The 3 best no code app builders for beginners (ultimate guide)
Last updated
June 18, 2024
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No code app builders are revolutionizing the way people create applications and websites - no coding skills required. If you're a beginner looking to build an app without writing a single line of code, this guide is for you. We'll cover the best no code tools for newbies, including Glide, Softr, Carrd, and Bubble.
These drag-and-drop app builders make it easy to design professional-looking apps, even if you have zero programming experience. They're perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone with an app idea but limited technical skills or budget.
Glide: The Easiest No Code App Builder for Business Apps
Glide stands out for its integrated database and drag-and-drop elements, making it a breeze to design sleek apps. It's ideal for internal business apps like:
CRM
Sales tracker
Inventory tracker
With Glide's intuitive interface, you can create powerful business apps in minutes, not months. Simply choose a template, connect your data, and customize the design to match your brand. No coding required!
Glide's pricing is based on number of private users, with the Pro plan allowing 50 users and Business allowing 100. This makes it best suited for teams of 50-100 rather than consumer apps aimed at thousands.
Another use case for Glide is building minimum viable products (MVPs). You can quickly prototype an app using Glide's templates to test demand before investing in a more scalable platform. Plus, Glide offers built-in no code AI features to enhance your business apps.
So if you need to build an internal tool fast or validate an app idea, give Glide a try. It's the easiest way to go from spreadsheet to app without writing code.
Softr: Building Apps with Familiar Databases
Like Glide, Softr provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. But Softr lets you power your app with databases you may already be using: Airtable or Google Sheets. This is great if you have existing data stored in those tools that you want to turn into an app.
Softr excels at building apps with different permission levels and access, such as:
Employee directories where teammates see select info
Membership sites with paywalled content
With Softr, you can leverage the power of Airtable or Google Sheets as your backend while creating a polished, customized frontend for your users. It's a low-code way to transform your data into interactive web apps.
While Softr can handle these use cases well, it's more limited than Glide or Bubble for complex web apps requiring lots of custom logic and backend functionality. Choose Softr when you need a polished app that plugs into Airtable or Google Sheets data.
But for basic CRUD apps that display and manage existing data, Softr shines. You'll be amazed how quickly you can spin up a professional app synced to your favorite database tools.
Carrd: Simple No Code Website Builder for Membership Sites
Carrd is the simplest way to build one-page websites. By integrating with Memberstack, you can transform a Carrd site into a basic membership app with gated content behind a login.
This setup works for lightweight membership apps, but won't have the same firepower as Glide or Softr, which connect to actual databases. Think of Carrd + Memberstack as a quick solution for basic membership sites that don't require complex functionality.
If you just need a simple splash page or landing page that collects emails or restricts some content to members, the Carrd and Memberstack combo can get the job done in a jiffy. No databases, no problem!
But for more robust membership platforms with user-specific data and permissions, you'll want a tool that integrates with a real database like Glide or Softr. Carrd is best for basic, static sites.
Bubble: The No Code Tool for Complex Apps
When you need to build sophisticated consumer-facing apps, Bubble is the heavy hitter of the no code world. It provides far more flexibility and customization than Glide or Softr.
Bubble has a steeper learning curve, but that's because it's so dang powerful. You can build multi-user apps with complex logic, third-party integrations, and completely custom designs. The sky's the limit.
In fact, the No Code MBA app itself is built on Bubble. Users log into a learning management system with all the bells and whistles, demonstrating what's possible with this powerful tool.
So if you have a grand app vision that needs lots of features and flexibility, Bubble can likely handle it. You'll just need to invest more time in learning the platform.
To see more examples of complex apps built without code, check out the no code case studies showcasing Bubble's potential.
Learning No Code App Building
Want to learn how to build apps yourself without code? No Code MBA offers:
By joining No Code MBA, you'll gain the skills to build functional apps and websites - no programming required. Our courses guide you through the process step-by-step.
You'll learn by doing, not just watching. Each course centers around a real project, so you'll be building apps from day one. And our supportive community of no code builders is always there to help.
So whether you want to launch a startup, automate your business, or expand your freelance services, learning no code unlocks a world of possibilities. You can bring your ideas to life without the time and expense of traditional development.
What's the best no code app builder for beginners?
For novices, we recommend starting with Glide for internal business apps or Softr for apps using Airtable/Google Sheets data. Both provide intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces that make app building accessible.
Can I build an app for free with no code tools?
Most no code app builders offer free plans to get started, but with limitations on features or number of users. To build more full-featured apps, you'll likely need to upgrade to a paid plan. Compare pricing to find the most affordable option for your needs.
How can I add login and payments to a no code website?
Memberstack is a no code tool that lets you add members-only login and payment functionality to basic website builders like Carrd. This allows you to create simple membership sites without code.
What no code tool should I use to build a complex web app?
For apps that require advanced functionality and customization, Bubble is the most powerful no code tool available. It provides far more flexibility than Glide or Softr. However, this also means a steeper learning curve.