App Builder AI Tools
- Draftbit
- What it offers: Draftbit is a low-code mobile app builder which lets you visually design and build React Native apps that can be exported as real code. It’s great for developers or tech-savvy entrepreneurs who want more control than a no-code tool, but less complexity than starting from scratch..
- Best for: Startups and product teams who want to rapidly prototype or launch a custom mobile app with access to the actual codebase.
- Example use cases: A marketing agency wanting to deliver client apps faster using a repeatable front-end system; and a startup wanting an app presence to complement its website.
- Paid plans: Basic Plan: $29/month. Pro Plan: $79/month. Team Plan: $249/month. (Can be accessed by UK businesses)*.
- Pro tip: Draftbit lets you export clean, editable React Native code — so you can start visually and handoff or extend it with developers later. This bridges the gap between no-code and full-code, keeping your build flexible as you grow.
- *How To Save On Foreign Transactions
- Adalo
- What it offers: Adalo is a no-code app builder that enables anyone to create native mobile (iOS, Android) and web apps visually, without writing code. Design interfaces using drag-and-drop tools, manage data with built-in or external databases (like Airtable or Xano), and publish directly to app stores or as Progressive Web Apps.
- Best for: Entrepreneurs, educators, or small businesses who want a fast, intuitive way to launch mobile or web apps, especially those testing ideas, MVPs, or online services.
- Example use cases: A personal trainer wanting to launch a booking and workout plan app; and a property manager listing rentals with in-app messaging features.
- Paid plans: Starter Plan: $36/month. Professional Plan: $52/month. Team Plan: $150/month. Business Plan: $200/month. (Can be accessed by UK businesses)*
- Pro tip: Keep your app design simple and minimal with clean logic from the start. Many users report that too many custom database relationships or heavy component lists can slow the app down. Start small, monitor performance, and scale gradually.
- *How To Save On Foreign Transactions
- Softr
- What it offers: Softr is a no-code platform which transforms spreadsheets or databases into interactive, web-based applications—such as directories, client portals, CRMs, or membership sites. It can do this in minutes, all without programming knowledge.
- Best for: Ideal for non-technical small and medium-sized businesses which need to quickly build and deploy functional web apps to digitise workflows and automate processes on a budget.
- Example use cases: A small conservatory company wants to easily turn an Airtable or Google Sheet into a web-based project tracker for its team; and a sports council wants a browsable online directory for local sports clubs using a spreadsheet as the database.
- Paid plans: Basic Plan: $49/month. Professional Plan: $139/month. (Can be accessed by UK businesses)*
- Pro tip: On the free plan, use the "Password-Protected Pages" feature to securely share custom internal tools or directories with select users - perfect for small teams or member-only content without paying for advanced user management.
- *How To Save On Foreign Transactions
Comparison table
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| Feature | Draftbit | Adalo | Softr (best free plan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Developers and advanced users wanting React Native apps with custom code capabilities and full source code export. | Beginners and small businesses looking for intuitive drag-and-drop mobile and web app creation with database integration. | Small to medium businesses needing professional web apps with advanced integrations, custom domains, and comprehensive database connectivity. |
| No-Code App Creation | ✅ Visual drag-and-drop builder but allows custom React Native code integration for advanced functionality. | ✅ Intuitive drag-and-drop interface, perfect for beginners with database-driven apps. | ✅ Advanced drag-and-drop editor with AI assistance, custom code embedding, and professional theming options. |
| Customisation & Templates | ✅ Extensive UI component library, supports custom React Native components and NPM packages. | ✅ Good selection of templates and marketplace components like progress bars, sliders, and date pickers. | ✅ Professional template library with full branding control, custom CSS, and advanced theming capabilities. |
| Loyalty & Engagement Tools | 🟠 Basic notification features, requires custom development or integrations for advanced loyalty systems. | ✅ Built-in user authentication, push notifications, and basic engagement features included. | ✅ Advanced membership management, gated content, user authentication, and comprehensive notification systems. |
| Integration Capabilities | ✅ Strong API integration support, custom functions, and ability to import NPM packages for extensive functionality. | ✅ Good third-party integrations including Zapier, Stripe, and various APIs for payments and data sources. | ✅ Extensive integrations including API access, advanced authentication and comprehensive database connectivity. |
| Platform Reach | ✅ React Native output for iOS and Android, with full source code export for advanced deployment options. | ✅ Native iOS and Android apps, plus progressive web apps (PWAs) for cross-platform reach. | ✅ Professional web apps, PWAs, custom domains, and white-label deployment options. |
| Ease of Use | 🟠 More complex than typical no-code tools, better suited for users with some technical background. | ✅ Extremely beginner-friendly with intuitive drag-and-drop interface and excellent onboarding. | ✅ User-friendly interface with powerful features accessible to both beginners and advanced users. |
| Paid Plans |
• Basic Plan: $29/month • Pro Plan: $79/month • Team Plan: $249/month • (Can be accessed by UK businesses) |
• Starter Plan: $36/month • Professional Plan: $152/month • Team Plan: $150/month • Business Plan: $200/month • (Can be accessed by UK businesses) |
• Basic Plan: $49/month • Professional Plan: $139/month • Business Plan: $269/month • (Can be accessed by UK businesses) |
| Visit Draftbit | Visit Adalo | Visit Softr |
