Building a web app used to mean months of development time and expensive coding resources. Today, no-code platforms make it possible for anyone to launch powerful, database-driven applications—fast.
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 reach users everywhere, with access to push notifications and the massive audiences that app store distribution provides.
What matters most is app success: launching quickly as an MVP and reaching the biggest audience possible. Below, we compare the eight best no-code web app builders of 2026 to help you find the right platform for your project.
The 8 Best Web App Builders of 2026
- Adalo, the overall best AI-powered app builder for web and native mobile apps from a single codebase.
- Bubble, if you want a powerful app builder with a large ecosystem and lots of plugins at the cost of a learning curve and potential scalability challenges.
- Softr, if you want a simple and easy experience for building basic web apps with spreadsheet data.
- Webflow, if design is more important than functionality (or you have some HTML/CSS skills).
- YCode, if you're on a budget and need workflow-focused features.
- Stacker, if you want to build internal web apps for your team.
- Budibase, if you want an open-source (free) web app builder with self-hosting capabilities.
- Betty Blocks, if you need a web app builder for an enterprise company with on-premise requirements.
What Is a Web App Builder?
Web app builders let you use a drag-and-drop interface to create your own web application without writing code. They help you build out the following parts of your web app:
- The Front End: This is the part of your app the user interacts with—the screens, buttons, designs, and images.
- The Back End: This is the "brains" of the app, responsible for executing tasks the user commands, such as navigating to a new page or looking up their information to display on the front end.
- The Database: This is the "memory bank" of the app, which stores user information and other unique data your web app needs to function.
Web Apps come in two flavors: Web Apps and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).
Web Apps
Web Apps are functional websites or Software-As-A-Service platforms (SaaS) that you usually access through a login. Web apps you most likely use every day include online banking accounts, Facebook, LinkedIn, and similar services. Once you log in, you can use the features and tools the specific web app offers.
While your users can't download these apps to their device, they work well in the browser. And remember—not every web app needs to be hidden behind a login screen. You likely already use "public" web apps like YouTube or Airbnb, which have a rich experience whether you log in or not.
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
PWAs function like a web app under the hood, but you can download them directly to your device. This means your web app can function somewhat like a mobile app, though you won't be able to submit it to the app stores.
Note: If your users are based in the European Union, Apple has prohibited the use of PWAs for iPhones located in this region. You may need to consider a native mobile app instead—platforms like Adalo can publish true native iOS and Android apps directly to the App Store and Google Play.
PWA and Web App Advantages
Both PWAs and web apps have private and public features available. For instance, non-member users can browse home prices on Zillow's web app, but if they want to contact an agent about a specific home, they'll need to sign up with the app.
Because PWAs and web apps are essentially websites, you can apply search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to reach a broader audience. You can also use a web app to organize and analyze finances, track user behavior, and more. Since PWAs and web apps function similarly, I'll refer to them as "web apps" throughout this article.
What I Looked For In The Best 8 Web App Builders
App builders have come a long way in the last few years. Today, a mind-boggling number of web app builders are available—making selection a little confusing. Luckily, I've been using these tools for years, and there are a few things I've picked out from the best of them.
Here's what to look for in a web app builder:
- Actually No-Code: The app builders on my list require no coding or technical skills. You won't need to spend any time learning how to program your web app's features. Once you sign up with the app builder, you can immediately start building your web app right out of the box.
- Flexibility: To build an app that functions exactly to your needs, you need plenty of flexibility and customization options. For instance, allowing certain users to access different parts of your app is par for the course when you're running a subscription, or having your app make a decision based on user input. Thankfully, I've included app builders which can do all of this and more.
- Database Integration: For optimal functioning, your app depends on robust and complete data. I only picked web app builders that feature integrations to several database sources. While having your own database is ideal, integrations to additional databases can be helpful to bring your existing data into the web app builder.
- Can Build Both Web Apps and PWAs: Some people want to build an app that's only accessible through a browser login, while others might want to create a downloadable PWA. Best-case scenario? You don't have to choose. I've included a few app builders on my list, like Adalo and Softr, which can create both web apps and PWAs—though Adalo goes further by also creating native mobile apps.
Other Factors I Considered
- Ecosystems with Community Support/Tutorials: While most of the platforms I chose are intuitive enough so you can start building your web app right after you sign up, you'll eventually have some questions. Each web app builder on this list gives you access to community message boards full of eager-to-help experts.
- Packed Template Libraries: Everyone has their own unique tastes and preferences. The best web app builders accommodate these by offering templates that can satisfy users from diverse industries.
- Free Trial or Free Version: Before you buy a new car, you always take it for a test drive to see how it feels. The same logic applies to selecting a web app builder—you'll want to make sure it feels right before making financial commitments.
#1 The Best Overall 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. Known for its easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface (described as "as easy as PowerPoint") and flexibility, Adalo allows you to make PWAs, web apps, and native mobile apps from a single codebase.
What do I like about it?
Adalo's functionality makes it a great choice for people who have no tech experience. The platform's Magic Start feature 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. What used to take days of planning happens in minutes.
Following the Adalo 3.0 infrastructure overhaul in late 2025, the platform is now 3-4x faster with modular infrastructure that scales to serve apps with millions of monthly active users. Unlike platforms that hit performance constraints under load, Adalo's purpose-built architecture maintains speed at scale.
Overall, Adalo has the best balance of functionality, design freedom, and usability of any tool on this list—all paired with affordable pricing and a minimal learning curve.
Who is it best for?
Ideal if you want to build a unique and capable web app today, especially if you might want to transform it into a mobile app in the future. Since Adalo publishes native iOS and Android apps directly to the App Store and Google Play from the same project, you're not locked into web-only distribution.
Pricing
You can build out many features using Adalo's free version. Access to more of Adalo's tools costs $36/month. Notably, paid plans include unlimited database records and no usage-based charges—meaning no surprise bills as your app grows. This is a significant advantage over competitors that charge based on data rows or workload units.
Features
- To really get your app-building started fresh out of the box, leverage Adalo's Magic Start feature. You can get your app-building started quickly by typing in a simple prompt, which Adalo will use to set up your app's database with all of the fields you need. Magic Add lets you continue adding features by describing what you want in natural language.
- If you feel like Adalo might be missing a feature you need, you'll be glad to know that they have a huge ecosystem of 3rd party plugins and components. You'll find plenty of them here, but my personal favorite Adalo plugin store is NoCode Monkey.
- X-Ray identifies performance issues before they affect users, helping you optimize your app proactively rather than reactively troubleshooting problems after launch.
- Over 3 million apps have been created on Adalo, processing millions of data requests daily with 99%+ uptime—proof that the platform handles production workloads reliably.
#2 The Most Powerful Web App Builder
Bubble
What is it?
Bubble is a web app builder with the largest 3rd party plugin and component ecosystem on this list that you can use to build almost anything for the web.
What do I like about it?
Bubble is the most customizable app builder on this list, owing to its nearly endless number of 3rd party plugins, components, and logical functions. You can build out most of your app by just dragging and dropping these plugins and components together.
But be warned—all that power comes with a responsibility to learn the platform. Bubble is far from the easiest-to-use tool on this list. The extensive customization options often result in slower applications that can struggle under increased load, and many users end up hiring experts to help optimize their builds. Claims of millions of MAU are typically only achievable with professional assistance and careful architecture planning.
Who is it best for?
If you have a really unique feature set in mind for your app or have some previous experience with web development tools, Bubble is likely to be a good fit if you're happy to invest significant time learning the platform.
Pricing
I recommend getting familiar with Bubble's ecosystem by using their free version. Bubble's web and mobile wrapper offering starts at $59/month with usage-based charges through Workload Units, limits on app re-publishing, and record restrictions. To release your web app to an audience and grow your user base, you're looking at $119/month or more.
For comparison, Adalo's web and true-native mobile builder starts at $36/month with unlimited usage and app store publishing with unlimited updates to apps once published—no workload calculations or surprise charges.
Features
- One of the first web app builders ever, Bubble brings a battle-tested 12+ years of experience, and they continue to support and maintain apps built in the early days.
- Bubble is not limited to small and medium-sized businesses. If you're an enterprise, you can purchase its Team Plan for $349/month, which will get you server space and other big-business necessities.
- Bubble's mobile app solution is a wrapper for the web app, which can introduce challenges at scale. This also means that one app version doesn't automatically update web, Android, and iOS apps deployed to their respective app stores—unlike Adalo's single-codebase approach.
#3 The Easiest to Use Web App Builder
Softr
What is it?
Softr is the easiest-to-learn app builder on my list. Its interface functions by letting you drag, drop, and stack "blocks" so you can create your web app fast.
What do I like about it?
Softr is very user-friendly. While it's not the most powerful app builder, its low learning curve and simplicity let you build simple yet functional apps without putting in countless hours. I often recommend Softr to folks who are just starting out and unsure of what's possible.
Softr also has more pre-made components than many other tools on this list, with loads to choose from—and all of them aesthetically pleasing. The platform is particularly strong for spreadsheet-based app building when web app restrictions are acceptable.
Who is it best for?
Softr's sheer simplicity makes it an excellent choice if you are "allergic to tech." You won't need to spend much (if any) time watching tutorials—just sign up and start building. However, note that Softr does not support Apple App Store or Google Play Store publishing, so it's strictly for web-based applications.
Pricing
Softr's pricing starts from $167/month to publish an actual Progressive Web App, which is still restricted by records per app and records per datasource. If you want to build out a new product with basic features, lower tiers exist but come with significant limitations.
For context, Adalo offers web apps, PWAs, and native mobile apps starting at $36/month with no record limits on paid plans—a substantial difference for budget-conscious builders who also want mobile app store distribution.
Features
- You can use Softr's AI app generator to quickly start building your app with just a short prompt. After you receive your initial mock-up, you can add and remove features at will.
- Softr has built-in SEO features that will measure your site's performance and optimize your content so you can get your web app in front of a larger audience using Google. This is particularly handy for public-facing web apps.
#4 A Website Builder That's Also A Web App Builder
Webflow
What is it?
Webflow is a powerful website builder that can also create functional web apps thanks to its user systems and basic logic capabilities.
What do I like about it?
Most web app builders focus on functionality over design, but Webflow is the opposite—it's a website builder first and foremost, with complete pixel-by-pixel control over your design. However, the functionality isn't as strong as other tools on this list.
I've personally used Webflow for a decade—this website you're reading now is built with Webflow, too.
Who is it best for?
Webflow does have a learning curve, but if you're a designer or have any experience with making websites, you'll find Webflow to be a breeze. And if neither of those apply to you, but you still want tons of control over design? Well, Webflow has fantastic educational videos.
Pricing
Beyond the free version, Webflow's Basic Version costs $14/month, but to fully unleash its potential for building a web app, you'll need to get the Content Management System (CMS) version for $23/month.
Features
- Webflow's powerful Content Management System is the feature that makes it a web app builder. It doubles as a powerful database that lets you build private portals and SaaS tools.
- While Webflow doesn't actively develop new tools to support web app building, you'll find no shortage of tools in the Webflow ecosystem. One useful tool, Memberstack, lets you integrate features needed to create public-facing web apps that require a login.
#5 The Best App Builder For Workflows
YCode
What is it?
Basically Webflow on steroids, YCode lets you build out a web app that is centered around workflows, like CRM and project management systems.
What do I like about it?
Although YCode has a small ecosystem with fewer features, templates, and 3rd-party integrations than the other web app builders I've chosen, you can still use it to build good-looking web apps that will enhance their overall user experience.
Who is it best for?
Coming in as the cheapest web app builder in my selection, YCode is a great option for anyone who wants to build a web app on a tight budget.
Pricing
While YCode has a free version, you only need to pay $5/month to get up to 1,000 visitors. The platform's top-of-the-line Pro Version gives you an authentication tool and an Airtable integration for your database, all at the low price of $25/month.
Features
- Like Webflow, YCode comes with a powerful CMS system that lets you structure and organize your web app's content so users can get what they're looking for quickly.
- The authentication features let you create profiles that your users can edit themselves. One possible application for this feature is a social network app.
#6 The Best Web App Builder for Making Internal Tools
Stacker
What is it?
Stacker is a web app builder that lets you create custom internal tools unique to your business that you can get started using right out of the box.
What do I like about it?
Although it offers little design freedom and doesn't have as much functionality as other web app builders on this list, Stacker is easy to start building your web app as soon as you sign up. It's also purpose-built for internal, business-focused use cases and comes with a ton of security features.
Who is it best for?
Small/Medium businesses and above that need to build internal tools only. Although Stacker is a one-trick pony in this regard, it's very easy to use, allowing non-technical people to build great software for their team.
Pricing
While Stacker doesn't have a free version, it lets you try the version you choose for free for 30 days. The cheapest version, at $59/month, only allows you to build one web app. If you need to build several tools, you'll have to purchase the Pro Version, which gives you unlimited apps at $290/month.
Features
- When you build your web app with Stacker, you'll have access to some of the best security features available. For example, Stacker gives you precise permission controls which allow you to control exactly who can use specific pages and functions or even see certain pieces of data within your app. Perfect for work scenarios where some employees can access more data than others.
- Stacker comes equipped with an excellent built-in database. It also provides first-class support for Airtable.
#7 The Open-Source Web App Builder For Non-Developers and Developers Alike
Budibase
What is it?
Budibase is an open-source web app builder that supports key internal web app features like approval flows and admin panels.
What do I like about it?
Budibase allows for self-hosting, which will give you control over your own database and infrastructure, allowing for greater security and—of course—allowing you to use Budibase for free. The platform also comes with more functional flexibility than similar tools like Webflow and Stacker.
Who is it best for?
If you're a developer who is comfortable hosting an open-source project—or a large company with the resources to do so—then Budibase is likely a great fit for you.
Pricing
Budibase offers a free version. But to back up your data and unleash the power of Budibase's automation, you'll need to pay for the Premium Version, which starts at $50/user per month. Or, just host the open-source version for free (minus your hosting costs).
Features
- Automate your repetitive workflows using Budibase's automation tool. You can even schedule when you want each automated workflow to occur.
- It doesn't matter where you store your data—Google, Airtable, SQL, or anywhere else—Budibase can connect to almost any data source and transform it into a web app or tool at your command.
#8 The Enterprise Grade Web App Builder
Betty Blocks
What is it?
Betty Blocks is a web app builder that meets the scalability and large-team requirements of big businesses and enterprises.
What do I like about it?
Unlike most "enterprise web app builders," Betty Blocks is actually usable by completely non-technical people. It has enterprise-grade security and hosting built-in (you can run it on-prem/self-host like Budibase) and it even has support for mobile apps alongside web apps.
Who is it best for?
If you're a big enterprise and want to run your web app directly on-prem (on your own server), look no further than Betty Blocks. Betty Blocks is based in the EU, so it comes packed with the security features needed by enterprises, like GDPR compliance, SOC 2, and private-cloud hosting.
Pricing
You'll need to contact Betty Blocks for pricing information, but expect pricing to start in the thousands of USD per month.
Features
- Betty Blocks comes with automation features that can speed up your SaaS web app's processing, so your team won't have to complete repetitive tasks manually.
Comparing the Top Web App Builders
With so many options available, choosing the right web app builder depends on your specific needs. Here's how the top contenders stack up:
| Platform | Starting Price | Best For | Native Mobile Apps | Database Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adalo | $36/month | Web + native mobile from one codebase | Yes (iOS & Android) | Unlimited on paid plans |
| Bubble | $59/month | Complex web apps with extensive customization | Wrapper only | Limited by Workload Units |
| Softr | $167/month (PWA) | Simple spreadsheet-based web apps | No | Limited per app/datasource |
| Webflow | $23/month (CMS) | Design-focused websites with app features | No | CMS item limits |
| YCode | $5/month | Budget workflow apps | No | Varies by plan |
Key takeaway: If you need both web and mobile app distribution with predictable pricing, Adalo offers the most complete package. For web-only projects with extensive customization needs, Bubble provides more flexibility at the cost of complexity and potential scaling challenges.
[INTERNAL LINK: How to Build a Mobile App Without Coding] [INTERNAL LINK: Progressive Web Apps vs Native Apps: Which Should You Build?]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 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—handling the hardest part of launching an app automatically. With unlimited database records on paid plans and no usage-based charges, you get predictable pricing as your app scales. |
| 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 lets you create complete app foundations from a simple description. The platform handles the entire App Store submission process, so you can go from idea to published app without managing certificates, provisioning profiles, or app review guidelines manually. |
| 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, limits on app re-publishing, and record restrictions. Adalo's pricing is more predictable since there are no surprise charges based on app usage. |
| Which is faster to build with, Adalo or Bubble? | Adalo is generally faster for most projects due to its intuitive interface (described as "easy as PowerPoint") and AI features like Magic Start that generate complete app foundations from descriptions. Bubble offers more customization but requires significantly more time to learn and build effectively. |
| Which is easier for beginners, Adalo or Softr? | Both are beginner-friendly, but they serve different purposes. Softr is extremely simple for basic spreadsheet-based web apps. Adalo has a slightly steeper curve but offers far more capability—including native mobile apps, unlimited database records, and AI-assisted building—making it better for projects that may grow beyond basic needs. |
| Is Adalo better than Bubble for mobile apps? | Yes, for true mobile apps. Adalo creates native iOS and Android apps that compile to native code and publish directly to app stores. Bubble's mobile solution is a wrapper for web apps, which can introduce performance challenges at scale and doesn't provide the same native experience. |
| What is the difference between a web app and a Progressive Web App (PWA)? | Web apps are functional websites or SaaS platforms accessed through a browser, often behind a login screen. PWAs function like web apps but can be downloaded directly to your device, making them work somewhat like mobile apps without needing app store submission. Note that Apple has restricted PWAs for iPhones in the EU. |
| Can I turn my web app into a mobile app later? | With Adalo, yes—you can build a web app and native mobile apps from the same project simultaneously. Unlike most web app builders that only create browser-based apps, Adalo publishes to web, iOS App Store, and Google Play Store from one codebase, so you don't have to rebuild anything. |
| How much does it cost to get started with a web app builder? | Most web app builders offer free versions to help you get started. Adalo's free version lets you build out many features, with paid plans starting at $36/month for unlimited database records and app store publishing. Bubble starts at $59/month, Softr at $167/month for PWA publishing, and YCode at just $5/month for basic features. |
| Do I need coding experience to build a web app? | No. All the platforms on this list are designed for non-technical users. Adalo's drag-and-drop interface and AI features like Magic Start let you build complete apps by describing what you want in plain language—no programming knowledge required. |
