#1 Glide Alternative for Building Business Apps (With Examples)

🔄 Top Glide Alternatives for Building Business Apps in 2025

If you're looking to build business applications without writing code, Glide has been a popular choice. However, several other no-code platforms offer unique features and capabilities that might better suit your specific needs. Here's a curated list of top Glide alternatives to consider:

1. Bubble

Best For: Custom web applications with complex logic and workflows.
Strengths: Offers a visual programming interface, allowing for detailed customization of both frontend and backend without coding.
Use Cases: Ideal for building SaaS products, marketplaces, and CRM systems.
Considerations: May have a steeper learning curve compared to other no-code platforms.

2. Noloco

Best For: Internal tools, CRMs, and client portals.
Strengths: Provides full control over UI, logic, permissions, and data integrations, making it suitable for businesses requiring secure and scalable apps.
Use Cases: Building internal dashboards, project management tools, and client-facing portals.
Considerations: Requires a bit more setup compared to simpler platforms.

3. Softr

Best For: Quickly launching client portals and landing pages.
Strengths: Seamless integration with Airtable, enabling rapid development of web applications.
Use Cases: Creating client dashboards, membership sites, and simple web applications.
Considerations: May lack advanced backend logic and automation features.

4. Adalo

Best For: Building mobile-first applications.
Strengths: Offers drag-and-drop components for mobile app development, supporting both iOS and Android platforms.
Use Cases: Developing mobile applications for booking systems, e-commerce, and social platforms.
Considerations: Some users report limitations in customization and performance.

5. Stacker

Best For: Creating internal tools and dashboards.
Strengths: Connects with data sources like Airtable and Google Sheets, allowing users to build customized applications with user roles and permissions.
Use Cases: Building CRMs, project management tools, and reporting dashboards.
Considerations: Primarily focused on internal tools; may not be suitable for customer-facing applications.

6. Thunkable

Best For: Cross-platform mobile app development.
Strengths: Enables users to create applications for both Android and iOS without coding.
Use Cases: Developing educational apps, games, and utility applications.
Considerations: Some advanced features may require a paid plan.

7. Fliplet

Best For: Enterprise-grade applications.
Strengths: Offers a range of pre-built templates and customization options, catering to large organizations.
Use Cases: Creating employee portals, event apps, and internal communication tools.
Considerations: Pricing may be higher compared to other no-code platforms.

8. Bravo Studio

Best For: Designers looking to convert Figma designs into functional apps.
Strengths: Integrates directly with Figma, allowing for a seamless transition from design to development.
Use Cases: Building prototypes, MVPs, and design-driven applications.
Considerations: Limited customization options beyond the design provided in Figma.

🔄 Top Glide Alternatives for Building Business Apps in 2025

If you're looking to build business applications without writing code, Glide has been a popular choice. However, several other no-code platforms offer unique features and capabilities that might better suit your specific needs. Here's a curated list of top Glide alternatives to consider:

1. Bubble

Best For: Custom web applications with complex logic and workflows.
Strengths: Offers a visual programming interface, allowing for detailed customization of both frontend and backend without coding.
Use Cases: Ideal for building SaaS products, marketplaces, and CRM systems.
Considerations: May have a steeper learning curve compared to other no-code platforms.

2. Noloco

Best For: Internal tools, CRMs, and client portals.
Strengths: Provides full control over UI, logic, permissions, and data integrations, making it suitable for businesses requiring secure and scalable apps.
Use Cases: Building internal dashboards, project management tools, and client-facing portals.
Considerations: Requires a bit more setup compared to simpler platforms.

3. Softr

Best For: Quickly launching client portals and landing pages.
Strengths: Seamless integration with Airtable, enabling rapid development of web applications.
Use Cases: Creating client dashboards, membership sites, and simple web applications.
Considerations: May lack advanced backend logic and automation features.

4. Adalo

Best For: Building mobile-first applications.
Strengths: Offers drag-and-drop components for mobile app development, supporting both iOS and Android platforms.
Use Cases: Developing mobile applications for booking systems, e-commerce, and social platforms.
Considerations: Some users report limitations in customization and performance.

5. Stacker

Best For: Creating internal tools and dashboards.
Strengths: Connects with data sources like Airtable and Google Sheets, allowing users to build customized applications with user roles and permissions.
Use Cases: Building CRMs, project management tools, and reporting dashboards.
Considerations: Primarily focused on internal tools; may not be suitable for customer-facing applications.

6. Thunkable

Best For: Cross-platform mobile app development.
Strengths: Enables users to create applications for both Android and iOS without coding.
Use Cases: Developing educational apps, games, and utility applications.
Considerations: Some advanced features may require a paid plan.

7. Fliplet

Best For: Enterprise-grade applications.
Strengths: Offers a range of pre-built templates and customization options, catering to large organizations.
Use Cases: Creating employee portals, event apps, and internal communication tools.
Considerations: Pricing may be higher compared to other no-code platforms.

8. Bravo Studio

Best For: Designers looking to convert Figma designs into functional apps.
Strengths: Integrates directly with Figma, allowing for a seamless transition from design to development.
Use Cases: Building prototypes, MVPs, and design-driven applications.
Considerations: Limited customization options beyond the design provided in Figma.

Imagine logging into a new software application for the first time. Instead of a lengthy tutorial that assumes you know nothing, an AI-driven DAP offers just the right amount of guidance, just like a human would—neither too simplistic nor too complex. It's like having a personal coach who understands exactly what you need, all without you having to ask.
AI-powered DAPs are increasingly equipped with predictive capabilities. They can foresee potential roadblocks by analyzing user interactions—for example, recognizing when a user hesitates on a particular step or repeatedly switches between screens. These platforms then proactively offer help, reducing frustration and minimizing downtime. It’s like having a digital crystal ball that clears the path before you even reach a potential obstacle.
Automation is another key area where AI is transforming DAPs from helpful guides into efficiency engines. By streamlining workflows and eliminating mundane tasks, using AI-driven DAPs has never been this easy and fast.

The Business Value of AI-Driven DAPs

User adoption is at the heart of any successful technology rollout, and this is where AI-driven DAPs shine. They make users feel confident and supported, which leads to higher adoption rates and less resistance to change. When users are comfortable with new software, businesses can fully leverage their technology investments, ultimately driving efficiency and productivity.
The personalized, context-aware support that AI-driven DAPs provide also translates to increased user satisfaction. By reducing frustration and delivering timely assistance, the learning curve becomes less steep, and the overall experience becomes more enjoyable.
AI-powered DAPs also provide detailed analytics. Every user interaction is tracked, offering insights into where users struggle, which features are popular, and how effectively new processes are being adopted. This data allows product and product marketing teams to refine their digital adoption strategies in real time, ensuring users get the most value out of the software.

Best Practices for Implementing AI portals

1) Set clear measures of success

Defining KPIs is essential for tracking portal performance. For instance, a manufacturing company might focus on vendor response times and on-time delivery rates. Using they can easily customize these metrics to evolve as business needs change. This versatility helps streamline vendor selection and improve overall efficiency.

2) Tailor the user experience (UX)

Customizing the portal improves vendor engagement. Branding elements like logos and colors, of course, create a cohesive user experience, encouraging regular use by vendors, but that’s not the only way the UX can help with engagement.
A retail company, for example, could configure a no-code portal for retailers with unique workflows customized to different product lines.

3) Establish a clear onboarding process

A structured onboarding helps vendors integrate easily. A healthcare provider could use an automated onboarding system on its vendor portal for medical equipment suppliers, guiding them through necessary document submissions and certifications. This seamless experience ensures vendors are fully prepared from day one.

4) Automate compliance workflows

Automation simplifies compliance. For example, a food distribution company might use a vendor portal for food suppliers with automated workflows where vendors upload health certificates and pass safety checks through a step-by-step process. This reduces errors and manual work, making compliance straightforward and hassle-free for vendors.

5) Roll out with a strong communication plan

Clear communication during rollout is critical. A tech company, for example, could introduce its vendor portal with email updates and tutorial videos, ensuring suppliers understand the portal’s functions. Feedback loops allow vendors to share their experiences, supporting continuous improvement.

Embracing the AI-Driven Future

AI is revolutionizing how businesses adopt and use technology. From their beginnings as simple onboarding tools, DAPs have evolved into powerful AI-driven platforms that personalize user experiences, predict challenges, and automate complex processes. For product professionals and product marketers, these platforms are not just tools—they are strategic partners in driving digital transformation.

Imagine logging into a new software application for the first time. Instead of a lengthy tutorial that assumes you know nothing, an AI-driven DAP offers just the right amount of guidance, just like a human would—neither too simplistic nor too complex. It's like having a personal coach who understands exactly what you need, all without you having to ask.
AI-powered DAPs are increasingly equipped with predictive capabilities. They can foresee potential roadblocks by analyzing user interactions—for example, recognizing when a user hesitates on a particular step or repeatedly switches between screens. These platforms then proactively offer help, reducing frustration and minimizing downtime. It’s like having a digital crystal ball that clears the path before you even reach a potential obstacle.
Automation is another key area where AI is transforming DAPs from helpful guides into efficiency engines. By streamlining workflows and eliminating mundane tasks, using AI-driven DAPs has never been this easy and fast.

The Business Value of AI-Driven DAPs

User adoption is at the heart of any successful technology rollout, and this is where AI-driven DAPs shine. They make users feel confident and supported, which leads to higher adoption rates and less resistance to change. When users are comfortable with new software, businesses can fully leverage their technology investments, ultimately driving efficiency and productivity.
The personalized, context-aware support that AI-driven DAPs provide also translates to increased user satisfaction. By reducing frustration and delivering timely assistance, the learning curve becomes less steep, and the overall experience becomes more enjoyable.
AI-powered DAPs also provide detailed analytics. Every user interaction is tracked, offering insights into where users struggle, which features are popular, and how effectively new processes are being adopted. This data allows product and product marketing teams to refine their digital adoption strategies in real time, ensuring users get the most value out of the software.

Best Practices for Implementing AI portals

1) Set clear measures of success

Defining KPIs is essential for tracking portal performance. For instance, a manufacturing company might focus on vendor response times and on-time delivery rates. Using they can easily customize these metrics to evolve as business needs change. This versatility helps streamline vendor selection and improve overall efficiency.

2) Tailor the user experience (UX)

Customizing the portal improves vendor engagement. Branding elements like logos and colors, of course, create a cohesive user experience, encouraging regular use by vendors, but that’s not the only way the UX can help with engagement.
A retail company, for example, could configure a no-code portal for retailers with unique workflows customized to different product lines.

3) Establish a clear onboarding process

A structured onboarding helps vendors integrate easily. A healthcare provider could use an automated onboarding system on its vendor portal for medical equipment suppliers, guiding them through necessary document submissions and certifications. This seamless experience ensures vendors are fully prepared from day one.

4) Automate compliance workflows

Automation simplifies compliance. For example, a food distribution company might use a vendor portal for food suppliers with automated workflows where vendors upload health certificates and pass safety checks through a step-by-step process. This reduces errors and manual work, making compliance straightforward and hassle-free for vendors.

5) Roll out with a strong communication plan

Clear communication during rollout is critical. A tech company, for example, could introduce its vendor portal with email updates and tutorial videos, ensuring suppliers understand the portal’s functions. Feedback loops allow vendors to share their experiences, supporting continuous improvement.

Embracing the AI-Driven Future

AI is revolutionizing how businesses adopt and use technology. From their beginnings as simple onboarding tools, DAPs have evolved into powerful AI-driven platforms that personalize user experiences, predict challenges, and automate complex processes. For product professionals and product marketers, these platforms are not just tools—they are strategic partners in driving digital transformation.

Author :