Top AppSheet Alternatives for Building No-Code Business Apps

April 15, 2025

AppSheet is a go-to tool for creating lightweight mobile apps, especially for teams operating in the field or using Google Workspace. But as your business grows and your needs expand beyond mobile, you may find yourself looking for AppSheet alternatives that offer more customization, web-based flexibility, and powerful integrations. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top platforms to consider and help you find the best fit for your internal tools and business apps.

Why Consider an AppSheet Alternative?

Choosing the right no-code platform isn’t just about getting started; it’s about making sure your tools can evolve with your team’s needs. While AppSheet can be useful for quick mobile deployments, it often lacks the adaptability required for internal operations, cross-platform access, or role-specific workflows. For businesses aiming to streamline internal processes or build scalable tools, it's worth considering platforms that go further in terms of flexibility and control.

When Mobile-First Design Isn’t Enough

AppSheet is excellent for launching quick mobile apps based on Google Sheets or Excel, making it a great fit for teams on the move. But many businesses reach a point where they need apps that aren’t just mobile-friendly, they need desktop-friendly platforms with powerful UI customization, centralized access control, and automation features that work across departments.

Limitations of AppSheet for Scaling Business Apps

While it excels in field team scenarios, AppSheet can feel restrictive for SMBs and internal operations teams due to:

  • Limited UI customization and branding control
  • Mobile-first orientation with less robust desktop support
  • Basic permissioning and user management tools
  • Limited native integration options beyond Google ecosystem

As your business grows, these factors can hinder scalability and usability, especially when building tools for internal teams or external stakeholders like clients and vendors.

What to Look for in an AppSheet Alternative

Choosing the right AppSheet alternative depends on your goals, but here are key factors to evaluate:

Feature Why It Matters
Web-first design Ensure accessibility across devices and teams
Advanced permissions Manage access securely for internal/external users
Automation tools Streamline workflows and reduce manual tasks
Flexible data handling Support for native tables and third-party data sources
Custom UI & branding Deliver a user experience tailored to your brand
Templates & onboarding Get started quickly with guided building blocks

Leading Alternatives to AppSheet

Noloco – Perfect for Custom Business Apps and Internal Tools

Noloco is built for business teams that want to move beyond mobile spreadsheets and build full-featured internal tools and client-facing apps without coding.

✅ Point-and-click app builder
Advanced permissions for secure access
✅ Seamless integration with Airtable, Google Sheets and SQL (as well as a native solution with Noloco Tables)
AI-powered workflow automation
✅ Optimized for CRMs, back-office tools, and client portals

While Noloco is web-first by design, all apps are also instantly accessible on mobile devices, offering a fully responsive experience and the ability to be installed just like a native app. That means teams can benefit from mobile accessibility without compromising on desktop usability or advanced app functionality.

Glide – Fast Apps for Field Teams and Mobile Use

Glide is a spreadsheet-powered platform often used as a mobile-first alternative to AppSheet. It’s great for creating tools for on-the-go teams or simple task management.

  • Integrates with Google Sheets and Excel
  • Intuitive builder with mobile-first focus
  • Limited customization and access control options

Compare: Noloco vs Glide

Softr – Website and Client Portals on Airtable

Softr focuses on building branded portals and directories based on Airtable data. It’s beginner-friendly and ideal for customer-facing use cases.

  • Clean templates for landing pages and portals
  • Quick launch for basic directory or CRM-style apps
  • Airtable-only backend limits scalability and flexibility

Learn more: Noloco vs Softr

Zoho Creator – General Purpose App Builder for SaaS and Forms

Zoho Creator is part of the broader Zoho ecosystem and allows for a wide range of internal tools and workflows, especially for teams already using Zoho CRM or Forms.

  • Rich form builder and data model
  • Deeper technical capabilities for developers
  • Can become complex for non-technical users

Bubble – Web App Builder for Custom SaaS MVPs

Bubble is a powerful option if you’re building a public-facing SaaS product or marketplace. However, its complexity can be a barrier for teams looking for simple, internal tools.

  • Deep customization and visual logic engine
  • Steep learning curve
  • Less optimized for access control or simple CRUD apps

Related: Best Bubble Alternatives

Comparing the Top 5 Appsheet Alternatives

To make your decision easier, here’s a simple comparison table of the top five AppSheet alternatives based on use case, technical requirements, and key features.

Platform Best For Technical Skill Needed Web Support Client Portals Workflow Automation Visual Customization Notable Limitations
Noloco Internal tools, CRMs, client portals None (no-code) ✓ Full ✓ Yes ✓ Built-in + AI ✓ High Less suitable for building SaaS products
Glide Field team apps, spreadsheet-based tools None ⚠ Partial ⚠ Limited ⚠ Basic ⚠ Limited Scaling issues, mobile-heavy
Softr Lightweight websites and client portals Low ✓ Yes ✓ Yes ⚠ Basic ✓ Moderate Airtable-only backend, limited logic
Zoho Creator SaaS apps, forms, internal workflows Medium ✓ Yes ⚠ Possible ✓ Advanced (dev-friendly) ✓ Moderate Complex for non-technical users
Bubble Public SaaS products, custom marketplaces Medium to high ✓ Full ⚠ Possible ✓ Visual logic engine ✓ High High complexity, not optimized for internal tools

Noloco vs. AppSheet: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at how Noloco stacks up against AppSheet for business app development.

Feature Noloco AppSheet
Primary Focus Internal tools, CRMs, portals Mobile apps
Platform Design Web-first, works on all devices Mobile-first
Permissions Management ✓ Visual and role-based ⚠ Basic rules and filters
Workflow Automation ✓ Built-in + AI logic ⚠ Spreadsheet-based formulas
Data Integration Airtable, Google Sheets, SQL, Noloco Tables Google Sheets, Excel, limited APIs
Client Portals ✓ Yes ⚠ Not optimized
Learning Curve ✓ Low (no-code UX) ⚠ Moderate (formula logic required)

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Alternative for Your Needs

If your current AppSheet setup is starting to feel limited, you're not alone. Many teams find that as internal complexity grows so does the need for tools that offer better access control, deeper workflows, and a fully customizable UI.

Choose:

  • Noloco if you want to build scalable internal tools, client portals, or CRMs without coding

  • Glide for lightweight mobile apps based on spreadsheet data

  • Softr for customer-facing portals powered by Airtable

  • Zoho Creator if you’re already in the Zoho ecosystem and need a flexible form/database system

  • Bubble for public SaaS apps and highly customized experiences

Create Your First Noloco App in Minutes

Ready to move beyond spreadsheets and mobile constraints? Noloco lets you build fully functional, secure business apps without developers.

Get started with Noloco’s app builder today!

FAQs about the Best AppSheet Alternatives

What is the best AppSheet alternative for internal business apps?

Noloco is the best AppSheet alternative for teams building internal tools, CRMs, and client portals. It’s web-first (and instantly downloadable on all devices), fully customizable, and requires no code.

How does Noloco compare to AppSheet for building back-office tools?

While AppSheet focuses on mobile and spreadsheets, Noloco offers a more robust solution for internal systems, complete with role-based permissions, workflows, and a point-and-click UI.

Which AppSheet alternatives work best for non-technical teams?

Noloco, Glide, and Softr are great for non-technical users. Noloco offers the most power and flexibility for business apps, without increasing complexity.

What are some other resources related to AppSheet alternatives?

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