How Web Design

Best No-Code App Builders in 2026

Updated February 2026•7 Builders Tested

No-code tools have completely changed what's possible without hiring a developer. I've built functional web apps, automated workflows, and complex websites using nothing but visual builders. Here are the best no-code platforms for building real products — not just pretty pages.

Editor's Choice
#1
S

Softr

★4.7/ 5

Build client portals from Airtable.

Best For:no codeinternal toolsclient portals
4.7/ 5
Starting at
Free
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#2
G

Glide

★4.8/ 5

Create apps from Google Sheets.

Best For:mobile appsinternal toolsfield ops
4.8/ 5
Starting at
Free
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#3
B

Bubble

★4.2/ 5

Build web apps without code.

Best For:web appssaasstartups
4.2/ 5
Starting at
$29/mo
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#4
F

FlutterFlow

★4.7/ 5

Build mobile apps visually.

Best For:no codemobile appsdevelopers
4.7/ 5
Starting at
Free
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#5
A

Adalo

★4.4/ 5

Build apps without code.

Best For:no codemobile appsmvp
4.4/ 5
Starting at
$36/mo
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#6
W

Webflow

★4.9/ 5

The site builder for designers and developers.

Best For:agenciesdeveloperssaas
4.9/ 5
Starting at
$14/mo
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#7
B

Base44

★4.5/ 5

Build web apps with natural language.

Best For:no codeweb appsinternal tools
4.5/ 5
Starting at
Free
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Head-to-Head Comparison

FeatureSoftrGlide
Starting PriceFrom $16From $23
Editor Rating★ 4.8/5★ 4.7/5
Best ForBeginner FriendlyIntermediate
Support24/7 Phone & ChatEmail Only
Money Back Guarantee✓ 14 Days✓ 30 Days

Comparing our top picks: Softr vs Glide

How to Choose a No-Code Platform

No-code doesn't just mean website builders anymore. It means building full applications — databases, user authentication, payment processing, automation — all without writing code. Here's what to look for.

Websites vs. Web Apps

This distinction matters:

  • No-code website builders (Webflow, Wix, Squarespace) are for content sites — blogs, portfolios, business pages. They excel at design and content management.
  • No-code app builders (Bubble, Softr, Glide) are for interactive products — marketplaces, dashboards, internal tools, membership platforms. They handle logic, databases, and user accounts.

    • Figure out which category you need before choosing a tool.

    Key Features for No-Code Builders

  • Visual Logic Builder: Platforms like Bubble let you create complex business logic (if this, then that) without code. This is what separates no-code app builders from basic website builders.
  • Database: If your project involves user-generated content, product listings, or any data that changes, you need a built-in database. Airtable, Bubble, and Softr all include this.
  • API Integrations: Can you connect to Stripe for payments? Zapier for automation? Google Sheets as a data source? The more integrations, the more powerful your no-code project becomes.
  • User Authentication: If you're building something with user accounts (a marketplace, SaaS tool, community), the platform needs built-in login/signup functionality.
  • Scalability: Some no-code tools work great for prototypes but struggle at scale. Check the platform's pricing and performance at higher tiers if you expect growth.

    • Our Recommendations

  • Best for Websites: Webflow — Professional-grade websites with CMS capabilities and clean code output. The industry favorite for designers.
  • Best for Web Apps: Bubble — The most powerful no-code app builder. You can build SaaS products, marketplaces, and complex tools.
  • Best for Internal Tools: Softr — Turns Airtable databases into polished internal apps and client portals. Stupidly simple.
  • Best for Automation: Zapier — Not a builder per se, but the glue that connects everything. Automate workflows between 5,000+ tools without code.

    • How to Build a No-Code Project (Step by Step)

    Whether you're building a website, web app, or automated workflow, here's the no-code process.

    Step 1: Define What You're Building

    Be specific about what your project needs to DO, not just what it looks like:

  • Does it need user accounts? → You need an app builder (Bubble, Softr)
  • Is it a content site? → Website builder (Webflow, Wix)
  • Does it need to process payments? → Make sure your tool integrates with Stripe or PayPal
  • Does it need a database? → Airtable + Softr, or Bubble's built-in database

    • Step 2: Choose Your Tools

    For a website: Start with Webflow (most control) or Wix (easiest).

    For a web app: Start with Bubble (most powerful) or Softr (simplest).

    For automation: Use Zapier or Make to connect tools together.

    Often you'll combine 2-3 tools — that's normal in no-code.

    Step 3: Build Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

    Don't try to build everything at once. Build the smallest version that solves the core problem:

  • For a marketplace: List items → contact seller → done. Add payments later.
  • For a SaaS tool: Core feature → login → done. Add dashboards later.
  • For a website: 3 pages → contact form → done. Add blog later.

    • Step 4: Connect Your Integrations

    This is where no-code shines. Connect your tools:

  • Payment form → Stripe → email confirmation (Zapier)
  • Contact form → Airtable → Slack notification (Make)
  • New user signup → welcome email sequence (ConvertKit)

    • Step 5: Test With Real Users and Iterate

    Share your MVP with 5-10 people. Watch how they use it. Note where they get confused or frustrated. Fix those issues and repeat. No-code makes iteration fast — changes that would take a developer days can be done in hours.

    The beauty of no-code is speed. You can validate an idea in a weekend instead of spending months and thousands of dollars on development.

    Can you really build a real product without code?
    Yes. Tools like Bubble power full SaaS applications with thousands of users. Webflow builds production-grade websites for major brands. No-code has matured way beyond simple landing pages. That said, there are limits — extremely complex apps or high-performance requirements may still need custom code.
    Is no-code cheaper than hiring a developer?
    Significantly. A developer might cost $5,000-50,000+ for a web app. No-code tools cost $25-200/month and let you build it yourself. Even with a steeper learning curve, you save thousands and maintain full control over your product.
    What's the best no-code platform for beginners?
    For websites, Wix is the easiest. For apps, Softr is the gentlest learning curve — it turns Airtable spreadsheets into functional web apps. Bubble is the most powerful but has the steepest learning curve.
    Can no-code apps scale?
    Yes, with caveats. Bubble and Webflow can handle thousands of concurrent users. But at extreme scale (millions of users), you may need to migrate to custom code. For 99% of projects, no-code scales just fine.

    Methodology: We selected these builders based on over 100 hours of testing specifically for no-code. Our rankings consider ease of use, pricing, feature set, and customer support quality.