Evaluating no-code platform pricing means looking beyond monthly costs to understand what you're actually getting for your investment.
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. Stacker is a no-code platform focused on building internal tools and portals on top of existing data sources like spreadsheets and databases.
When comparing these platforms, what matters most is app success—launching your MVP as fast as possible and reaching the biggest audience. That means considering whether you need apps published to the app stores, where you gain access to massive audiences and features like push notifications, or whether your needs are limited to internal business tools. Understanding Stacker's pricing structure alongside alternatives helps you choose the platform that matches your goals.
Want to create apps without writing code? Stacker's pricing ranges from $79 to $349 per month and offers a straightforward way to build internal tools. But is it the right choice for your needs, or are there better alternatives?
Read on to learn:
- What Stacker offers and who it's for
- Stacker's pricing plans, including options for Airtable users
- Whether Stacker is worth the investment
- A more affordable alternative that publishes to app stores
Adalo: A Powerful Stacker Alternative
If you're looking for an app builder that creates apps for the web, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store, Adalo delivers what Stacker cannot. Adalo is an AI-powered app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms.
Magic Start generates complete app foundations from simple descriptions. Tell it you need a client portal for your consulting business, and it creates your database structure, screens, and user flows automatically. Magic Add lets you describe features in plain language and adds them to your app. What used to take days of planning happens in minutes.
The platform's modular infrastructure scales to serve apps with millions of monthly active users, with no upper ceiling. Unlike web wrappers that hit performance constraints under load, Adalo's purpose-built architecture maintains speed at scale. Over 3 million apps have been created on Adalo, with the visual builder described as "easy as PowerPoint."
When compared to Stacker pricing, Adalo is significantly easier on the wallet, starting at $36/month, billed annually. Paid plans include unlimited database records and no usage-based charges—meaning no surprise bills as your app grows. Adalo also offers a generous free version that lets you publish on the web and connect with third-party apps like Stripe for payments.
Start creating your app today for free.
What is Stacker?
Stacker is a no-code web app builder for creating internal business tools like employee directories, client and contractor portals, deal trackers, and similar software. Every plan allows you to create unlimited web apps with unlimited databases.
If you need to create multiple internal tools for your business, Stacker deserves consideration. It's one of the easier no-code builders to learn, requiring no programming skills. The building interface works much like a spreadsheet, so if you have Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets experience, Stacker will feel familiar.
While Stacker doesn't prominently advertise it, there is a free trial for the Pro Version. You'll need to click the button at the bottom of the Pro Plan description to access it. Use the free trial to explore the building interface and determine if Stacker fits your workflow.
Stacker made our list in the best app-building buyer's guide for 2026. Check out similar options in the full roundup.
Stacker Pricing Overview
| Plan | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $79/month | 1 app, 1 editor, 10,000 records, Stacker branding |
| Plus | $179/month | 3 apps, 3 editors, unlimited records, permissions |
| Pro | $349/month | Unlimited apps, 10 editors, 50,000 records, CSS access |
| Business | $1,000/month (Airtable) | Flexible editors, 100,000 records, custom scripts |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | 500,000 records, SSO, white-label, dedicated support |
Stacker Pricing Tiers Explained
Stacker has 5 pricing tiers, each including an option for those who want to connect their Airtable database. At the time of this writing, you won't find the Starter or Pro Plan advertised on Stacker's main pricing page—you'll see these options after signing up for the free trial when you decide to purchase.
While Stacker does feature convenient Airtable integration, it doesn't require an external database. You can build your frontend, backend, and database entirely within Stacker.
Starter Plan ($79/month billed monthly)
The Starter Plan targets small teams just beginning with the platform. It includes up to 10,000 records for one app editor, and you can grant viewing permissions for logged-in users to access specific features.
While this plan works for creating internal tools or customer portals, it includes Stacker branding. If you want to incorporate your own logo and provide a professional feel, you'll need a higher pricing tier or a different platform entirely.
Plus Plan ($179/month billed monthly)
This plan suits small teams needing a robust platform without complex features like cascading style sheets. It allows up to 3 app-editors who can collaborate on apps in real time, keeping everyone aligned during the building process.
You'll get solid power and features, including the ability to create up to 3 apps with unlimited records.
Pro Plan ($349/month billed monthly)
The Pro Plan offers strong features for any business or organization building various web apps. You can invite a team of up to 10 to work on your app in real time and assign permissions to keep specific data private.
This plan lets you build unlimited apps and allows for up to 50,000 database records. The Pro plan features Airtable integration for seamless data connection—a solid option to build a frontend from your Airtable database. If you already have an Airtable account, this plan costs $349/month (billed monthly).
Business Plan
The Business Plan expands on Pro, allowing a flexible number of editors and up to 100,000 records. You'll access more advanced features, including cascading style sheets (CSS) for consistent design and faster loading, plus custom scripts for data analysis, automations, testing, and debugging.
Contact Stacker directly about Business Plan pricing. For Airtable users, the business plan costs $1,000/month (billed monthly).
Enterprise Plan
For large organizations, the Enterprise Plan delivers up to 500,000 records, a flexible number of editors, enterprise single sign-on restricting access to your organization, and comprehensive support including a dedicated account manager.
The Enterprise tier is the only one allowing white-label, on-brand apps. Contact Stacker's sales team for regular Enterprise pricing or Stacker/Airtable Enterprise pricing.
Want a cheaper option? Thunkable is another no-code builder with pricing that's more budget-friendly. Check out the full article for details.
Is Stacker Worth It?
Now that you understand the features and benefits, consider these decision points to determine whether Stacker fits your needs:
The free trial has limits. While you can test Stacker without spending money, the 30-day limit means you'll need to budget your time wisely to learn the platform thoroughly before committing.
Stacker creates web apps only. Want to publish your app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store? You cannot do so through Stacker, which prevents you from reaching the 1 billion+ combined app-store users. This is a significant limitation if mobile distribution matters to your business.
Pricing escalates quickly. Stacker pricing starts at $79/month (billed monthly), considerably more expensive than similar platforms. The Airtable version runs up to $349/month—on top of your Airtable subscription. These pricing tiers can burden small businesses on tight budgets.
Most users would be better off going with an alternative. For a comprehensive list of Stacker alternatives, see our full post.
How Adalo Compares to Stacker
| Feature | Adalo | Stacker |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $36/month (annual) | $79/month |
| Database Records | Unlimited on paid plans | 10,000-500,000 depending on tier |
| Native Mobile Apps | Yes (iOS and Android) | No (web only) |
| App Store Publishing | Yes (both stores) | No |
| AI-Assisted Building | Yes (Magic Start, Magic Add) | No |
| Usage-Based Charges | None | None |
| White-Label Apps | All paid plans | Enterprise only |
The fundamental difference comes down to distribution. Stacker builds internal tools for web browsers. Adalo builds apps that reach users wherever they are—web, iOS App Store, and Google Play Store from a single codebase. For businesses that need mobile presence, this distinction matters enormously.
Adalo's X-Ray feature identifies performance issues before they affect users, helping you maintain app quality as you scale. The platform handles App Store submission processes, removing one of the most frustrating barriers to mobile app publishing.
Key Takeaways
- Stacker excels at internal business tools but cannot publish to app stores, limiting your reach to web users only
- Stacker pricing starts at $79/month and climbs to $349+ for Airtable integration, with record limits on most plans
- Adalo offers native mobile app publishing to both app stores from a single build, starting at $36/month with no data caps on paid plans
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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—handling the hardest part of launching an app 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 through Magic Start and Magic Add lets you create complete apps quickly. The platform handles the App Store submission process, enabling launch in days rather than months. |
| Which is more affordable, Adalo or Stacker? | Adalo starts at $36/month (billed annually) with unlimited database records on paid plans and no usage-based charges. Stacker starts at $79/month with a 10,000 record limit on the entry tier, making Adalo significantly more affordable. |
| Which is faster to build with, Adalo or Stacker? | Adalo's Magic Start generates complete app foundations from descriptions, and Magic Add lets you add features using natural language. Stacker requires manual building without AI assistance, making Adalo faster for most projects. |
| Is Adalo better than Stacker for mobile apps? | Yes. Stacker only creates web apps and cannot publish to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Adalo creates native iOS and Android apps that publish directly to both stores, reaching over 1 billion combined app-store users. |
| Can I migrate from Stacker to Adalo? | Yes. You can export your data from Stacker and import it into Adalo's database. Adalo's visual builder makes recreating your app interface straightforward, and Magic Start can help generate the foundation for your new app. |
| What is Stacker used for? | Stacker is a no-code web app builder designed for internal business tools like employee directories, client portals, and deal trackers. It works like a spreadsheet, making it accessible for users with Excel or Google Sheets experience. |
| Can Stacker publish apps to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store? | No. Stacker only creates web apps and cannot publish to either app store. This limitation prevents users from reaching mobile app users, which is why many choose alternatives like Adalo that support native mobile app publishing. |
| Does Stacker offer a free trial? | Yes, Stacker offers a 30-day free trial for the Pro Version. You'll need to click the button at the bottom of the Pro Plan description to access it, allowing you to test the platform before committing to a paid plan. |
| Which is easier for beginners, Adalo or Stacker? | Both platforms are beginner-friendly. Stacker works like a spreadsheet, while Adalo's visual builder has been described as "easy as PowerPoint." Adalo's AI features provide additional guidance, generating app foundations and adding features from plain language descriptions. |
