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FlutterFlow Alternatives

FlutterFlow Alternatives

FlutterFlow has emerged as a leading platform in the vast landscape of low-code and no-code application development, leveraging the power of the Flutter framework to streamline mobile and web app building. The platform’s intuitive visual interface and code generating features enable users to focus on developing high-quality apps without the need of coding expertise.

However, as powerful as the platform can be, it may not always meet the unique demands of every project or budget. In this blog post, we’ll explore 5 FlutterFlow alternatives, each with its unique merits, to help you choose the ideal platform for your app.

FlutterFlow Key Features

Let us first go over the key features of the low-code platform FlutterFlow before moving on to the 5 potential alternatives:

  • Visual Editor: The drag-and-drop builder with pre-built widgets lets you easily add elements such as layouts, lists, and animations. The responsive design allows you to tailor your design to fit different screen sizes.
  • Integrations: The platform allows you to integrate your data with Firebase as well as any other API.
  • Code Export: While designing in FlutterFlow, the app’s source code is automatically generated and can be easily downloaded or customized further. This single codebase can be used to deploy your apps to multiple platforms such as the App Store, Play Store, and the web.
  • Pricing: FlutterFlow offers five pricing plans, including a free version. A full overview of the price options, which range from $30 to $70/month, can be found in our blog post on FlutterFlow along with 10 tips and tricks to help you get started with the platform.

Overview of FlutterFlow Alternatives

Glide: a data-centric alternative

Glide is a powerful no-code app development platform that allows users to create mobile and desktop apps without writing code. With the help of intuitive building blocks, the platform lets you customize the appearance and functionality of your app layouts. Glide seamlessly connects with different programs, allowing you to import data from where it exists in spreadsheets or databases.

An excerpt of the template gallery found on the Glide website.
Glide templates

Glide offers four pricing levels that are suitable for both individual users and organizations, as well as a free version. Paid plans range from $60/month for individuals to $1,200/month for enterprises.

Pros and Cons

Glide Pros

  • No-code easy-to-use interface
  • Advanced customization possibilities
  • Connection with data sources
  • Free tier and advanced features in paid plans

Glide Cons

  • Primarily for data-centric apps
  • No customization through code
  • Paid plans generally more expensive

Apache Cordova: a free and open-source alternative

Apache Cordova is an open-source mobile development framework and the only platform on our list that does not advertise itself as no-code or low-code. It enables users to create cross-platform apps using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and offers a multitude of plugins that allow web developers to access device-specific functionalities. Apache Cordova uses WebView for rendering.

An overview of the plugins available on the Apache Cordova website.
Apache Cordova plugins

As Apache Cordova is free and open-source software, there are no license costs when utilizing it for non-commercial or commercial purposes.

Pros and Cons

Apache Cordova Pros

  • Free and open-source
  • Use of familiar web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Target multiple platforms with a single codebase
  • Extensive plugin library

Apache Cordova Cons

  • Coding knowledge required
  • Possible performance issues due to WebView rendering

Bubble: a versatile alternative

With its visual drag-and-drop interface and built-in database, Bubble provides a further alternative in the field of no-code app development platforms. The platform specializes in the creation of complex web applications and is notable for its versatility, allowing for advanced customizations such as the integration of custom scripts.

An excerpt of the template gallery found on the Bubble website.
Bubble templates

A set of five pricing plans, including a free version, cater to everyone from novices to enterprises. Here, the pricing ranges from $32/month to $399/month. We also provide an in-depth guide to Bubble and what it can be used for, as well as a blog post detailing four apps built with Bubble.

Pros and Cons

Bubble Pros

  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Focus on web applications allows for highly customized web apps
  • Built-in database
  • Extensible via JavaScript plugins and API integrations

Bubble Cons

  • Steeper learning curve
  • May not offer same level of specialization for mobile applications
  • No code export

WeWeb: a web app-focused alternative

WeWeb is a no-code front-end builder that allows you to create web applications without coding. While it offers a drag-and-drop interface, developers can also enhance their apps through API integrations or by writing custom code directly within WeWeb. Here, users can export and self-host the front-end code easily. WeWeb’s focus lies on the creation of Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).

An excerpt of the app examples found on the WeWeb website.
WeWeb app examples

WeWeb offers a total of nine subscription packages, divided into two pricing plans: the Project plans and the Workspace plans. Both include free packages, perfect for beginners. The paid packages range from $49 to $179/month in the Project plans, and from $29 to $79/seat/month in the Workspace plans. This wide range of options accomodates all project types and team sizes. Learn more about the key features of WeWeb in our blog post on the platform.

Pros and Cons

WeWeb Pros

  • No-code drag-and-drop interface
  • Customization possibilities with API integrations and custom code
  • Export and self-host front-end code
  • Wide range of pricing plans

WeWeb Cons

  • Focus on PWAs may have limitations
  • Learning curve for complex functions

Adalo: a true no-code alternative

Adalo is a no-code app builder that allows users to create applications for mobile devices and the web. The platform provides drag-and-drop components as well as an all-in-one builder from database to design, and allows you to publish your app to any app store or custom domain.  

An excerpt of the template gallery found on the Adalo website.
Adalo templates

Aside from a free plan, Adalo offers four pricing tiers, ranging from a starter plan for $45/month to a business plan for $250/month. With these, Adalo primarily targets entrepreneurs and medium-sized businesses.  

Pros and Cons

Adalo Pros

  • True no-code drag-and-drop builder
  • Publish as a web app, iOS app, Android app, and PWA
  • Affordable pricing plans
  • Extend app’s functionality with templates and integrations

Adalo Cons

  • Limited integration options
  • Unsuitable for high-demand applications and larger businesses

Finding The Right App Development Platform

While FlutterFlow remains a popular choice for low-code and no-code application development, exploring alternative platforms can offer unique features that may better suit your project requirements and budget. Glide provides you with an easy-to-use, data-centric platform that works seamlessly with your existing spreadsheet data. Apache Cordova, on the other hand, is a free and open-source alternative that allows coding experts to apply their skills to create cross-platform apps.

However, if your focus lies on highly customized web applications and a platform where you can apply minimal JavaScript skills, when necessary, Bubble may be the app builder for you. Developers that place value on a separation of front-end and back-end, as well as a diverse selection of pricing plans, may find that WeWeb is a better fit for their apps. Finally, Adalo provides you with a user-friendly and true no-code app builder that is ideal for newbies, freelancers, and small businesses.

While each of the alternatives mentioned in this post presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages, the key is to carefully evaluate your project requirements, budget, and technical expertise to determine the best fit. Ultimately, the choice of platform depends on your specific goals and preferences, so take the time to explore and experiment with different options before making a decision. Alternatively, you can also arrange a free consultation with 0hands for assistance on choosing the right platform for you.

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