Top Glide Alternatives for Modern No-Code App Builders

April 29, 2025

Glide is a popular no-code platform that turns spreadsheets into functional apps with minimal setup. It’s especially appealing for early-stage projects and small teams looking to launch something quickly. But as your business processes become more complex, it may be time to consider other tools better suited for long-term scalability and customization. In this guide, we’ll explore the top Glide alternatives to help you find a platform that aligns with your evolving needs.

Why Look for a Glide Alternative?

While Glide is a great entry point for building apps from spreadsheets, it isn't always the best long-term fit, especially for growing teams with more demanding workflows. From scaling operations to managing data securely, businesses often reach a point where they need more robust functionality than Glide can provide out of the box.

Limitations for Growing Teams

Glide is excellent for personal tools or MVPs. But as teams grow, many find Glide too limited in terms of collaboration, permissions, and data complexity. It's optimized for solo builders and small projects, not for robust team workflows or multi-role access control.

Challenges with Complex Internal Tools

Glide’s core strength, building from spreadsheets, can also be a bottleneck when creating apps for internal operations or CRM workflows. Scaling to multiple teams, roles, and departments requires:

  • Granular permissions management
  • Integrated workflow automation
  • Custom interface control
  • More flexible data infrastructure

That’s why many businesses start exploring Glide alternatives better suited for structured, scalable business applications.

What to Look for in a Glide Alternative

Here are the key criteria to keep in mind when evaluating a Glide alternative for your team or business:

Feature Why It Matters
No-code UX Empowers operations teams to build apps without developers
Advanced permissions Secure role-based access for clients, staff, and vendors
Secure access control Manage sensitive data with role-based permissions
Custom UI options Create polished, brand-consistent interfaces
Workflow automation Save time by eliminating repetitive manual tasks
Data flexibility Support for built-in databases, Airtable, Google Sheets, SQL
Scalability Handle more users, roles, and integrations as you grow

Leading Alternatives to Glide

Noloco – Ideal for Internal Tools, CRMs & Portals

Noloco is built for businesses that need secure, scalable apps, whether internal tools, client portals, or CRMs. Unlike Glide, it goes beyond spreadsheets, offering full control over your app’s UI, logic, permissions, and data integrations.

✅ Point-and-click app builder
✅ Advanced permissions editor for role-based access
AI-powered workflow automation
Seamless integrations with Google Sheets, SQL, Airtable and more
✅ Ideal for CRMs, back-office apps, and cross-functional internal systems

With Noloco, your apps scale alongside your business. They’re also instantly usable on both desktop and mobile devices, no compromises required.

Compare: Noloco vs Glide

Softr – Lightweight Websites and Portals

Softr is a strong contender for teams already working in Airtable. It helps you quickly spin up branded client portals or landing pages with a minimal learning curve.

  • Visual builder with prebuilt templates
  • Ideal for Airtable-based use cases
  • Lacks deeper backend logic and automation

Related: Noloco vs Softr

Adalo – Mobile-First User-Facing Apps

Adalo is best known for enabling non-technical users to create mobile apps and publish to app stores. It’s great for user-facing use cases but less suited for back-office workflows.

  • Native mobile app experience
  • Component-based design system
  • Less flexibility for web apps or data-driven dashboards

Appgyver – Visual Builder for Complex UIs

Appgyver (now part of SAP) is a no-code platform for technical teams who want full control over UI design and app logic. It offers more depth but has a steep learning curve.

  • Advanced logic builder and state management
  • High customization for experienced users
  • Can be overkill for simple apps or business users

Stacker – Spreadsheet-Powered Client Portals

Stacker transforms Airtable and Google Sheets into client portals or lightweight internal tools. It’s similar to Glide but more focused on secure access for external users.

  • Spreadsheet-to-app builder
  • Role-based access control
  • Limited design and automation capabilities

The Top 5 Glide Alternatives: A Quick Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at the top Glide alternatives—focused on features, flexibility, and fit for business teams.

Platform Best For Technical Skill Needed Internal Tools Workflow Automation Custom UI Control Notable Limitations
Noloco Internal tools, CRMs, client portals None (no-code) ✅ Yes ✅ Built-in + AI ✅ Full control Less focused on app store mobile apps
Softr Lightweight portals and Airtable apps Low ⚠️ Limited ⚠️ Basic ✅ Moderate Airtable-only, limited workflows
Adalo Mobile apps for public users Low ⚠️ Basic ✅ Visual logic ✅ Mobile UI Not ideal for web-based internal workflows
Appgyver Advanced UI-driven internal or external apps Medium to high ✅ Yes ✅ Advanced ✅ Full Steep learning curve for business teams
Stacker Spreadsheet-powered portals Low ✅ Yes ⚠️ Basic ⚠️ Limited Restricted design and automation flexibility

A Practical Comparison of Glide and Noloco

Glide and Noloco are both widely used platforms for building no-code apps from existing data sources. While they serve similar use cases, they differ in how they handle customization, scalability, and business logic. To help you decide which is the better fit for your team, here’s a side-by-side comparison across the features that matter most.

Feature Noloco Glide
Use Case Focus Internal tools, CRMs, client portals Simple mobile apps, spreadsheet projects
Permissions Management ✅ Visual, role-based, dynamic ⚠️ Limited filters and visibility rules
Workflow Automation ✅ AI and no-code workflows ⚠️ Basic, spreadsheet-triggered
Data Sources Airtable, SQL, Google Sheets, Noloco Tables Google Sheets, Excel
Custom UI Control ✅ High (component & layout control) ⚠️ Limited customization
App Accessibility ✅ Web first + installable on all devices ✅ Mobile-optimized apps
Learning Curve ✅ Low for non-technical users ✅ Easy, but limited functionality

Choosing the Right Glide Alternative

If you’ve outgrown Glide, your next platform should match your team’s complexity, not hold it back. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Choose Noloco if you need secure, scalable tools with permissions, automation, and UI control
  • Use Softr for quick portals and sites powered by Airtable
  • Pick Adalo for mobile-first apps targeting external users
  • Try Appgyver if you want full UI control and have more technical expertise
  • Consider Stacker if you want spreadsheet-powered portals with login access

Build Your Custom App with Noloco Today

Whether you're managing clients, teams, or operations, Noloco gives you the power to build polished, secure business apps without having to know how to code. From internal tools to CRMs and portals, everything can be customized to fit your workflow.

Start building today with Noloco’s app builder!


FAQs about the Best Glide Alternatives

What is the best Glide alternative for internal apps?

Noloco is the best Glide alternative for internal apps like CRMs, dashboards, and back-office tools. It supports complex workflows, permissions, and UI customization, without requiring developers.

How does Noloco compare to Glide for operations teams?

Noloco offers more control over data, access, and automation, making it ideal for operations teams managing internal workflows across departments or roles.

Which platforms offer more flexibility than Glide?

Noloco, Appgyver, and Adalo all offer more flexibility than Glide, particularly for UI design, permissions, and scaling to more complex apps.

What are some other resources related to Glide alternatives?

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