No-code app builders are platforms that allow people to create web and mobile applications without needing to write any actual code. Instead, they provide drag-and-drop interfaces with pre-built templates and features components that can be configured to build functional apps.

Swiftspeed App Builder editor Image source: swiftspeed

The main benefits of no-code platforms include:

Faster app development: Apps can be built in days or weeks rather than months since you don’t have to hand-code everything; you can use the drag-and-drop app builder features and customize it to suit your business needs. This allows for rapid prototyping and iteration.

Lower costs: You don’t need an army of developers or a million-dollar budget to build apps on no-code platforms, so it’s much more affordable. This makes custom apps viable for small businesses and teams.

Accessibility: Since you don’t need coding skills, anyone can build apps on no-code platforms. This democratizes app development beyond just engineers.

Flexibility: The visual interfaces allow apps to be quickly modified as needs change. New features can be added without engineering resources or a need to republish.

The no-code movement began gaining steam in the early 2010s, as platforms like WordPress, Appian, Quickbase, and Betty Blocks emerged to simplify business application and website development. It has exploded in popularity recently as [low-code/no-code tools](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-code_development_platform) have improved significantly. Advances in artificial intelligence, templating, and integration have expanded the capabilities of no-code platforms even further.

No-code tools have opened app development to product managers, small businesses, students, and other “citizen developers.” While coding skills remain incredibly valuable, no-code platforms enable many more people to create functional web and mobile applications faster and easier than ever before.

What Can You Build With No-Code Platforms?

No-code platforms allow anyone to build mobile apps without knowing how to code. Here are some of the common types of apps and use cases for no-code platforms:

*Business Apps
*- CRM apps to manage customers and sales

• HR apps to manage employees, onboarding, training
• Inventory management apps
• Task management and project management apps
• Accounting and invoicing apps 
• Scheduling and calendaring apps
• Data collection and database apps

*Internal Tools
*- Customer support portals and help desk apps

• Reporting and analytics dashboards
• Automation tools to streamline workflows 
• Apps for tracking assets and equipment
• Apps to manage documents, files, and CMS

*Consumer Apps
*- Social apps and social networks

• Marketplace and ecommerce apps
• Listing and directory apps
• Reservation and booking apps
• Review and rating apps
• Educational and learning apps
• Lifestyle, health and fitness apps

*Mobile Apps
*- Native iOS and Android apps

• Hybrid mobile apps with web views
• Apps with offline access and syncing

*Web Apps
*- Informational sites and blogs

• Online communities and forums
• Web portals and intranets
• Online courses and membership sites

However, no-code platforms do have some limitations compared to traditional coding. Complex custom logic, 3D graphics, AR/VR, and intense calculations may be difficult or impossible with no-code tools. Support for emerging technologies like blockchain is also limited. For very advanced apps, coding may still be required. But for most businesses, consumers, and mobile apps, no-code platforms provide a quick and easy way to build fully-featured applications.

Top 10 No-Code App Builders

Many no-code app builders are on the market today, but these 10 platforms stand out for their intuitive interfaces, extensive feature sets, and overall ease of use, even for non-technical users. The top no-code platforms make it simple to build web and mobile apps, automate workflows, and create complex solutions without coding.

The rankings and criteria for inclusion on this top 10 list are based on:

Ease of use for beginners

Depth of features for more advanced projects

Flexibility to build a range of app types

Active user community and availability of support

Scalability from simple to enterprise-level

1 Swiftspeed

Swiftspeed is a cross-platform mobile application development platform that empowers users to create and manage mobile applications efficiently. Swiftspeed has garnered attention for its user-friendly approach to app development, catering to a diverse range of customers globally.

Background

Swiftspeed is my top pick for a no-code app development platform because it offers a streamlined, intuitive interface that simplifies the creation of mobile applications. It is designed to be accessible to seasoned developers and those with limited coding experience, enabling a wide range of users to bring their app ideas to life.

The platform focuses on mobile app development, providing tools and features specifically tailored for creating high-quality, responsive mobile applications.

Features

Key features of Swiftspeed include:

User-Friendly Interface: Offers a straightforward, drag-and-drop interface, making app development accessible to non-technical users.

Cross-Platform Development: Allow users to create apps compatible with both iOS and Android devices.

Customizable Templates: Provides a variety of templates that users can customize to suit their specific needs.

Integrated Analytics: Comes with built-in analytics tools to track app performance and user engagement.

Monetization Options: Supports various monetization strategies, including in-app purchases and advertising.

Push Notifications: Allows developers to send notifications to users easily to keep them engaged.

Offline Capabilities: Ensures apps remain functional even without an internet connection.

Pros

Ease of Use: Its intuitive design allows quick learning and efficient app development.

Flexibility: Suitable for creating a wide range of mobile apps, from simple to complex.

Cost-Effective: Offers competitive pricing, making it accessible for small to medium-sized businesses.

Full Source Code: Swiftspeed is the only app maker platform that lets even free plan users access both their Android and iOS apps' source code

Create Games: Users can also create mobile games without coding

Regular Updates: Continuously updates with new features and improvements.

Cons

Steeper learning curve

Dependency on Platform: Users are reliant on Swiftspeed’s infrastructure and updates.

Pricing

Swiftspeed offers a tiered pricing model to cater to different user needs and budgets:

Free Plan: Limited access to features and templates, but free for a lifetime.

Business Plan: Affordable option for individuals or small businesses at £10/month.

Business Plan Yearly: More subsidized yearly plans for growing businesses at £79/year.

Enterprise WhiteLabel Solution: This is for app development agencies looking to host their app development platform. This is also suitable for large organizations with specific requirements. Pegged at £112/year.

Key Customers

Swiftspeed’s clientele includes a range of businesses, from startups to established enterprises, particularly those looking to deploy mobile applications quickly without extensive coding.

Swiftspeed is an appealing choice for businesses and individuals seeking a straightforward, efficient way to develop mobile applications. Its focus on mobile app development, combined with its user-friendly interface and flexible pricing, makes it a go-to platform for a diverse range of app developers

2 Appian

Appian is a low-code application development platform that allows users to build web and mobile apps quickly. It was founded in 1999 in Virginia and has over 5,000 customers worldwide.

Background

Appian simplifies app development using a drag-and-drop interface, reusable components, and wizards. It allows both developers and non-technical users to participate in application creation without traditional coding. Appian connects business units, data, processes, and the workforce on a single platform.

Features

Some key features of Appian include:

Visual design and modeling: Build apps faster with drag-and-drop design and powerful process modeling tools.

Mobility: Easily build native mobile apps for iOS and Android. Access apps from anywhere.

Data and systems integration: Connect to data sources, leverage legacy systems, and interface with external applications.

Collaboration: Promote better teamwork with social collaboration, task management, and discussion threads.

Security: Manage complex security policies and restrictions with role-based access and encryption.

Cloud platform: Deploy and scale rapidly in the cloud or on-premises.

Pros

• Intuitive interface for faster development
• Integrated platform connecting data, processes, people 
• Strong capabilities for case management and process automation
• Can build web, mobile, and offline apps from one platform

Cons

• Steeper learning curve than some no-code tools
• Can be more expensive for smaller businesses
• Limited custom branding and design options

Pricing

Appian offers cloud deployment with subscription-based pricing. There are four pricing editions:

Community Edition — Free version for up to 5 users and 1 application

Standard — Starts at $545/user/month

Enterprise — Custom pricing

Premium — Custom pricing

Key Customers

Some notable Appian customers include:

Bank of England

Generation Life

Mitsubishi

Canadian Tire

Astellas Pharma

The low-code development and cloud deployment make Appian a popular choice for large enterprises looking to build and scale mission-critical applications quickly. Its comprehensive platform also appeals to companies wanting to integrate data and workflows.

3 Quickbase

Quickbase is a flexible no-code platform that makes it easy for anyone to build custom business applications and workflows.

Background

Founded in 1999, Quickbase is one of the oldest and most established no-code platforms. It is owned by Intuit and has over 8,000 customers.

Features

• Drag-and-drop interface to build apps visually 
• Connect to 100+ data sources, including Excel, Salesforce, Office 365
• Embedding charts, calendars, kanban boards 
• Automation and workflows
• User management and permissions
• APIs and integration with Zapier and Integromat

Pros

• Ideal for building internal business apps like CRM, project management, HR databases 
• Strong security and compliance 
• Scales to enterprise-level projects
• Flexible pricing plans

Cons

• Steeper learning curve than some no-code tools 
• Not optimized for public web apps

Pricing

Quickbase offers two main plans:

• Standard ($15/month/user) 
• Premier ($40/month/user)

It also has enterprise and non-profit pricing available.

Key Customers

Quickbase is used by organizations like Verizon, Deloitte, Red Cross, and over 50% of Fortune 100 companies.

4 Betty Blocks

Betty Blocks is a no-code development platform that allows anyone to build web and mobile applications using a visual editor and pre-built components.

Founded in the Netherlands in 2015, Betty Blocks aims to democratize software development and empower business users to create their own applications.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop editor to build responsive web and mobile apps 
• Large library of pre-built components and templates
• Connect to data sources like databases, REST APIs, and Excel 
• User management, roles, and permissions
• Integration with 3rd party services like Stripe, MailChimp, etc.
• Real-time database and push notifications
• Hosted on AWS with guaranteed uptime and security

Pros

• Intuitive visual editor is easy for non-developers 
• Active community forum for questions and inspiration
• Excellent documentation and learning resources
• Apps are responsive for web, iOS and Android
• Flexible pricing options

Cons

• Limited customization compared to traditional coding
• Steep learning curve for more advanced functionality
• Add-ons and integrations cost extra

Pricing

Betty Blocks offers different pricing tiers:

• Free — build unlimited apps with basic features
• Starter — $199/mo for 2 apps and 1 builder 
• Business — $399/mo for 10 apps and 3 builders
• Enterprise — custom pricing

Key Customers

Betty Blocks is used by over 10,000 organizations globally across various industries like finance, retail, healthcare, education, and more. Some key customers include:

• Ticketmaster
• Deloitte 
• ING Bank
• eBay
• Yamaha
• Stanford University

The visual editor and pre-built components allow Betty Blocks to be an intuitive platform for companies to quickly build custom web and mobile apps without coding. While it may not have the complete flexibility of traditional development, Betty Blocks empowers business users to meet many application needs faster.

5 AppSheet

AppSheet is a no-code app development platform founded in 2014 that allows users to easily build mobile and web apps without coding.

Features

• Drag-and-drop interface to build apps visually 
• Connect apps to data sources like Excel, Google Sheets, SQL databases
• Generate native Android, iOS, and web apps
• Embedded analytics and notifications 
• Role-based access control
• Version control and app updating

Pros

• Great for non-technical users to build apps fast
• Apps can access device features like camera, GPS, etc.
• Scale to enterprise level with governance and controls

Cons

• Limited customization compared to traditional coding
• Steep learning curve for more advanced app capabilities
• Publishing apps require expensive monthly plans

Pricing

AppSheet offers four pricing tiers:

• Free — 1 app, limited features
• Basic — $5/user/month for 5 apps 
• Pro — $10/user/month for 15 apps
• Enterprise — Custom pricing

Key Customers

AppSheet is used by companies like Danone, Toyota, and John Deere to build internal business apps. Government agencies like the US Navy and the City of San Diego also use AppSheet.

6 Airtable

Airtable is a flexible no-code platform that combines the features of a spreadsheet, database, and project management system. Originally launched in 2012, Airtable has quickly become one of the most popular no-code app builders for personal and business use.

Background

Airtable was founded by Howie Liu, Andrew Ofstad, and Emmett Nicholas. The founders set out to create a tool that fused the flexibility of a spreadsheet with the structured data storage of a database. This allows regular people to create powerful applications and workflows without coding.

Airtable is based in San Francisco and has raised over $270 million in funding. As of 2022, Airtable has over 250,000 companies using its platform across 200+ countries.

Features

• Intuitive spreadsheet-database interface
• Customizable fields, views, and templates
• Automation to connect and sync data between bases
• File storage and attachments
• Calendar, timeline, and map views
• Forms, galleries, bar charts, and other interactive elements 
• APIs and integrations with other apps like Zapier and Slack

Pros

• Extremely flexible and customizable 
• Great for managing all types of data and workflows
• Easy to get started for non-technical users
• Robust automation capabilities
• Active community support

Cons

• Can get complex with large datasets or intricate workflows
• Mobile experience not as fully featured
• Steep learning curve on some advanced features
• Expensive compared to some other no-code platforms

Pricing

Airtable offers four pricing tiers:

• Free — up to 1,200 records per base
• Plus — $10/month/user 
• Pro — $20/month/user
• Enterprise — custom pricing

The Pro and Enterprise plans include features like version history, record-level permissions, and priority support.

Key Customers

Airtable counts many well-known companies among its users, including:

• Netflix 
• Nike
• Amazon 
• Google
• Condé Nast
• Deliveroo

It’s become a popular platform for organizations of all sizes looking to build custom workflows and apps without coding skills. The flexibility of Airtable’s data model makes it applicable to nearly any use case.

How to Choose the Right No-Code Platform

Choosing the right no-code platform for your needs requires careful consideration of several key criteria and questions:

Key Criteria to Consider

Features: Evaluate which features are most important for your app needs, like forms, workflows, reporting, integrations, etc. Ensure the platform supports the required capabilities.

Skill level: Some no-code platforms require more technical know-how than others. Consider the programming experience of your team.

Scalability: If launching an enterprise-level application, ensure the no-code platform can handle complex workflows and large data volumes without slowdowns.

Security: Review security protocols like encryption, permissions, authentication, and compliance with regulations.

Support and community: Look for responsive technical support and an active user community.

The questions you should ask are:

What types of apps can I build with this platform? What are the use cases and examples?

How easy is it to build complex or data-intensive applications?

What is the learning curve? How quickly could my team be productive?

Does the platform integrate with databases, APIs, and other tools we use?

How much customization and design control is possible?

Is there a free tier or trial I can test?

When to Use No-Code vs. Coding

No-code shines for prototyping ideas, building internal business apps, and simple customer-facing apps. Traditional coding is better for complex apps involving advanced functionality.

Consider no-code if you:

Want to validate an app concept quickly

Have a non-technical team with no coding skills

Need an app with basic forms, workflows, and data management

Have a limited development budget

For advanced apps involving complex algorithms, 3D graphics, machine learning, or special hardware integration, no-code likely won’t suffice. In those cases, hiring professional developers is best.

The right platform depends on your team, app needs, and resources. You can determine if no-code is the right fit by evaluating your options carefully.

Wrapping Up

With the rise of no-code platforms, building apps and automating workflows is now accessible to anyone regardless of technical skill. As we’ve read in this article, a variety of excellent no-code tools are available that allow you to create powerful apps for your business needs.

No-code will continue gaining adoption as businesses recognize its potential for boosting productivity. We can expect constant innovation from no-code vendors adding more advanced capabilities. The future is bright for empowering people to create apps and leverage technology in new ways without coding. No code opens up a world of possibilities.