The 5 Best No Code Mobile App Builders For 2024

For a long time, businesses grappled with the challenges of creating custom apps using traditional methods, which often meant significant costs and time investments. The shortage of skilled developers only added to the struggle, pushing for exploring alternatives.

The emergence of no-code platforms has become a game-changer, allowing for app development without traditional coding. With their help, app development extends beyond traditional developers to include business professionals and enthusiasts, making technology more accessible and opening up new possibilities.

Below, we'll present our top 5 picks of the best no-code app builders, focusing on platforms that enable the creation of mobile apps deployable on app stores. It's worth noting that while no-code platforms excel at rapidly prototyping, building moderately complex applications, and automating business processes, there may be limitations in flexibility and complexity. Traditional coding approaches may still be necessary for highly specialized or intricate applications.

Adalo 

Adalo is a user-friendly, no-code platform that lets anyone easily create web and mobile apps, even without coding expertise. Thanks to its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can design their app's interface, use pre-built components, and customize styles to align with their branding. Adalo focuses on mobile app development, supporting cross-platform compatibility for Android and iOS devices. Users can integrate databases for dynamic, data-driven apps using Adalo's spreadsheet-style database or external data sources. The platform offers tools and features like advanced authentication, customized notifications, and real-time testing. While backend logic is limited, Adalo can integrate with other tools and APIs that provide backend functionality. A unique feature is its advanced Analytics menu, which projects app performance based on gathered data. Upon completing app development, Adalo hosts and deploys the app to the app stores or the web.

Pros:

• Drag-and-drop interface for easy app creation

• Extensive variety of pre-built templates and components

• Affordable packages, including a free tier that allows publishing mobile or web apps on Adalo hosted domain

• Support for external integrations

Cons:

• Limited options for advanced functionality

• Relatively steep learning curve

• App stores publishing is available only from the Professional plan onwards

• Vendor lock-in: apps can only run on the Adalo platform

Pricing:

Adalo offers a range of affordable plans, including a free tier. Paid plans include Starter ($45/month), Professional ($65/month), Team ($200/month), and Business ($250/month). Annual subscribers receive a 20% discount.

FlutterFlow

Flutterflow is a no-code platform focusing on creating mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the web using Google's Flutter framework. Its drag-and-drop interface simplifies UI design and seamlessly integrates with Firebase for robust backend features. With 150+ templates and various customization options, it caters to users of all skill levels. While beginner-friendly, FlutterFlow allows those familiar with Flutter to add custom code for more advanced features, making it a versatile choice. Noteworthy features include support for animations, push notifications, AI integrations, and the ability to export the app code, offering flexibility for users. It's an ideal tool for those wanting a balance between no-code simplicity and low-code capabilities. Once the app is complete, FlutterFlow provides options for publishing it to app stores or as a web app. 

Pros:

• Cross-platform functionality for mobile and web apps

• Extensive customization options

• No vendor lock-in – allows users to export the app code

Cons:

• Limited technical support and documentation

• Steeper learning curve, especially without Flutter knowledge

• Works best with Firebase as the backend

Pricing:

Flutterflow has a free plan that provides access to the core platform features as well as Firebase and Supabase integrations. Paid plans with downloadable source code and APK range Standard ($30/month), Pro ($70/month), Team ($70/month), and Enterprise (price on request). Annual subscribers enjoy a 25% discount.

Thunkable

Thunkable, a robust and longstanding no-code app builder, empowers users to create fully functional native Android and iOS apps through a visual drag-and-drop interface. What makes Thunkable unique is its simultaneous app creation for both iOS and Android devices. Thunkable is known for its emphasis on tooling, providing a unique set of tools and features that allow users to customize and tailor the design of their applications. The platform offers an extensive library of pre-built templates and components, providing a head start to app development. Thunkable supports seamless integration with third-party services and APIs, including Airtable, Firebase, Figma, Backendless, and more. From real-time data storage to machine learning capabilities, Thunkable caters to diverse app development needs. It includes an automated conversion tool for seamless transitions between mobile and web applications. Thunkable facilitates easy app publishing to the App Store and Google Play.

Pros:

• The intuitive interface facilitates easy app creation

• Naturally native with full functionalities for Android and iOS

• Extensible integrations with third-party services

• Automated conversion tool for mobile-to-web and vice versa

Cons:

• Vendor lock-in: applications cannot be exported from Thunkable as code.

• Customization options are limited

• App stores publishing is available only from the Pro plan onwards

Pricing: Thunkable offers a free plan supporting up to 10 projects. Paid plans, including Starter ($15/month), Pro ($45/month), Business ($200/month), and Team ($500/month), provide additional projects and features such as private projects and app publishing. Annual subscriptions offer discounts, providing users with two months of free usage.

Draftbit

Draftbit is a no-code mobile app development platform using the React Native framework. It empowers users to effortlessly create native mobile apps without traditional coding skills. The platform boasts an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, providing access to a library of pre-built components, including UI elements and navigation options. Extensive customization possibilities allow users to refine the styling of their apps, adjusting colors, fonts, and other design elements. Like FlutterFlow, Draftbit allows users to download the app's source code but is better suited for complex app development. It supports integration with external data sources, allowing users to connect their apps to databases, APIs, and various services. It includes collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work on the same app simultaneously. Its real-time preview function lets users witness instant feedback on their app's appearance and functionality as they make design changes.

Pros:

• Naturally native with full functionalities for Android and iOS

• Diverse range of data source connections

• No vendor lock-in – allows users to export the app code.

• Real-time preview feature for instant feedback on app appearance and functionality.

Cons:

• Developing for the web may not be as intuitive compared to dedicated web-focused builders

• The learning curve for advanced features

Pricing:

Draftbit stands out with its diverse range of packages. In addition to the complimentary package, which includes five screens and three draft apps, users can take their apps live with paid plans. These encompass standard packages like Basic ($29/month), Pro ($79/month), and Team ($249/month). For specific needs, advanced packages cater to different use cases, offering Freelancer ($129/month), Agency ($399), and Enterprise ($995/month) plans. Annual subscribers can benefit from discounts. On top of this diversity, Draftbit provides an Expert Pricing tier for those seeking specialized app-building services.

Bravo Studio

Bravo Studio is a no-code mobile app development platform, enabling designers to turn their Figma or Adobe XD designs into mobile apps without coding. The platform is known for its focus on creating native mobile apps and supports both iOS and Android platforms. It provides templates and pre-built features, simplifying the app creation process. Users can customize components, add advanced features, and tailor the app to their specific needs. The platform allows for the integration of advanced features such as location tracking, push notifications, and social media integrations. Users can connect apps to various data sources and third-party services through APIs. It supports easy app preview on devices and seamless publishing to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Bravo Studio also offers analytics for app tracking and tools for ongoing maintenance and updates.

Pros:

• Naturally native with full functionalities for Android and iOS

• Fast iteration allowing quick refinement of the app based on feedback

• Dedicated customer support for paid plans

Cons: 

• Customization options are limited

• Integrations with third-party services may have compatibility limitations restricting app functionality

• Vendor lock-in: users can not export app code from Bravo.

Pricing:

Bravo Studio provides flexible pricing options, starting with a free plan supporting unlimited projects. For app publishing, users can choose from paid plans, including Solo ($22/month), Solo Advanced ($121/month), and Solo Business ($242/month). Annual subscriptions come with discounts, offering users two months of free usage.

Reading time: 5 min 29 sec