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Technology Digital MediaTop 10 Best Apps Making Software of 2026
Ranked apps making software for building apps fast, with Bubble, OutSystems, and Glide compared by features and fit for teams.
How we ranked these tools
Vendors set the topic, but our editors set the inclusion criteria and the evaluation framework before research starts.
Search agents gather the source set and the review record, including transcriptions of video reviews and podcasts.
Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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Bubble is the most reliable pick for teams that want to ship full-stack web apps quickly with workflow logic and third-party integrations, whereas OutSystems fits enterprise groups that need governed multi-app delivery with API-driven integration depth.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Bubble
Visual workflow designer that can execute server-side actions and data updates from UI events.
Best for: Fits when teams need fast web app delivery with workflow logic and third-party integrations.
OutSystems
Editor pickApplication lifecycle management with environment promotion and dependency-aware releases for multi-app governance.
Best for: Fits when enterprise teams need governed multi-app delivery with API-driven integrations.
Glide
Editor pickRow-level app behavior generated from spreadsheet fields, with actions that write changes back to the same dataset.
Best for: Fits when teams need spreadsheet-backed mobile workflows with updates driven by live data.
Comparison Table
Bubble
SMBVisual programming platform for building full-stack web applications without code.
Visual workflow designer that can execute server-side actions and data updates from UI events.
Bubble combines a drag-and-drop editor, responsive layout controls, and a visual workflow designer to implement CRUD screens, multi-step user flows, and background processing. A built-in data model ties fields to reusable UI elements and workflow actions, which reduces context switching when iterating on app behavior. API extensibility through REST API connectors and webhook triggers supports third-party integrations such as payments, CRMs, and messaging systems. RBAC-style role checks and access control rules apply at the page and data level to keep tenant data separated.
A practical tradeoff is that complex performance tuning can require careful query design and pagination because high-traffic screens rely on workflow throughput. Bubble fits best when a product team needs a working web app with user interactions, authentication, and third-party integrations without maintaining a separate backend codebase. In situations with heavy offline data sync or device-level customization, the web-first runtime can demand additional engineering outside Bubble.
- +Single editor connects UI elements to backend workflows
- +Data model binds to pages and reusable components
- +Extensible integrations through REST API connectors and webhooks
- +Granular access control rules support multi-role app logic
- –Large workflow graphs increase debugging time
- –Performance optimization depends on careful query and pagination design
- –Native device features require separate custom modules or workarounds
- –Automation complexity can outgrow templates for edge cases
Product teams and startups
Build customer portals with approval flows
Faster iteration on app logic
Revenue operations teams
Sync leads between CRM and app
Reduced manual data updates
Show 2 more scenarios
Internal tools developers
Create admin dashboards and forms
Lower maintenance for CRUD apps
A connected data model powers list views, filters, and bulk actions.
Agencies building client apps
Deliver multi-tenant SaaS workflows
Safer client-specific access
RBAC-like permission checks separate tenant data and gate actions by role.
Best for: Fits when teams need fast web app delivery with workflow logic and third-party integrations.
OutSystems
enterpriseEnterprise low-code platform for building scalable web and mobile applications.
Application lifecycle management with environment promotion and dependency-aware releases for multi-app governance.
OutSystems supports building responsive UI, backend logic, and app pages in a visual IDE, with reusable components to keep large app portfolios consistent. Integration surfaces include REST consumption and API management patterns, plus workflow automation that can react to changes through webhooks and scheduled jobs. Release governance is centered on environment promotion and controlled configuration of app versions, which reduces drift between development, test, and production.
A key tradeoff is that serious governance needs disciplined configuration and lifecycle practices, since teams that ship many apps still must manage dependencies, shared modules, and environment-specific settings. OutSystems works best when an organization needs a single standard for building apps that pull from existing services and expose new APIs, rather than running isolated prototypes per team.
- +Visual development with reusable components for portfolio-level consistency
- +API-focused integration supports REST consumption and outward API exposure
- +Lifecycle tooling enables environment promotion and controlled releases
- +Extensibility supports adding platform logic around native capabilities
- –Governed delivery depends on strong change control across shared modules
- –Complex integrations require more architecture work than simple app prototypes
- –Large app portfolios increase maintenance overhead for shared libraries
- –Some advanced UI and workflow customizations can require specialized expertise
Enterprise IT and product engineering
Release governed internal apps portfolio
Fewer release regressions
Operations automation teams
Automate workflows from external events
Lower manual processing
Show 2 more scenarios
Integration-heavy business teams
Connect apps to existing services
Faster time to integration
Apps consume REST APIs and expose endpoints to other systems without rewriting backend services.
Mobile app delivery teams
Ship consistent web and mobile experiences
Consistent user experience
Teams reuse components and business rules while delivering responsive interfaces that work across device types.
Best for: Fits when enterprise teams need governed multi-app delivery with API-driven integrations.
Glide
SMBNo-code platform that converts spreadsheets and data sources into functional mobile and web apps.
Row-level app behavior generated from spreadsheet fields, with actions that write changes back to the same dataset.
Glide’s core workflow starts with selecting a data source such as a spreadsheet, then mapping columns into screens, components, and actions. Its UI builder focuses on data binding so list views, detail views, and form inputs reflect the current dataset values. Automation is built around actions that can change records and around integrations that call external services through an API or webhook pattern.
A key tradeoff is that complex app architectures with heavy multi-system orchestration can outgrow what Glide exposes directly, especially when deep governance and granular RBAC requirements are needed across many teams. Glide fits well when teams already maintain operational data in tabular form and need a fast way to add mobile-friendly workflows that remain synchronized with that data.
- +Spreadsheet-first data binding keeps app screens synchronized with source rows
- +Built-in components cover common business UI patterns like lists, forms, and detail views
- +Webhook and API-based actions support external workflows beyond the app runtime
- +Mobile-friendly layout adapts well to workflow-centric interfaces
- –Advanced logic and cross-system orchestration can require more external automation
- –Governance needs can be difficult when fine-grained per-field permissions are required
- –Deep offline behavior is limited compared with native mobile-centric builders
- –Large, highly normalized datasets can become harder to model cleanly
Operations teams
Track requests from intake to closure
Faster cycle time visibility
Customer support teams
Manage ticket follow-ups on mobile
More consistent follow-through
Show 2 more scenarios
RevOps and sales ops
Coordinate deal stage and outreach
Cleaner handoffs between stages
Links relationship fields to screens and uses actions to update pipeline status and log activity.
Office admins
Run approvals for internal requests
Reduced manual routing
Uses row updates to drive approval states and sends webhook events to downstream systems.
Best for: Fits when teams need spreadsheet-backed mobile workflows with updates driven by live data.
Mendix
enterpriseLow-code application development platform owned by Siemens for enterprise app delivery.
App runtime supports Java-based custom modules that add reusable business logic and UI behavior beyond standard widgets.
Mendix is a low-code app builder that focuses on team-based delivery from model-driven logic to packaged releases. It provides a visual workflow designer with strong integration patterns through REST API connectors, plus extensibility via custom modules in the app runtime.
- +Visual workflow designer maps business logic to deployable runtime behavior
- +REST API connectors speed integration with external services and data flows
- +Role-based access supports controlled collaboration across teams
- +Custom modules extend UI and runtime behavior when built-in components fall short
- –Large projects require disciplined data model changes to avoid migration issues
- –Advanced configuration for mobile packaging adds steps beyond basic app publishing
- –Integration logic can sprawl across workflows and connectors without architecture rules
- –Extensibility often increases build complexity and requires stronger dev tooling knowledge
Best for: Fits when mid-size teams need model-driven app logic with controlled releases and deep API integration.
Microsoft Power Apps
enterpriseMicrosoft low-code platform for building internal business applications connected to Microsoft 365 and Azure.
Dataverse solution packaging with environment-aware deployments and model-driven app support tied to Microsoft governance controls.
Microsoft Power Apps lets teams build business apps with form screens, data tables, and workflow triggers backed by Microsoft Dataverse and other connectors. App authoring uses visual drag-and-drop controls with data binding, so controls map directly to records, choices, and relationships.
- +Dataverse-backed apps keep data relationships consistent across screens
- +Deep Microsoft integration supports reusable connectors and managed identity patterns
- +Event-to-flow automation links app actions to workflow execution
- +Component reuse speeds standard UI and validation across multiple apps
- –Advanced custom logic often shifts work into Power Automate or Azure services
- –Governance needs a disciplined approach to environments, permissions, and solution packaging
- –Performance tuning can be constrained by connector behavior and delegation rules
- –Offline app behavior requires specific configuration and testing across target devices
Best for: Fits when Microsoft-centric teams need data-driven app workflows with automation wired to existing systems.
Google AppSheet
SMBGoogle Cloud no-code platform for building apps from spreadsheets and data sources.
Offline-capable record capture with sync-oriented behavior for field users working in low-connectivity environments.
Google AppSheet is a low-code builder focused on turning spreadsheet-like sources into working internal apps and forms. It centers on data binding to structured tables, rule-driven screens, and workflow automation that can run on submitted records.
- +Turns spreadsheets and databases into CRUD apps with fast data binding
- +Workflow actions can validate inputs and automate record updates
- +REST API actions support bidirectional integration with external services
- +Offline modes help field workflows keep collecting data during outages
- –Complex UI logic can become hard to maintain at scale
- –Workflow and security tuning requires governance discipline to avoid gaps
- –Advanced component customization relies on extensions and add-ons
- –Performance tuning for high-volume apps needs careful design choices
Best for: Fits when teams need internal apps and forms tied to operational data, with automation and API integration.
Retool
API-firstLow-code platform for building internal tools and dashboards connected to databases and APIs.
Action scripting with JavaScript runs alongside data queries, enabling multi-step operations with shared state.
Retool centers on building internal web apps by binding UI components directly to data from SQL databases, REST APIs, and other internal services. Its distinguishing factor is the ability to run JavaScript inside app actions, schedule workflows, and coordinate multi-step operations with shared query results.
- +JavaScript-enabled queries and actions handle complex business logic
- +Rich connector options for SQL, REST, and internal service calls
- +Reusable UI components and consistent state make large apps manageable
- +Role-based access controls apply at the resource and action level
- –Complex workflows require careful action and error handling design
- –Governance depends on disciplined environment and permission setup
Best for: Fits when teams need internal CRUD plus workflow apps with strong API integration and controlled permissions.
Adalo
SMBNo-code platform for designing and publishing native mobile and web apps with drag-and-drop components.
Collection-linked data binding that updates UI elements automatically from the same underlying dataset.
Adalo is a visual apps builder focused on shipping client-ready mobile and web apps with a drag-and-drop editor. It connects app screens to a built-in database through data binding and collection-driven UI, with authentication flows and role checks handled inside the builder.
- +Drag-and-drop screen builder links UI components to collections quickly
- +Built-in authentication and role-gated screens reduce custom plumbing
- +REST API connectors support common external system sync patterns
- +Webhook triggers enable event-driven handoffs for downstream services
- –Complex data relationships can require workarounds compared with code-first tools
- –High custom UI logic can strain state handling and screen-level flows
- –Automation coverage depends on add-ons for advanced workflow orchestration
- –Admin governance for large user bases is less granular than enterprise stacks
Best for: Fits when teams need fast app delivery with visual UI, collection-driven data, and basic integrations.
Softr
SMBNo-code platform for building web apps and portals on top of Airtable and Google Sheets data.
Native integration with authenticated portals and gated experiences backed by REST API and webhook automation.
Softr turns spreadsheet and database data into authenticated web apps with responsive layouts and ready-to-use page templates. It supports role-based access for gated pages, plus form-driven workflows that write back to connected data sources.
- +Role-based access supports gated community, internal portal, and member-only pages
- +REST API connectors enable custom reads and writes beyond built-in sources
- +Webhook triggers support event-driven automation from app actions
- +Form submissions map cleanly to connected records for operational workflows
- –Complex multi-step flows can require careful configuration to avoid brittle UX
- –Advanced UI customization has limits versus full custom front-end frameworks
Best for: Fits when teams need authenticated app pages and data-linked workflows without building a full front-end.
Appsmith
API-firstOpen-source low-code platform for building internal tools and dashboards with self-hosting support.
Action and query scripting tied directly to UI events using a single app runtime and deployment model.
Appsmith targets teams that want a drag-and-drop app builder paired with code-level control over data queries and UI behavior. It connects UI widgets to REST APIs and databases and lets developers write custom logic for interactions, validations, and data transformations.
- +Tight API connector model for wiring widgets to queries and actions
- +Reusable components reduce duplicated UI logic across multiple apps
- +Server-side query scripting supports data shaping without separate services
- +RBAC controls per resource for safer multi-user internal deployments
- –Complex workflows require more developer effort than pure visual builders
- –Cross-team UI consistency can need disciplined component library maintenance
- –Some integrations depend on custom scripting patterns rather than turnkey actions
- –High-tenant deployments demand clear environment and secrets practices
Best for: Fits when teams need internal apps with API-driven screens and code-level control over queries.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 apps making software, Bubble stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
How to Choose the Right Apps Making Software
Apps making software blends a visual builder or spreadsheet-backed UI with backend actions, so screens can update data and call third-party services from user events. This guide covers Bubble, OutSystems, Glide, Mendix, Microsoft Power Apps, Google AppSheet, Retool, Adalo, Softr, and Appsmith with attention to integration, automation, and governance controls.
The category diverges by runtime and delivery model. Bubble uses a visual workflow designer that executes server-side actions and data updates from UI events, while OutSystems focuses on application lifecycle management with environment promotion and dependency-aware releases.
Apps Making Software: low-code and no-code builders that turn UI events into data and API actions
Apps making software refers to platforms that generate app front ends and bind them to data sources, while wiring UI interactions to workflow steps, queries, and API calls. Many tools support record-level CRUD flows, reusable components, and multi-step operations that trigger on form submits, button clicks, or list selections.
Bubble is a strong example of event-driven app construction, where a single visual workflow designer connects interface elements to backend actions and data updates. OutSystems differentiates by pairing visual development with governed environment promotion for multi-app releases, so teams can manage shared modules and integrations across development, test, and production.
Integration, automation control, and governance for event-driven app builders
Apps making software is only useful when UI events translate into repeatable backend steps, data updates, and third-party calls. The strongest builders expose a clear automation surface so teams can wire form submits and button clicks to actions, queries, and external APIs without fragile glue.
Workflow-to-action binding from UI events
Bubble maps UI element events into executable workflow steps that update data and run server-side actions. Retool ties widget events to JavaScript-backed queries and actions that handle multi-step operations with shared state.
Environment promotion and governed release flow
OutSystems provides application lifecycle management with environment promotion and dependency-aware releases for multi-app governance. Microsoft Power Apps packages apps with Dataverse solution deployments that support environment-aware administration tied to Microsoft governance controls.
Data model alignment and reusable business logic
Mendix supports Java-based custom modules so teams can add reusable business logic and UI behavior beyond standard widgets. Bubble’s data model binds to pages and reusable components so UI structure and backend updates stay consistent across the app.
Spreadsheet-backed row behavior for fast CRUD apps
Glide generates row-level app behavior from spreadsheet fields and writes changes back to the same dataset. Google AppSheet turns spreadsheets and databases into CRUD apps with fast record capture and workflow actions that validate inputs and automate record updates.
Offline record capture and sync-oriented behavior
Google AppSheet is built around offline-capable record capture with sync-oriented behavior for low-connectivity field users. Bubble can run event-driven workflows for web apps, but AppSheet’s offline-first focus changes how record updates and validation are designed for field scenarios.
Authenticated portals and gated experiences
Softr supports role-based access for member-only pages backed by REST API connectors and webhook automation. Adalo provides built-in authentication and role-gated screens that reduce custom plumbing for gated access.
Choose by delivery model, integration depth, and control over change
The right apps making software tool depends on whether the app can stay within a visual event-to-workflow runtime or needs code-level control near the data and API layer. Teams also need to decide how app changes move from build to test to production, since governed releases and dependency handling affect governance effort more than screen-building speed.
Pick the runtime philosophy: visual workflows versus JavaScript-tied actions
If app logic must execute as server-side workflow steps triggered by UI events, Bubble is the primary fit because it uses a visual workflow designer to connect UI events to backend actions and data updates. If logic needs JavaScript to run alongside data queries with shared state for multi-step operations, Retool and Appsmith better match because actions and queries are wired directly to UI events with code-level control.
Decide whether governance is environment promotion or UI-level permission tuning
If governance depends on environment promotion and dependency-aware releases, OutSystems is the fit because it supports governed multi-app delivery. If governance is mostly about environments and packaged deployments in a Microsoft ecosystem, Microsoft Power Apps matches through Dataverse solution packaging with environment-aware deployments and Microsoft governance controls.
Choose the data source shape: row-level spreadsheet binding versus schema-first app models
If the primary data is already structured as spreadsheet rows and app behavior must track those rows, Glide and AppSheet fit because their core binding model keeps screens synchronized with row data. If the app needs model-driven behavior with disciplined change across larger builds, Mendix supports model-driven logic with controlled releases and custom modules that add reusable business logic.
Match mobile and field requirements to sync and packaging complexity
If offline-capable record capture and sync behavior are required for field workflows, AppSheet is the clearest match because offline behavior is part of the record capture model. If mobile packaging and advanced release steps add friction, Mendix and Power Apps can still work, but teams must plan for more configuration around packaging and custom logic placement.
Validate integration and extensibility where logic crosses system boundaries
If API integrations require outward exposure and REST consumption with controlled release governance, OutSystems pairs visual development with API-focused integration patterns. If integration focus is internal and widget-driven, Softr’s REST API connectors and webhook automation support authenticated portals, while Bubble and Retool center the integration wiring inside their event and action models.
Stress-test complex workflows against debugging and error-handling expectations
If workflow graphs will get large, Bubble needs careful debugging planning because large workflow graphs increase debugging time. If multi-step operations will be intricate, Retool’s JavaScript-enabled actions require explicit error-handling design, while Appsmith and Bubble shift complexity into different places in the UI event wiring.
Teams that should buy specific builders for Apps Making Software
Different builders target different app delivery workflows, so fit depends on who owns the logic and how changes are released. The sections below map common ownership patterns to specific tool strengths from the feature cards.
Product and engineering teams building fast web apps with event-driven backend logic
Bubble fits teams that want a single editor that connects UI elements to backend workflows and data updates. Retool fits teams that need JavaScript-backed queries and actions running alongside data queries for complex operations.
Enterprise teams that manage multiple apps and shared dependencies across environments
OutSystems fits teams that need environment promotion and dependency-aware releases for governed multi-app delivery. Microsoft Power Apps fits Microsoft-centric teams that want Dataverse solution packaging tied to environment-aware administration.
Ops teams running spreadsheet-based processes that must update the same dataset
Glide fits teams that need row-level app behavior generated from spreadsheet fields with actions that write changes back to the same dataset. AppSheet fits teams that need CRUD apps with fast data binding plus offline-capable record capture for field use.
Internal tool builders that need custom API wiring and reusable UI components
Appsmith fits internal app builders because its action and query scripting is tied directly to UI events inside one app runtime and deployment model. Softr fits teams that want authenticated portals and gated experiences without building a full front-end.
Teams that need lightweight app delivery with built-in authentication and role-gated screens
Adalo fits teams that want drag-and-drop screen building with collection-linked data binding and built-in authentication plus role-gated screens. Softr can also fit when the primary need is member-only pages driven by REST API connectors and webhook automation.
Common implementation pitfalls in Apps Making Software
Many failures come from choosing a builder that changes where complexity lives. Workflow complexity, governance expectations, and data model discipline determine whether delivery stays predictable.
Building large visual workflow graphs without a debugging plan for how steps fail
Bubble increases debugging time as workflow graphs grow, so complex operations need tighter pagination and query design from the start. Retool also requires explicit action and error-handling design when multi-step workflows get complicated.
Treating governed releases as optional when shared modules and environment promotion are required
OutSystems governance depends on strong change control across shared modules, so releasing changes without a disciplined process can break dependent apps. Microsoft Power Apps governance also needs disciplined environment, permissions, and solution packaging choices or custom logic will sprawl across services.
Assuming UI-level logic will scale when the data model needs frequent changes
Mendix large projects require disciplined data model changes to avoid migration issues, so schema evolution must be planned before scaling. Bubble’s data model supports binding to pages and reusable components, but expanding the model without structure increases maintenance costs.
Overloading spreadsheet-first apps with cross-system orchestration that needs external automation
Glide advanced logic and cross-system orchestration can require more external automation beyond its spreadsheet-backed row behavior. AppSheet workflow and security tuning also needs governance discipline to avoid security gaps when field users submit complex records.
Shipping complex relationship-heavy UIs without accounting for state handling limits
Adalo can require workarounds for complex data relationships and can strain state handling with high custom UI logic. Softr advanced UI customization also has limits versus full custom front-end frameworks, so complicated UX may need a different build path.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated Bubble, OutSystems, Glide, Mendix, Microsoft Power Apps, AppSheet, Retool, Adalo, Softr, and Appsmith against feature coverage, build and workflow execution fit, and operational value for app delivery. We weighted features at 40% because event-driven binding, integration wiring, and runtime behavior decide what teams can ship.
We weighted ease at 30% and value at 30% because debugging effort and maintenance overhead shape delivery speed after the first working prototype. Bubble set itself apart with a visual workflow designer that executes server-side actions and data updates from UI events while keeping the data model bound to reusable components.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apps Making Software
How do Bubble and Retool differ in where app logic runs when building internal software?
Which platform is better for spreadsheet-backed app workflows: Glide or Google AppSheet?
When should an enterprise team choose OutSystems over Mendix for governed releases across environments?
How do Power Apps and AppSheet handle API integration for apps making software workflows?
What security controls differ most between Mendix and Retool for role-based access and admin visibility?
How does data migration usually work when moving an existing workflow into Microsoft Power Apps or Appsmith?
What tradeoff appears when using Adalo instead of Softr for authenticated workflows?
Where does AppSheet fall short compared with Bubble when building event-driven, server-side workflows from UI?
Which tool is better for reusable component behavior and shared state in internal apps: OutSystems or Retool?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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