Many businesses need custom apps but lack the resources to hire developers. This is where low-code/no-code platforms come in, allowing users to build apps without writing code. Glide, Softr, and Noloco are three popular no-code platforms that simplify app development. While "Glide vs Softr" is a common comparison, Noloco offers unique capabilities worth considering. This article provides a detailed comparison of these three platforms to help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Glide
Glide transforms spreadsheets—mainly Google Sheets—into functional mobile and web apps. It’s known for its ease of use, speed, and mobile-first design, making it ideal for simple, data-driven applications.
Softr
Softr builds web applications using data from Airtable, Google Sheets, and other sources. It’s great for creating websites, directories, membership sites and simple tools and pre-built templates.
Noloco
Noloco focuses on building internal tools and customer portals with strong user permissions and workflow automation. It supports integrations with Airtable, Xano and more, making it suitable for complex business applications.
Data Sources
Glide primarily supports Google Sheets, which makes it easy to get started but somewhat limited in data flexibility. Softr, on the other hand, integrates with Airtable, Google Sheets, Smartsuite, SQL and REST APIs, providing a broader range of data sources. Noloco stands out with its ability to connect also directly to Xano, Hubspot and other databases. Additionally, Noloco offers Noloco Tables, which allow users to store and manage data directly within the platform, serving as a lightweight database solution.
Glide offers a no-code, straightforward approach, emphasizing simple building blocks for app creation, ideal for those who need user-friendly design and simplicity.
User Interface (UI) and Design
Glide, Softr, and Noloco all offer easy and intuitive interfaces, making app development accessible to users of all skill levels. Glide is optimized for quickly building clean, functional mobile apps, while Softr’s block-based design allows for visually compelling web pages. Meanwhile, Noloco balances usability and flexibility, making it ideal for advanced internal business tools.
Customization and Flexibility
Glide emphasizes ease of use and speed, but the ability to conditionally hide different components, organize pages in tabs, and form options are somewhat limited. Softr provides greater design flexibility through its block-based system, which makes it perfect for public-facing websites. Noloco, however, combines extensive customization options with robust data management features. Its built-in workflow automation and granular user permissions allow businesses to build tailored solutions without coding expertise.
Integrations
Glide relies on third-party automation tools like Zapier and Make for integrations. Softr offers native integrations with popular services like Stripe and Google Analytics, alongside Zapier support. Noloco provides integration options via Zapier, Make, and direct API connections, ensuring flexibility for businesses needing advanced automation and third-party services.
User Management and Permissions
Glide manages user roles and permissions through its underlying Google Sheet, making it functional but not highly scalable for complex needs. Softr offers robust user management features, including user groups, permission settings, and authentication options. Noloco provides advanced user role and permission settings, allowing businesses to control data access at a granular level, which is essential for operational workflows that require strict security and access control.
Data Visualization
While Glide and Softr offer basic ways to display data, Noloco provides a more comprehensive suite of data visualization options, including timeline, Gantt, pivot table, charts, and graphs. This makes Noloco particularly useful for businesses that need to analyze and present data dynamically.
App Development Speed
Glide's simple interface allows users to build apps quickly, making it a great choice for rapid prototyping and simple solutions. Softr takes a more design-first approach, which can slow down development but results in highly polished applications. Noloco's data-driven approach, including its support for Noloco Tables, enables users to develop apps faster while maintaining high levels of customization and functionality.
.png)
All three platforms offer a free forever plan, making them accessible for users looking to explore their capabilities before committing to a paid plan. Each platform then offers paid plans with varying thresholds for features, data limits, and integrations.
Glide: 1 app, 10 personal users, up to 25,000 rows, limited integrations.
Softr: 1 published app, 10 app users, 2 user groups, 1,000 records per app, access to all data sources, AI features included.
Noloco: 3 team seats, 7 client seats, 2,000 rows, 7 pages per app, 100 workflow runs.
Key Observations:
Glide: Best for beginners looking to create simple mobile-first apps with Google Sheets. Its free plan is limited in storage (500 MB) and integrations (3), but it’s great for small-scale projects.
Softr: Offers more flexibility in data sources and design customization compared to Glide. It also includes AI features on the free plan, making it a strong option for those needing client portals or dashboards.
Noloco: Recently introduced its free plan (March 2025), emphasizing accessibility for testing workflows and building internal tools. While the free plan offers access to limited data sources, Noloco's advanced permissions and workflow automation make it appealing for business-focused applications.
Each platform's free plan has distinct strengths:
Choose Glide for simplicity and mobile-first apps.
Choose Softr for more design flexibility and broader data source options.
Choose Noloco for powerful internal tools with advanced permissions and workflow capabilities.
Use Cases & Ideal For:
Glide is great for field workers. Softr is great for public apps and directors, and Noloco is great for office-based teams.
Glide is the best option if you need a simple, mobile-first app that can be built quickly and you are comfortable using Google Sheets. It prioritizes ease of use and rapid development but lacks extensive customization options.
Softr is a great choice if you need a visually appealing web application with greater design flexibility and integrations. It works well for client portals and membership sites but can be more complex than Glide due to its block-based system.
Noloco is ideal for businesses that need advanced functionality, advanced internal tools, and detailed user permissions and a platform that scales with their needs. It supports various databases beyond spreadsheets, making it a suitable choice for companies managing large-scale data operations. If scalability and automation are key concerns, Noloco’s flexibility and Noloco Tables provide strong advantages.The best platform depends on your needs, technical background, and budget. Testing each platform’s free trial can help you determine which one aligns best with your goals. By understanding the strengths and trade-offs of Glide vs Softr—and considering Noloco as an alternative—you can confidently choose the best tool for your project.Happy building!
