Are you wondering whether AppSheet is the right choice for building your app? Maybe you’re considering a few no-code tools and want to find the best fit for your needs.

This AppSheet review will cover its standout features, competitive pricing tiers, ideal use cases, and more. You’ll have all the insights you need to make an informed decision by the end.

Let’s get started.

AppSheet Review

AppSheet is a no-code platform owned by Google that allows users to create mobile and web applications without writing code. It enables businesses and individuals to transform their data into functional apps quickly and easily and is mainly used to create internal business apps.

As the name suggests, AppSheet lets you build an app using data from a spreadsheet or other database source. While it works specifically well with Google Sheets, you can connect to most other databases like SQL and Airtable.

But remember — you can’t start building your app until you have a database ready and set up. 

Features

• Drag-and-drop interface for app building
• Integration with various data sources (Google Sheets, Excel, SQL databases)
• Automated machine learning and AI capabilities
• Offline functionality
• Built-in security and user management
• Cross-platform deployment (iOS, Android, web)

Pros

• Seamless integration with Google Workspace
• Robust data handling capabilities
• Regular updates and improvements

• You’ll be able to prototype, test, and deploy your app quickly

Cons

• Building interface isn’t beginner-friendly and can be complicated to learn
• It depends on Google's ecosystem

• Need to have your own database set up before you start building your app

Pricing

AppSheet offers three main pricing tiers to cater to different user needs:

• Starter ($5/user/month): This tier is ideal for individuals or small teams just beginning with app development. It provides basic application and automation features, connection to spreadsheets and cloud file storage, and access to the AppSheet database.
  
  This tier is best for those looking to create simple apps or automate basic processes without needing advanced features.
  
  
• Core ($10/user/month): This is the most popular option for growing businesses and teams requiring more robust capabilities. It includes advanced application and automation features, security controls, and email customer support.
  
  This tier is included in most paid Google Workspace plans, making it an excellent choice for organizations already using Google's ecosystem.
  
  
• Enterprise Plus ($20/user/month): Designed for large organizations or those with complex requirements. It offers advanced features like connection to various data sources (including cloud databases, APIs, and enterprise data services), enhanced security and governance controls, machine learning modeling, and priority customer support.
  
  This tier is best for large companies needing scalable solutions with high-level security and advanced AI capabilities.

What Kinds of Apps Can AppSheet Build?

AppSheet is versatile and can be used to create many types of applications, including:

• Inventory management systems
• Field service apps
• Customer relationship management (CRM) tools
• Lead generation and tracking 
• Project management applications
• Data collection and survey apps
• Employee directories and HR tools
• IT ticketing and traffic management
• Event management systems

Who is AppSheet Good For?

• Database-savvy professionals: Those familiar with databases can use AppSheet to transform their data into functional apps. The platform allows data interpretation through charts and graphs, enabling tracking results and KPIs.
  
  
• Businesses that need quick internal app development: Once mastered, AppSheet's interface lets you quickly create internal business apps.
  
  
• Google ecosystem users: AppSheet integrates seamlessly with Google apps, such as Google Sheets and Google Calendar, which offer real-time updates.
  
  
• Function-over-form: AppSheet is ideal for those prioritizing functionality over extensive aesthetic customization. It’s best for building internal tools where practicality trumps visual design.
  
  
• Exploratory app developers: AppSheet offers pre-made test apps for each template, allowing users to explore how databases translate into functional apps. This feature is excellent for those unsure about app design or who want to experiment before committing to a full build.

Who Should Avoid AppSheet?

• Those without a set-up database: AppSheet requires a pre-existing database to function. Unlike other no-code tools, you can't build your database as you go. All app elements (text, pictures, icons, etc.) must be in the database beforehand.
  
  
• Design-focused developers: AppSheet's AI-generated and featured app templates are somewhat generic and offer limited customization.
  
  
• Users looking for intuitive interfaces: Even for those experienced with databases, AppSheet's building interface has a learning curve. Mastering AppSheet's customizable logical functions can be time-consuming.
  
  
• External, client-facing app developers: AppSheet is primarily geared towards internal business tools. It may not be the best choice for creating external, client-facing applications.

AppSheet Alternatives

• Blaze.tech is a powerful no-code platform that prioritizes rapid application development. It offers a visual interface for building web and mobile apps, focusing on quickly creating customer-facing business solutions.
  
  
• Noloco is a newer player in the no-code space, designed to help businesses create internal tools and automate processes.
  
  Its simplicity and speed stand out, allowing users to build functional apps in minutes. Noloco is particularly well-suited for creating admin panels and dashboards.
  
  
• Glide is a popular no-code platform that turns spreadsheets into beautiful, easy-to-use apps. It's known for its user-friendly interface and quick app creation process.
  
  Glide is excellent for those comfortable working with spreadsheets and wanting to transform their data into functional mobile and web applications.
  
  
• Airtable is a hybrid spreadsheet database tool with powerful features for organizing and visualizing data.
  
  While not primarily an app builder, Airtable's flexibility allows users to create custom views and interfaces that function similarly to simple apps, it's particularly strong in project management and inventory tracking use cases.

Is AppSheet HIPAA-compliant?

AppSheet is HIPAA-compliant. Its parent company, Google, offers a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for its Google Cloud products, including AppSheet.

However, it's crucial to note that HIPAA compliance is not just about the tool but also how it's used. Organizations must ensure they configure their apps and manage data in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

The Bottom Line

This AppSheet review highlights how this powerful no-code platform enables businesses and individuals to create functional apps quickly and easily. Its integration with Google Workspace makes it a good option for users already in the Google ecosystem.

However, it's not without limitations. The platform may not be suitable for highly complex applications or organizations requiring extensive customization. The learning curve for advanced features and the dependency on Google's infrastructure are also factors to consider.

Those without a database already set up, design-focused developers, or businesses looking to build external-facing apps can consider a platform like Blaze.tech.

Blaze provides a user-friendly no-code platform with robust features tailored to various industries, especially those that need more flexibility and ease of use.

Some key advantages of Blaze:

• No database required: Unlike AppSheet, Blaze allows you to build your database as you go, eliminating the need for a pre-existing setup.
  
  
• Intuitive interface: Blaze offers a more user-friendly building experience, reducing the learning curve associated with AppSheet's interface.
  
  
• Design flexibility: While AppSheet's templates can be somewhat generic, Blaze provides more extensive customization options for internal and client-facing apps.
  
  
• Comprehensive support: An implementation team helps build the initial version of your application, speeding up your development cycle.

Blaze is ideal for businesses of all sizes looking for a more accessible, flexible, and design-friendly platform for developing their applications — no database expertise is needed. 

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