10 Glide Apps Alternatives and How to Choose Yours

Imagine this: you’ve got a spreadsheet chock-full of data, and you’re itching to turn it into a mobile app. No coding, no fuss. That’s where Glide Apps enters the scene, making app dreams a reality for those of us who can’t tell Java from JavaScript. But here’s the rub – sometimes, even the best tools don’t fit every job.

Many creatives, IT leaders,  professionals, and companies are on the lookout for Glide alternatives that pack a bit more punch, scale up as needed, or maybe just fit the budget better. Let’s dive into why Glide is a heavyweight in its own right and why, sometimes, you might need to tag in a different contender.

What is Glide?

At its core, Glide allows you to create apps without needing code. It’s designed with ease of use in mind, making it a darling among small business owners, educators, and anyone else looking to make an app without diving into the deep end of coding.

One of its main selling points is that you can easily use spreadsheets as a data source. That’s right – you can turn your Google Sheets into slick, user-friendly mobile apps. Its key selling point? Speed. Glide lets you whip up an app almost as quickly as you can fill out a spreadsheet.

Who uses Glide?

Glide’s simplicity and cost-effectiveness have made it a go-to solution for a diverse group. Small business owners use it to create internal tools or customer-facing apps without breaking the bank.

Educators find it handy for building educational resources or interactive class projects. Non-technical entrepreneurs, thrilled at the prospect of bringing their app ideas to life without coding, are also frequent flyers. Basically, Glide is for anyone who wants to create an app quickly and easily without needing a computer science degree.

Why Would You Need a Glide Alternative?

As much as Glide simplifies app creation, it’s not the end-all solution for every scenario. Many companies, and especially their IT leaders, are scouting for alternatives for several reasons. Maybe their projects have outgrown Glide’s capabilities, needing more advanced functionalities, or perhaps they’re seeking better integration options with other tools and services.

Customization is another biggie – the freedom to tailor every nook and cranny of an app can be crucial for some projects. Then there’s scalability and data security – essential considerations for businesses as they grow. Glide is fantastic, but when your app needs to climb to the next level, it’s smart to know what other tools are out there, ready to lend a hand.

Some of the key reasons teams might start looking for a Glide alternative include:

• Seeking more advanced functionalities: Sometimes, the simplicity of Glide can be its Achilles’ heel. Projects requiring more sophisticated features or complex logic may find Glide’s capabilities limiting.
• Need for better integration capabilities: In a world where apps rarely operate in isolation, the ability to seamlessly integrate with other tools, databases, and services is paramount. Glide’s integration options might not always fit the bill for more complex ecosystems.
• Desire for deeper customization: While Glide offers a user-friendly way to create apps, its customization options are somewhat constrained. Teams looking to deeply customize the app’s look, feel, and functionality often seek more flexible platforms.
• Scalability concerns: As projects grow in size and complexity, they often require a platform that can scale with them. Glide’s model, perfect for quick deployments and smaller apps, might not suit rapidly expanding projects.
• Data security and compliance needs: For businesses in industries with strict data protection and compliance requirements, Glide’s approach might not provide the level of security or control needed. Alternatives offering enhanced security features and compliance certifications become necessary.
• Cost-effectiveness for larger teams: Glide’s pricing model, while competitive for small to medium-sized projects, can become costly as the number of users or the scale of the app increases. Alternatives with more scalable pricing models may offer better long-term value.

Exploring alternatives to Glide is not about finding its replacement but about discovering tools that align more closely with the evolving needs of your projects and organization. Whether it’s for more complex app development, enhanced integration, or specific security requirements, the tech landscape is rich with options ready to explore.

10 Glide Alternatives

In the quest for the perfect app-building platform, variety is the spice of life. While Glide offers a unique approach to turning spreadsheets into apps, there are numerous other platforms out there, each with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a look at 10 alternatives to Glide, offering a range of functionalities, pricing models, and features that cater to different needs and preferences.

Free Glide Alternative

With no-code app development, finding a robust free alternative to Glide that doesn’t skimp on functionality is a tall order. While Fliplet stands out for its enterprise-grade features and ease of use, another notable contender for those on a shoestring budget is Thunkable. Thunkable distinguishes itself with its cross-platform capabilities, enabling the creation of apps for both Android and iOS without writing a single line of code.

Thunkable excels with its drag-and-drop interface, simplifying the app development process for beginners and seasoned developers alike. Users can leverage a wide array of components and extensions to add sophisticated features to their apps.

The main limitation, similar to other free platforms, lies in the complexity of projects one can undertake without upgrading to paid plans. However, for individuals and small businesses aiming to launch straightforward, functional apps, Thunkable offers substantial value, providing a solid foundation without upfront costs.

Fliplet vs Glide

When it comes to choosing between Fliplet and Glide, the decision hinges on the specific needs and goals of your project. Both platforms offer unique advantages, but Fliplet often emerges as the superior choice for several key reasons.

Basics:

• Glide is celebrated for its simplicity and speed, allowing users to create apps directly from Google Sheets. It’s particularly appealing for quick prototypes and small-scale projects.
• Fliplet outshines with its comprehensive feature set, designed to meet the nuanced demands of small and enterprise applications alike, including advanced security protocols, a plethora of integrations, and extensive customization options.

Major Appeal:

• Glide’s primary strength lies in its user-friendly interface and rapid development cycle, making it ideal for users with limited technical skills or those needing to quickly validate app concepts.
• Fliplet offers a broader spectrum of advantages, particularly for businesses and organizations looking for a more robust solution. Its ability to produce sophisticated, secure, and highly customizable apps makes it the preferred choice for those aiming to deploy professional-grade applications.

Pricing:

• Glide follows a freemium model, making it an attractive option for individuals or small projects. However, scaling up or accessing more advanced features requires moving to its paid plans.
• Fliplet has flexible pricing that gives you affordable options at any level — from those who want to play around with their first app for free to those enterprises looking to create a suite of apps for their organization and its customers.

For businesses and organizations prioritizing scalability, security, and customization in their app development projects, Fliplet consistently stands out as the better option. Its ease of use and suite of enterprise-level features combine with stellar support and integration capabilities. That positions Fliplet as the go-to platform for those looking to create impactful, professional apps that Glide simply cannot match in complexity and polish.

What Features to Look for When Looking for Alternatives to Glide

When exploring alternatives to Glide, users should prioritize a set of core features that align with their strategic goals and operational needs. These features ensure that the chosen platform not only meets current requirements but also supports future growth and adaptation. Key aspects to consider include:

• Customization flexibility: The ability to tailor the app’s appearance, functionality, and user experience to fit the unique brand and operational needs of a business is crucial. Look for platforms that offer extensive customization options, from the UI/UX design to the backend logic.
• Integration capabilities: Seamless integration with existing systems (CRM, ERP, databases) and third-party services enhances the app’s functionality and ensures smooth data flow across different business operations. A platform that supports a wide range of integrations can significantly extend an app’s capabilities.
• Scalability: The chosen platform should be able to accommodate growth in users, data, and transaction volume without compromising performance. Scalability is key to supporting the evolving needs of a business.
• User interface: An intuitive, user-friendly interface for both the app developers and the end-users is essential. For developers, this means ease of use in the app-building process. For end-users, it translates to a pleasant and efficient app experience.
• Support: Robust customer support and an active community can greatly enhance the app development experience. Look for platforms that offer comprehensive documentation, responsive support teams, and an engaged user community.

What do IT Teams Look for When Choosing a Glide Alternative?

When selecting a Glide alternative, IT teams delve deeper into the specifics, assessing platforms based on criteria that ensure the chosen solution can meet the technical, operational, and compliance standards necessary for successful deployment and maintenance. These criteria include:

• Technical support: Access to knowledgeable and responsive technical support is vital, especially for complex projects or when integrating the app with existing systems. It helps in resolving issues promptly and can significantly reduce downtime.
• Data security measures: The platform must offer robust security features, including data encryption, user authentication, and access controls, to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
• Compliance with industry standards: Depending on the industry, certain compliance standards (such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2) must be adhered to. The platform should facilitate compliance, not complicate it.
• Collaboration within teams: Features that support collaboration, such as version control, role-based access, and real-time co-editing, are essential for teams working on app development. They help streamline the development process and reduce errors.
• Custom code capabilities: While no-code platforms offer many advantages, the ability to add custom code can be a significant benefit for addressing unique requirements or integrating complex functionalities.

Summary

While Glide offers a straightforward and accessible path to app development, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Teams have a wide range of alternatives to consider, each with its own set of features, advantages, and limitations.

By focusing on customization flexibility, integration capabilities, scalability, user interface, support, and specific criteria like technical support, data security, compliance, team collaboration, and custom coding capabilities, businesses can find a platform that not only matches their current needs but also supports their growth and adapts to future challenges.

We encourage readers to explore the options presented, leveraging the insights provided to select the best fit for their projects.