Glide alternative with the biggest ecosystem
#1 The Best Overall Glide Alternative
Adalo
What is it?
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. Over 3 million apps have been created on Adalo, with the visual builder described as "easy as PowerPoint."
What does it do better than Glide?
Getting started with Adalo is remarkably straightforward. You won't need to spend any time reading tutorials or watching instructional videos. Start building your app right after you sign up. 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.
You also won't need to make any changes to your app's pictures or text in the database—you can edit right on the app's screen. Magic Add lets you add features by simply describing what you want in natural language, eliminating the need to hunt through menus and settings.
Adalo lets you publish your app as a web app, PWA, and a native mobile app from a single codebase. By reaching out to tons of people on the web and the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, you can get your app in front of an enormous audience. Unlike Glide, which restricts you to web-only distribution, Adalo handles the complex submission process for both app stores.
Adalo's pricing tiers are catered to the needs of freelancers and small businesses. An entry-level version costs $36/month, and a mid-tier version is $45/month. All paid plans include unlimited database records and no usage-based charges—a stark contrast to Glide's record limits and additional fees.
Who is it best for?
There's a reason why Adalo is the app-building platform I've recommended more than any other: it allows freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small and medium businesses enough functionality and design freedom to build any app for any purpose. The platform's modular infrastructure scales to serve apps with over 1 million monthly active users, with no upper ceiling.
Pricing
Get started with Adalo for $36/month with no data caps and unlimited app store publishing updates.
Final Verdict
Because Adalo has pricing tiers that accommodate everyone, AI-assisted building features, and the perfect balance of power and simplicity, Adalo is the best overall Glide alternative.
#2 The Glide Alternative for Public-Facing E-commerce Apps
GoodBarber
What is it?
GoodBarber is a native mobile app builder that specializes in creating e-commerce and subscription apps.
What does it do better than Glide?
GoodBarber comes packed with several templates for creating client-facing apps, such as those for an online clothing store, a periodic newsletter, or an e-bookstore. It has integrations with payment platforms like Square, Stripe, and PayPal, so you can easily monetize your goods.
You can also build your app's front end (the screens that people will see when they use your app) right from the get-go—you won't have to worry about creating your database. When you make changes to your app's front end, they update your database automatically.
You can also publish your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores, but you'll need to get the premium version to unlock this capability.
Who is it best for?
If you want to build an app to sell your products, look no further than GoodBarber. All its tools, templates, and functionalities specialize in making optimal and user-friendly e-commerce apps. However, if you need more flexibility beyond e-commerce templates, Adalo's AI-assisted platform offers broader creative freedom while still supporting payment integrations.
Pricing
GoodBarber is also a cheaper alternative to Glide, starting at $36/month (billed monthly) for selling content and $50/month (billed monthly) for selling physical products. If you want to publish to the app stores, you'll need to pay $70/month (billed monthly) for content and $90/month (billed monthly) for physical goods.
Final Verdict
With the power to build native mobile apps that have all the features you need to sell your products or content, GoodBarber is the Glide alternative for public-facing e-commerce apps.
#3 The Easiest Glide Alternative
Softr
What is it?
Softr is a no-code web app builder that features a simple drag-and-drop interface for creating web applications.
What does it do better than Glide?
While you'll need to bring your database with you to get started, Softr offers an easier building experience. With Softr's block-based building interface, you can build your app quickly and easily.
Choose a template, connect your database, and drag on features like text boxes, pictures, forms, and more to the screens. Don't like the templates? Then try out Softr's AI generator: enter a 200-word prompt, and Softr will generate your own unique template, which you can edit to fit your needs.
Who is it best for?
Softr is looked to for spreadsheet app building, provided the web app restrictions are met and the higher price point is acceptable. It connects to many popular database sources like Google Sheets, Airtable, Hubspot, and SmartSuite.
When you use Glide, you'll need to pay the premium price of $125/month to be able to connect your app with these databases. However, Softr does not support Apple App Store and Google Play Store publishing, or iOS and Android app creation—a significant limitation compared to platforms like Adalo.
Pricing
Softr pricing starts from $167/month to publish an actual Progressive Web App, which is still restricted by records per app and records per datasource. This is considerably more expensive than Adalo's $36/month starting price, which includes native mobile app publishing and unrestricted database storage.
Final Verdict
Softr is the easiest Glide alternative for web-only apps because it allows you to quickly build out your app by seamlessly dragging features onto your building canvas after you connect your database. However, its lack of mobile app store publishing and higher price point make it less versatile than alternatives like Adalo.
#4 The Best Glide Alternative for Internal Business Apps
NoLoco
What is it?
NoLoco is a no-code app builder that's specifically designed to create internal, non-public-facing apps for business operations.
What does it do better than Glide?
Like Glide, NoLoco requires a database, but this isn't usually an issue for businesses, as they usually always have one. Unlike Glide, even the cheapest version of NoLoco integrates with a bevy of popular databases: Google Sheets, Airtable, SmartSuite, and Xano. This makes NoLoco a viable option for most businesses.
You'll also be able to create an unlimited number of apps per month with each plan. And, NoLoco is loaded with business-centric features, like being able to visualize your app using maps, kanban charts, split-screen displays, and more. This will accommodate the needs of almost any business.
Who is it best for?
NoLoco is a good choice for businesses that need their own internal apps, like CRM and project management boards, finance tools, and more. However, if you need both internal tools and customer-facing mobile apps, Adalo's ability to publish to app stores from the same platform offers more flexibility.
Pricing
Get started with NoLoco at $49/month (billed monthly). If you need specialized business features like Kanban views or your own domain, check out the Pro Version for $149/month (billed monthly).
Final Verdict
With heaps of business features and the ability to connect with several high-quality databases, NoLoco is the best Glide alternative for internal business apps.
#5 The Best Glide Alternative for Designers
Bravo Studio
What is it?
Bravo Studio is a no-code mobile app-building platform that lets you transform your Figma designs into your very own apps.
What does it do better than Glide?
Bravo is one of the few app-building platforms that gives you the power to create apps that look better than Glide's. This is saying something because many regard Glide as the platform that's second to (almost) none in terms of aesthetics.
If you're one of those Figma designers with a portfolio that fills a few hundred gigabytes, look no further than Bravo. Bravo lets you publish an unlimited number of apps to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store on the lowest pricing tier.
Who is it best for?
Folks who don't have experience with Figma will need to spend lots of time learning it before they can work with Bravo. So, Bravo Studio is targeted to the designer crowd. For non-designers who still want beautiful apps, Adalo's visual builder and AI-assisted features offer an easier path to polished results.
Pricing
Get Bravo's lowest tier version for $21/month (billed monthly). If you want to remove the Bravo Studio branding on your apps, go with Bravo's mid-tier version, which is $117/month (billed monthly).
Final Verdict
With the power to create nearly pixel-perfect apps from your very own Figma designs, Bravo Studio is the best Glide alternative for designers.
#6 The Glide Alternative with the Biggest Ecosystem
Bubble
What is it?
Bubble is one of the first movers in the no-code app-building space, leveraging over 12 years of experience and allowing you to build powerful web apps.
What does it do better than Glide?
While Bubble can only be used to build web apps and PWAs, and its building interface definitely has a learning curve, it's second to none when it comes to the power it can pack into your apps.
Bubble boasts a template selection 4x larger than Glide's (that's over 400 templates), meaning there's no app you can't build with Bubble. It also comes with a staggering number of integrations and APIs, which, combined with the over 100 tools and components made by the Bubble developer community, give you the potential to build an app that executes almost anything you want.
Who is it best for?
Bubble's power comes with catches: A difficult learning curve and complex pricing. You'll need to dedicate a few hours daily to get it down. Bubble's web and mobile wrapper offering starts at $59/month with usage-based charges through Workload Units, limits on app re-publishing, and limits on records. These unclear and uncertain calculations can lead to unexpected costs as your app scales.
Bubble's mobile app solution is also a wrapper for the web app, introducing potential challenges at scale. This means one app version doesn't automatically update web, Android, and iOS apps deployed to their respective app stores—unlike Adalo's single codebase approach. The extensive customization Bubble offers often results in slower applications that suffer under increased load, and frequently requires hiring experts to help optimize performance.
Pricing
Get your own custom website for your app for $32/month (billed monthly). If you want to remove the Bubble branding and add security features like 2-factor authentication, get Bubble's Growth Version for $134/month (billed monthly). Keep in mind that Workload Units can add unpredictable costs as usage grows.
Final Verdict
While it comes with a learning curve and complex pricing, you'll be able to leverage an enormous amount of tools, components, integrations, and resources when you build your app with Bubble, the Glide alternative with the biggest ecosystem. For those who want similar power without the complexity, Adalo offers AI-assisted building with predictable pricing and no usage-based charges.
Comparison Table: Glide Alternatives at a Glance
| Platform | Starting Price | App Store Publishing | Database Required | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adalo | $36/month | Yes (iOS & Android) | No (built-in) | Overall best alternative |
| GoodBarber | $36/month | Yes (premium plans) | No (built-in) | E-commerce apps |
| Softr | $167/month (PWA) | No | Yes | Spreadsheet-based web apps |
| NoLoco | $49/month | No | Yes | Internal business apps |
| Bravo Studio | $21/month | Yes (iOS & Android) | Yes | Figma designers |
| Bubble | $59/month | Wrapper only | No (built-in) | Complex web apps |
Choosing the Right Glide Alternative
The best Glide alternative depends on your specific needs. If you're looking for the most versatile option with AI-assisted building, native mobile app publishing, and predictable pricing, Adalo stands out as the clear winner. Its combination of ease of use, scalability to over 1 million monthly active users, and no record limits on paid plans makes it suitable for everything from MVPs to production apps.
For specialized use cases—e-commerce (GoodBarber), design-first workflows (Bravo Studio), or internal business tools (NoLoco)—the other alternatives each have their strengths. But for most app builders who want flexibility, growth potential, and the ability to reach users on both web and mobile app stores, an AI-powered platform like Adalo offers the best path forward.
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. With over 3 million apps created on the platform, Adalo combines proven reliability with AI-assisted building features. |
| 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 features like Magic Start and Magic Add let you go from idea to published app in days rather than months. Magic Start generates complete app foundations from a simple description, while Magic Add lets you add features by describing what you want. Adalo handles the complex App Store submission process, so you can focus on your app's features. |
| Which is more affordable, Adalo or Glide? | Adalo starts at $36/month with unlimited database records and no usage-based charges. Glide starts at $60/month for a custom domain but still limits data record rows and app updates, which attract additional charges. Adalo's mid-tier at $45/month offers more value than Glide's $125/month tier. |
| Which is faster to build with, Adalo or Glide? | Adalo is faster for most use cases thanks to AI-assisted features. Magic Start generates complete app foundations from descriptions, and you can edit content directly on app screens without switching to a separate database interface. Glide requires bringing your own database before you can start building. |
| Which is easier for beginners, Adalo or Glide? | Adalo is easier for beginners because you don't need to set up a database before starting. The visual builder is described as "easy as PowerPoint," and you can build your database as you build your app. Glide requires database knowledge upfront, which can overwhelm first-time app builders. |
| Is Adalo better than Glide for mobile apps? | Yes. Adalo creates true native iOS and Android apps that publish directly to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Glide only creates web apps and PWAs—it doesn't support app store publishing at all, limiting your reach to billions of potential users. |
| Can I migrate from Glide to Adalo? | Yes. You can export your data from Glide's connected spreadsheet and import it into Adalo's built-in database. Adalo's Sheetbridge feature also lets you turn a Google Sheet into an actual database, making migration from spreadsheet-based platforms straightforward. |
| Which is more affordable, Adalo or Bubble? | Adalo starts at $36/month with unlimited usage and no record limits. Bubble starts at $59/month for comparable features but includes usage-based Workload Unit charges that can lead to unpredictable costs. Adalo's pricing is more transparent with no bill shock. |
| Is Adalo better than Bubble for mobile apps? | Yes. Adalo compiles to true native iOS and Android code, while Bubble's mobile solution is a wrapper for web apps. This means Adalo apps perform better on mobile devices, and one codebase automatically updates web, iOS, and Android versions simultaneously. |
| Do I need coding experience to use Adalo? | No coding experience is required. Adalo's visual drag-and-drop builder and AI-assisted features let anyone build professional apps. Magic Start generates app foundations from plain English descriptions, and Magic Add lets you add features by simply describing what you want. |
