Do you have an app idea that you’re trying to get off the ground and are looking for Softr alternatives to help you build it?

Softr has an easy-to-use builder with great pre-built components, but there are many alternatives on the market — cheaper and more powerful alternatives. 

This is especially handy if your software needs to extend beyond basic functionality: Maybe you’re looking for better security, or more features, or complex workflows. Or maybe you and your team just don’t have the time to build a solution yourself and need more dedicated support. 

We’ve got the best Softr alternative for you. Let’s help you find the perfect fit for your needs.

Why People Switch to a Softr Alternative

They need enterprise-grade security

Large enterprises, especially those in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, or government, often deal with huge amounts of sensitive data.

For these organizations, security is essential. While Softr has basic security in place, it definitely lacks the robust security protocols and certifications necessary for handling sensitive information. Regulated organizations may need features like enterprise-grade encryption, SOC 2 compliance, and advanced access controls –– features that Softr doesn’t provide.

Limited functionality

While Softr is great at building internal business tools, its functionality might be limited if you’re looking to build more complex, feature-rich applications. These could include public-facing apps like social networks, e-commerce platforms, or custom applications with specific user interactions. 

Softr may not provide the features and functionalities needed to build these types of applications.

Softr doesn't have a built-in database

Softr requires you to use external databases, which can be a hurdle for some users. While connecting an existing database is straightforward for those familiar with them, it adds complexity for those without prior database experience.

You need to use a database tool like Airtable or Google Sheets. Plus, Softr's limited database integrations (currently connecting to only 4 providers, with 2 in beta) might not offer the specific features or functionalities needed for every kind of app.

External databases also raise potential security concerns. Organizations with sensitive data might prefer a platform with a built-in database with better security features and direct control over data access.

Top 4 Alternatives to Softr in 2024

1. Blaze.tech
2. Bubble.io
3. Adalo
4. Glide

#1: Blaze.tech

Blaze is the best Softr alternative, particularly for large organizations that need advanced data security. It empowers you to bridge the gap between your business vision and a secure, feature-rich application — all without the need for a dedicated coding team.

Our intuitive drag-and-drop interface prioritizes ease of use, allowing anyone to tailor the app to their specific needs. This flexibility ensures you're not limited by technical complexities; instead, you can focus on refining your solution.

Top-tier features like SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance ensure your data is always protected, making Blaze the perfect choice for building secure applications in regulated industries like healthcare and finance.

Advantages Over Softr

• Enterprise-grade security: Blaze prioritizes data security with features built to meet the strictest industry standards. SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance out-of-the-box make it a strong choice for healthcare, finance, or other highly regulated industries.
  
  
• Dedicated support: With Blaze, you get a dedicated team that provides hands-on assistance, including collaboration with you to build the initial version of your application. This jumpstarts your initial development, while later changes can be made using Blaze's intuitive visual interface.
  
  
• Enhanced functionality: Blaze goes beyond building basic internal tools. Its drag-and-drop interface and pre-built components empower users to build complex applications, public-facing features, and intricate workflows.
  
  
• Built-in secure database: Softr requires users to connect an external database, which can introduce security vulnerabilities if not managed properly. Organizations with sensitive data might prefer a platform with a built-in database offering greater control over data access.

Ideal Users

• Businesses that need complex applications: Blaze empowers users to build feature-rich applications beyond simple internal tools, ideal for public-facing functionalities and advanced workflows.
  
  
• Teams that want to build software without coding: Non-technical teams that want to be a part of solution design can use Blaze to participate in the development process. This way, those that are closest to the problem can get involved in solving it.
  
  
• Healthcare providers: For hospitals and clinics managing sensitive patient data, Blaze's HIPAA compliance ensures the highest level of data security. Additionally, Blaze's functionalities can be used to build secure patient portals, appointment scheduling apps, and internal tools for managing patient information.
  
  
• Financial institutions: Blaze's security features make it ideal for banks, investment firms, and other institutions handling sensitive financial data. Blaze can be used to build secure internal applications for loan processing, document management, and fraud detection.

• Government agencies: Government agencies dealing with confidential citizen data require a secure platform like Blaze. Blaze's functionality allows for building secure applications for citizen portals, permit applications, and internal communication tools.

Pricing

Blaze offers tiered pricing plans to fit your business needs:

• Internal Plan ($400/month): This plan is ideal for internal use cases. It allows unlimited internal users, apps, data storage, and features like multi-source data syncing, robust data security, and role-based permissions. However, it does not include access for external users.
  
  
• Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): Designed for organizations with complex security requirements and external user needs, this plan offers all the features of the Internal Plan, plus additional functionalities like custom APIs, branding, advanced user management, public web applications, and HIPAA compliance.

The Bottom Line

Blaze offers a great no-code alternative to Softr. Blaze's drag-and-drop interface lets you build feature-rich applications, including public-facing features, complex workflows, and even custom enterprise solutions.

Plus, Blaze eliminates the hassle of external databases with its secure, built-in solution, streamlining development and data management.

#2: Bubble

Bubble caters to ambitious no-coders looking to build more feature-rich applications. While it has a steep learning curve, Bubble lets you build more complex workflows and functionalities.

Bubble lets you connect to external databases or APIs, and gives you the design flexibility to create unique user experiences.

Advantages Over Softr

• Better functionality: Bubble has a wider range of functionalities compared to Softr. This caters to users building complex enterprise applications with intricate features and workflows. However, this complexity comes at a cost — it requires more time and effort to master Bubble’s backend logic and database management.
  
  
• Built-in database: Bubble offers a built-in database, eliminating the need for external connections. This streamlines development and data management.
  
  
• Cheaper than Softr: Bubble has a more competitive price point compared to Softr, this makes it more affordable for small businesses or tight budgets. 

Ideal Users

• Experienced no-coders: If you have sufficient experience with building apps using no-code tools (preferably more complex ones), then Bubble might be a great option. Bubble has a steep learning curve and can be complicated for beginners to grasp.
  
  
• Startups with a tech team: If your startup has a development team with the capacity and commitment to learn Bubble, it may be the ideal tool for you. The combined knowledge within your team can help navigate Bubble's interface and leverage its functionalities to build a feature-rich app without starting from scratch.
  
  
• Those that need a highly customized project: If your project demands a high level of customization and a wide range of features, Bubble's extensive plugin marketplace allows you to integrate functionalities beyond its core offerings.

Pricing

• Free: Ideal for projects that are under construction. It provides a development version for testing, API connection for data, and a component library to jumpstart design. This plan doesn't allow publishing your app live and has limitations on editors and resources for complex projects.

• Starter ($32/month, $29/month billed yearly): Perfect for launching your app and testing early-stage MVPs or simple tools. Includes a live app, custom domain, and basic version control.

• Growth ($134/month, $119/month billed yearly): Designed for growing your user base with consumer projects featuring more complex functionality. Offers premium version control and two-factor authentication.

• Team ($399/month, $349/month billed yearly): Best for scaling your team and business with higher usage projects. Includes sub apps, additional app editors, and enhanced server logs.

• Custom (Contact for pricing): For enterprise-level security, ideal for projects with sensitive data. Offers choice of hosting location, and unlimited backup.

The Bottom Line

Bubble offers a more powerful alternative to Softr for building feature-rich applications, and its functionality caters to users who need to go beyond basic internal tools. 

But this power comes at a cost. Bubble's interface has a steeper learning curve compared to Softr, requiring more time to learn its complexity and database logic in order to unlock its full potential.

#3: Adalo

Adalo is a user-friendly, no-code platform for building web and mobile apps with a drag-and-drop interface. Its responsive design ensures your app works smoothly across any device.

Adalo has a large marketplace to purchase components that make your app more customized and powerful. It also integrates with Xano, a backend database solution, allowing you to tackle more complex projects. 

Advantages Over Softr

• Easier to use: Adalo’s drag-and-drop interface is ideal for beginners and non-technical users. This allows anyone to jump right in and start building their app.
  
  
• Versatile development: Adalo caters to both web and native mobile app development. This means your application can function seamlessly across devices, offering users a consistent experience regardless of their chosen platform.
  
  
• Cheaper: Adalo provides a feature-rich free version. Their Starter plan costs $36/month, making it a great option for freelancers and entrepreneurs. This plan is $23 cheaper per month than Softr's Starter version.

Ideal Users

• Beginners: Adalo's user-friendly interface makes it a great platform for those new to no-code development.
  
  
• Small to medium-sized businesses: With its focus on affordability and functionality, Adalo is well-suited for building internal tools or customer-facing apps for smaller teams.
  
  
• Mobile-first app development: If building a native mobile app is a priority, Adalo stands out with its ability to create high-quality mobile experiences.

Pricing

• Free: Ideal for individual users or small teams to test the app idea and learn the ropes. It allows you to build a basic app with limited features and publish it to the web.
  
  
• Starter ($36/month): A good option for freelancers or startups looking to build a simple app with more features than the free plan. It increases the number of monthly app actions, data storage, and allows publishing one app.
  
  
• Professional ($52/month): Suitable for small and medium-sized businesses that need to build more feature-rich apps.This plan offers even more app actions, data storage, app editors, and the ability to publish two apps.
  
  
• Team ($160/month): Aimed at teams that require multiple editors and the ability to publish more apps. It grants increased app actions, data storage, app editors, and allows publishing five apps.
  
  
• Business ($200/month): The top tier, designed for larger businesses with complex app needs. This plan offers the highest limits on app actions, data storage, app editors, and allows publishing ten apps.

The Bottom Line

For those who need a user-friendly platform with native mobile app development capabilities, Adalo provides a great alternative to Softr, especially for beginners and smaller teams. 

While it might not be the right solution for complex enterprise applications, it empowers users to build feature-rich mobile and web apps without sacrificing ease of use.

#4: Glide 

Glide empowers anyone to create visually appealing Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) without writing a single line of code. Glide connects seamlessly with spreadsheet tools so you can build powerful apps in minutes. Plus, it's completely free to get started, allowing you to test and share your PWA ideas instantly.

Advantages Over Softr

• Visual appeal: Glide takes care of the visual polish for you, making your app look professional from the start. You can then customize it with pre-built elements that you can easily drag and drop to connect with your data.
  
  
• Integrates with spreadsheets: Glide's core strength lies in its ability to integrate with spreadsheets as the data source for your app. This simplifies data management for users familiar with spreadsheets and ensures real-time updates between your sheet and the app.
  
  
• Rapid prototyping: Glide is great for rapid prototyping and deployment. Its user-friendly interface allows you to create functional prototypes and deploy them quickly, making it ideal for projects needing a swift turnaround.
  
  
• Design freedom: Compared to Softr, Glide offers more design freedom. With its aesthetically pleasing elements and drag-and-drop interface, you can easily create visually appealing apps. Additionally, Glide supports essential design actions like undo/redo functionality, enhancing the user experience.

Ideal Users

• Those who want to build PWAs: Glide lets you build web apps with ease, but you can’t publish those apps on either the Apple App Store or on Google Play Store.
  
  
• Data-driven business users: Leverage existing Google Sheets data to build data-driven apps for tasks like real-time sales dashboards, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, or inventory management.
  
  
• Agile startups: You can use Glide to prototype and test MVPs rapidly. Their intuitive interface allows you to gather user feedback and iterate on features.
  
  
• Non-technical teams and citizen developers: Because of Glide’s ease of use, non-technical teams or individuals can bring their ideas to life without much time spent on learning how to use it. It’s great for building simple internal tools like automated data entry apps, team dashboards, or custom data collection forms.

Pricing

• Free: Ideal to explore and learn Glide’s core features.
  
  
• Maker ($25/month): Ideal for creating apps for personal projects or communities.
  

• Team ($99/month): Suitable for turning spreadsheets into tools for your team. Includes unlimited apps, 20 users, 5,000 updates, Glide Basic API, and a signature pad. Support includes Glide Support.
  
  
• Business ($249/month): Designed for building powerful software on top of databases. Includes unlimited apps, 20 users, 10,000 updates, call API, and single sign-on (paid add-on). Support includes Glide Priority Support and personalized onboarding.
  
  
• Enterprise (Custom pricing): Offers custom solutions for entire organizations. Features include custom terms, service-level agreements, domain monitoring, an account manager, and unlimited rows on queryable data sources.

The Bottom Line

Glide beats Softr with its easy-to-use platform for building progressive web apps directly from existing spreadsheet tools. It’s ideal for building professional looking apps and has a strong, collaborative community. But for projects requiring extensive UI customization or complex functionalities, other options might be a better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions on Softr Alternatives

1. What's the best alternative to Softr?

Blaze is the best alternative to Softr. While Softr offers a good starting point for building internal tools, businesses requiring more robust features and top-tier security will find Blaze a better fit.

Blaze prioritizes flexibility and functionality, empowering users to build feature-rich applications that address specific business needs. Blaze also stands out for its commitment to data security. With SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance, we ensure your data is always protected.

2. What's the cheapest Softr alternative?

Adalo offers a free plan and starts at $36/month, making it a budget-friendly option compared to Softr.

3. Is Softr HIPAA-compliant?

No, Softr is not currently HIPAA-compliant. If you need to handle sensitive medical data, consider a HIPAA-compliant platform like Blaze.

4. Is Softr easy to use?

Softr is user-friendly, but provides limited support for building your app. Blaze offers dedicated support to help build the initial version of your app, with a team that has expertise in building solutions in healthcare, financial services, and more.