No-code web app builders have transformed how entrepreneurs and businesses launch digital products—no developers or coding skills required. But not all platforms deliver the same results when it comes to reaching users and driving real traction.
One standout option is Adalo—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. This means you can build once and deploy everywhere users already search for apps, maximizing your reach from day one.
What matters most is app success: launching fast as an MVP and gaining the biggest audience possible. Publishing to both app stores gives you access to billions of users plus the ability to send push notifications—advantages that web-only apps simply can't match.
What Is a No-Code Web App Builder?
A no-code web app builder is a tool that uses a visual, drag-and-drop interface to create web applications without writing code. You don't need programming knowledge or technical skills to use one—if you can create a social media account, you can build an app.
You'll access these builders directly from your browser and create your web app with just an internet connection. No software downloads required—all your work happens in the cloud, accessible from any computer.
What Can You Build With a No-Code Web App Builder?
There are two types of web apps you can create: standard web apps, which users access through their browser on any device, and progressive web apps (PWAs), which can be downloaded directly to a phone or tablet from a link.
You likely use web apps daily—online banking, Zillow, restaurant ordering systems. They're similar to websites but include interactive functionality like booking reservations, processing payments, and managing accounts.
PWAs offer more capability than standard web apps because they're installed on the device. In some cases, they can access your phone's camera, GPS, and other hardware features. Many proprietary business apps, like CRM boards or inventory management tools, are PWAs that only employees can download from a private link.
It's important to note that neither web apps nor PWAs can typically be published to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This limits their potential audience significantly, as both stores have billions of daily users. To reach those users, you need native mobile apps—which some platforms, like Adalo, can build alongside your web app from a single project.
For clarity throughout this article, "web app" refers to both standard web apps and PWAs, since all the builders on this list can create both types.
What To Look For In a No-Code Web App Builder
When comparing no-code web app builders, ensure they check each of the following boxes:
Robust Ecosystem: A standout platform will have hours of video tutorials walking you through every feature, detailed help documentation for quick reference, dozens of templates to jumpstart your building, tools and plugins made by developers, and a thriving forum where you can connect with fellow users. When a builder's ecosystem is strong, you'll overcome obstacles faster and have the resources to build powerful applications.
Actually No-Code: Some platforms advertise as no-code but then ask you to "define parameters" or write logic statements. These are low-code platforms requiring technical knowledge. If you have some technical skills, low-code might fit your skillset—but if you're truly non-technical, verify the platform is genuinely no-code before committing.
Free Version or Free Trial: Before investing money, you'll want to test the platform. A free trial lets you experience the building interface, features, and functionality to determine if it can build exactly what you envision.
Can Build All Parts of Your Web App: Every web app has three components, and a good builder lets you construct each one:
- The Frontend: The visible, interactive part—screens, images, text, buttons, and navigation.
- The Backend: The app's brain that receives user requests, retrieves information, and connects to external services for data like stock prices or weather.
- The Database: The storage system that retains information like menu items, products, user profiles, and transaction records.
Now, let's examine the top options.
#1 The Best Overall No-Code Web App Builder
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, published to the Apple App Store and Google Play. This no-code web app and native mobile app builder combines power, design freedom, and functionality to bring any app idea to life.
Why do I like it?
There's a reason Adalo tops this list: it's among the easiest to use while also being one of the most powerful. The visual builder has been described as "easy as PowerPoint," letting you start building immediately after signup.
Adalo 3.0's infrastructure overhaul in late 2025 made apps 3-4x faster with modular architecture that scales to serve over 1 million monthly active users. Unlike platforms that hit performance walls under load, Adalo's purpose-built system maintains speed at scale.
For the kinds of web apps you want to build, Adalo delivers. Whether you're creating a CRM system with client profiles, a restaurant ordering app, or a social network for Yorkie owners, the platform provides the power and design tools to build it—then publish to web, iOS, and Android from a single codebase.
Who is it best for?
Over the years, I've recommended Adalo more than any other no-code platform. It's flexible enough to meet the needs of any freelancer, entrepreneur, or small to medium business. With over 3 million apps created on the platform, it's proven across virtually every use case.
Pricing
Get started with Adalo for $36/month. All paid plans include unlimited database records with no data caps, plus unlimited usage—no surprise charges based on how many people use your app. App Actions, the previous usage-based charge, have been removed from all plans.
Features
- Publish to both app stores from one build. Adalo lets you publish to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store with unlimited updates once published. Your web app automatically converts to native mobile apps—no reconfiguration needed.
- AI-assisted building tools accelerate development. 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. Magic Add lets you add features by describing what you want in natural language.
- Choose from over 35 premade templates packed with screens, databases, and logic. Reconfigure the designs and content to match your needs.
- Connect over 5,500 third-party apps through integrations. Link your QuickBooks account for revenue data or integrate MailChimp for marketing campaign information.
- X-Ray identifies performance issues before they affect users, helping you build apps that scale smoothly.
#2 A No-Code Web App Builder for Sleek-Looking Apps
Glide
What is it?
Glide is a no-code web app builder that emphasizes app aesthetics and spreadsheet-based data.
Why do I like it?
Though not as customizable as Adalo or Bubble, Glide produces gorgeous, eye-catching apps quickly. Its interface makes building straightforward, especially if you already have data in a spreadsheet.
For those without existing data, you'll start with Glide Tables, their built-in database. While it may sound daunting, Glide Tables is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with the builder.
However, Glide's template-focused approach creates limitations. The platform is heavily format-restricted, which enables fast building but produces generic, simplistic apps with limited creative freedom. If you need unique designs or complex functionality, you may hit walls quickly.
Who is it best for?
Glide works best for folks creating internal business tools from existing spreadsheet data. If you want to turn a database into a CRM board, accounting tool, or quality control app, Glide might be a good choice—provided you don't need app store publishing.
For spreadsheet-based apps, Glide is a go-to option. That said, Adalo's Sheetbridge feature offers similar convenience, turning a Google Sheet into an actual database for easy control without database-related learning curves.
Pricing
Glide starts at $60/month (billed monthly) for apps with custom domains. You'll get over 35 integrations and Glide's AI tools. The $125/month tier allows up to 20 logged-in users for larger organizations.
Important limitations: Glide plans are restricted by app updates and data record rows, which can attract additional charges. Glide does not support Apple App Store or Google Play Store publishing—your apps remain web-only.
Features
- Over 100 beautiful templates help you get started quickly.
- Powerful AI tools let you summarize PDFs, read and organize information from images, and automate data processing.
#3 The No-Code Web App Builder with The Biggest Ecosystem
Bubble
What is it?
Bubble is a battle-tested, highly customizable no-code web app builder with an extensive ecosystem of resources and plugins.
Why do I like it?
Bubble was one of the first movers in the no-code space, launching in 2012. Since then, its ecosystem has grown exponentially—nearly endless video tutorials, classes, documentation, plugins, and community resources.
Full caveat: Bubble comes with a steep learning curve that takes months to master. The good news is you'll be supported by extensive tutorials and guides throughout the process.
When you build with Bubble, you'll have significant power and flexibility. This allows you to create apps that execute almost any task you envision—if you're willing to invest the learning time.
Who is it best for?
Bubble can make web apps for almost anything. Businesses of all sizes, from fresh startups to Fortune 500 companies, have used Bubble successfully. You just need to commit the time to learn its building interface.
However, there are important trade-offs to consider. Bubble's extensive customization often results in slower applications that can struggle under increased load. Many users end up hiring experts to optimize performance—claims of millions of MAU are typically only achievable with professional help. The ecosystem is rich with experts precisely because so many people need assistance.
Pricing
Bubble's web and mobile wrapper offering starts at $59/month with usage-based charges through Workload Units—calculations that can be unclear and lead to unexpected bills. Plans also include limits on app re-publishing and database records.
For comparison, Adalo's web and true-native mobile builder starts at $36/month with unlimited usage and unlimited app store updates once published.
Bubble's $134/month tier expands functionality and improves security features for more demanding applications.
Features
- Over 400 templates and 100+ plugins provide starting points for highly customized apps.
- Mobile apps are web wrappers, not native applications. This introduces potential performance challenges at scale and means one app version doesn't automatically update web, Android, and iOS deployments simultaneously.
#4 A No-Code Web App Builder for Business Tools
Noloco
What is it?
Noloco is a no-code web app builder specifically designed for businesses that want to create internal tools.
Why do I like it?
While Noloco doesn't offer a free version or trial, it provides community support and a chat function on the website. The platform includes webinars, tutorials, and guides walking you through each tool in the building interface.
If you need multiple apps for your business, Noloco might be the way to go: even the lowest pricing tier allows unlimited apps, including specialized tools for accounting, sales, and operations teams.
Who is it best for?
Noloco is designed exclusively for internal business apps and tools. It's not meant for public-facing apps like e-commerce sites or social networks. Businesses of all sizes looking to streamline internal operations will find Noloco well-suited to their needs.
Pricing
Start using Noloco for $49/month (billed monthly) with 5,000 rows of data. The $149/month version provides 50,000 rows of data for larger datasets.
Features
- Integrates with several database providers including Airtable, SmartSuite, Postgres, and Google Sheets, making it easy to build from existing data.
- Workflow automation saves your team time by running multiple actions simultaneously.
#5 A No-Code Web App Builder for Techies
Backendless
What is it?
Backendless is a low-code web app builder that lets technical users craft web apps to precise specifications.
Why do I like it?
While Backendless targets tech enthusiasts, it includes no-code elements like a drag-and-drop interface for building frontends quickly.
Backendless also lets you build your own backend (hence the name). Technical users appreciate the ability to customize backend architecture to specific needs—something most no-code builders don't allow.
Who is it best for?
You won't need full fluency in a programming language, but understanding programming logic and database structures will help you get the most from Backendless. It's ideal for developers who want visual tools without sacrificing backend control.
Pricing
Get Backendless for $15/month (billed monthly) with security features and API keys. The $40/month version supports up to 50 database tables for larger projects.
Features
- Generous free version offers free API calls and provides a great opportunity to learn the building interface before committing.
- Enterprise-level plan lets you run your app on-premises (on your own server), providing extra security, functionality, and IT team approval.
Other Platforms Worth Mentioning
FlutterFlow
FlutterFlow is a low-code platform for technical users, not a no-code solution. Users need to manage and set up their own external database, which requires significant learning complexity—especially when optimizing for scale, as suboptimal setup creates performance problems.
The ecosystem is rich with experts because many users need help and end up spending significant sums chasing scalability. FlutterFlow's builder also limits your view, slowing the speed at which you can see more than two screens at once. By comparison, Adalo can display up to 400 screens simultaneously on one canvas.
Pricing starts at $70/month per user for easy app store publishing—but that still doesn't include a database, which you must source, set up, and pay for separately.
Softr
Softr pricing starts from $167/month to publish an actual Progressive Web App, still restricted by records per app and records per datasource. Softr does not support Apple App Store or Google Play Store publishing, limiting you to web-only distribution. It's a consideration for spreadsheet app building if web app restrictions and the higher price point are acceptable.
Thunkable
Thunkable offers an AI-drafted app build, but getting access to a publishable Progressive Web App requires a $59/month plan with usage restrictions. Responsive apps require custom pricing beyond their advertised $189/month Advanced tier.
Making Your Choice
The right no-code web app builder depends on your specific needs. For internal business tools from spreadsheets, Glide or Noloco work well. For maximum customization with a steep learning curve, Bubble offers extensive flexibility. For technical users wanting backend control, Backendless provides that capability.
For most users—especially those who want to reach the billions of users on app stores—Adalo's combination of ease of use, AI-assisted building, native app publishing, and unlimited database records on paid plans makes it the strongest overall choice. The platform's 3.0 infrastructure overhaul addressed previous performance concerns, and the removal of usage-based charges eliminates surprise bills as your app grows.
[INTERNAL LINK: How to Build Your First App with Adalo]
[INTERNAL LINK: Adalo vs Bubble: Complete Comparison Guide]
[INTERNAL LINK: Publishing Your App to the App Store: Step-by-Step Guide]
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 alongside web 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. With unlimited database records on paid plans, no usage-based charges, and 3-4x faster performance after the 3.0 infrastructure overhaul, it offers the best combination of ease and capability. |
| 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 tools like 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, provisioning profiles, and store guidelines. |
| Which is more affordable, Adalo or Bubble? | Adalo starts at $36/month with unlimited usage and no record limits on paid plans. Bubble starts at $59/month with usage-based Workload Unit charges that can lead to unexpected bills, plus limits on records and app re-publishing. Adalo also includes native app publishing in its base price. |
| Which is more affordable, Adalo or Glide? | Adalo starts at $36/month with unlimited database records and app store publishing. Glide starts at $60/month but is limited by data record rows (which attract additional charges) and doesn't support Apple App Store or Google Play Store publishing at all. |
| Is Adalo better than Bubble for mobile apps? | Yes, for most users. Adalo creates true native iOS and Android apps that compile to native code. Bubble's mobile apps are web wrappers, which can introduce performance challenges at scale and don't automatically sync updates across web, Android, and iOS deployments. Adalo's single codebase updates all platforms simultaneously. |
| Is Adalo better than Glide for mobile apps? | Yes. Adalo publishes native apps to both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Glide doesn't support app store publishing at all—your apps remain web-only, limiting your potential audience significantly. |
| Can I migrate from Bubble to Adalo? | While there's no automatic migration tool, you can rebuild your app in Adalo using its AI-assisted tools. Magic Start can generate your app foundation from a description, and Magic Add helps you add features quickly. Many users find the rebuild process faster than expected given Adalo's intuitive interface. |
| What's the difference between a web app and a native mobile app? | Web apps run in browsers and can't be published to app stores. Native mobile apps are downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and can access device features like cameras and GPS. Adalo lets you build both from a single project, reaching the billions of daily app store users. |
| Do I need coding experience to use Adalo? | No. Adalo's visual builder has been described as "easy as PowerPoint." You drag and drop components, connect data, and design screens without writing code. AI tools like Magic Start and Magic Add let you describe what you want in plain language. |
| How much does it cost to build and publish an app? | With Adalo, you can build and publish to web, iOS App Store, and Google Play Store starting at $36/month. This includes unlimited database records, unlimited usage, and unlimited app updates once published. Comparable features on other platforms like Appypie start at $99/month. |
