Are you looking for an in-depth Stacker review to determine whether this no-code platform is the best fit for your business? 

Stacker has gained popularity for allowing businesses to build internal tools and apps without needing to hire developers. But is it the right solution for your specific needs? 

In this guide, we'll discuss Stacker’s key features, pricing, pros and cons, and alternatives, helping you determine whether it’s the ideal tool for your project.

Stacker Review

Stacker is a no-code platform that enables users to create web applications and customer portals without writing code. It's designed to work seamlessly with existing data sources, particularly Airtable and Google Sheets, allowing users to build functional apps on top of their data quickly and easily.

Features

• Data integration: Stacker connects directly with Airtable and Google Sheets, allowing users to build apps using their existing data.
  
  
• Drag-and-drop interface: The platform offers an intuitive builder for creating user interfaces without coding.
  
  
• User authentication: Stacker provides built-in user management and authentication features.
  
  
• Customizable permissions: Users can set up granular permissions to control data access.
  
  
• Various view options: Stacker includes list, grid, calendar, and Kanban views for data visualization.
  
  
• Workflow automation: It allows users to set up automated actions based on specific triggers.
  
  
• White-labeling: Higher-tier plans offer the ability to remove stacker branding and use custom domains.
  
  
• API access: It enables integration with other tools and services.

Pros

• Unlimited applications: Stacker allows users to build as many applications as needed without requiring upgrades to higher-tier plans.
  
  
• User-friendly interface: The building interface is straightforward to use, making it accessible for non-technical users.
  
  
• Versatile data integration: Stacker primarily integrates with Airtable and Google Sheets but also offers some flexibility with other data sources. For advanced or specific integrations like MySQL, it’s best to consult directly with Stacker's support.
  
  
• Quick deployment: Apps can be built and deployed rapidly, especially when using existing data sources.
  
  
• Scalability: The platform can handle a growing number of records and users.
  
  
• Customization: It offers a good balance between ease of use and customization options.

Cons

• Pricing: This can be expensive for smaller businesses or individual users, especially at higher tiers.
  
  
• Limited mobile app distribution: Stacker-built apps cannot be published on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, limiting mobile reach.
  
  
• Focus on internal tools: Stacker is primarily designed to create internal business tools, which may not suit businesses needing public-facing applications like booking systems or customer portals.
  
  
• Branding limitations on lower tiers: Custom branding and domain options are only available on higher-priced versions, which could be a drawback for businesses wanting a fully branded experience on a budget.
  
  
• Learning curve for advanced features: Some complex functionalities may require time to master.
  
  
• Dependency on external data sources: It requires users to manage and maintain their data on external platforms.

Pricing

Stacker lets you sign up for free and then shares the pricing for several tiers to accommodate different needs:

• Starter (starting at $59/month): For 10,000 records, 1 collaborator seat, and record permissions
  
  
• Plus (starting at $149/month): For unlimited records, 3 collaborator seats, comments and notifications, and Kanban and inbox views
  
  
• Pro (starting at $290/month): For unlimited records, 10 collaborator seats, roles and advanced permissions, custom domain, and more
  
  
• Enterprise (custom pricing): For large companies, includes unlimited stacker workspaces, white labeling, enterprise-grade security, additional data connectors, and a dedicated account manager

All paid plans include unlimited external users, and the Pro plan and above include unlimited apps. Stacker also offers a free trial for users to test the platform before committing to a paid plan.

What Kinds of Apps Can Stacker Build?

Stacker specializes in creating internal business tools and applications. Some common types of apps you can build with Stacker include:

• CRM tools: Customize and manage leads and clients easily to fit your business and industry needs
  
  
• Workflow and project management tools: Ideal for large organizations with multiple teams working on various projects
  
  
• Employee portals: Create Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for file sharing and internal communication
  
  
• Client portals: Build product catalogs that clients can access directly, potentially increasing sales
  
  
• Custom databases: Create and manage databases with user-friendly interfaces for various business operations

While Stacker is powerful for internal tools, it's important to note that it's not designed to create public-facing apps or native mobile applications.

Who Is Stacker Good For?

Stacker apps are particularly well-suited for:

• Businesses that need to create internal tools or software quickly: Stacker's no-code platform and pre-built templates allow for the development of internal applications without extensive coding knowledge.
  
  
• Teams with several members who need to access and collaborate on apps: Stacker's user management and permission settings make it easy to control access and facilitate collaboration among team members.
  
  
• Organizations who need multiple apps: Stacker's unlimited app creation feature allows businesses to scale their internal tools without worrying about additional costs or tier upgrades.
  
  
• For those who have a database ready: Stacker's integration with popular databases like Airtable and Google Sheets allows for easy creation of tools that work with existing data structures.

Who Should Avoid Stacker?

Stacker apps may not be the best fit for:

• Individuals or businesses looking to create public-facing apps: Stacker's focus on internal tools and authenticated access makes it less suitable for developing public apps like e-commerce platforms or food delivery services that require anonymous user access.
  
  
• Native mobile apps for publication on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store: Stacker's web-based approach doesn't support the creation of native mobile apps, limiting its usefulness for businesses requiring a presence on mobile app stores.
  
  
• Complex, custom-coded solutions that go beyond Stacker's no-code capabilities: While powerful, Stacker's no-code approach may not offer the level of customization or complex functionality that some specialized business applications require.
  
  
• Businesses needing extensive design customization: Stacker's design options, while flexible, may not satisfy businesses looking for highly unique or brand-specific user interfaces that require advanced design capabilities.
  
  
• Companies requiring offline functionality or local data storage: As a web-based platform, Stacker may not be suitable for businesses that need apps to function without an internet connection or require data to be stored locally for security or compliance reasons.

Stacker Alternatives

• Blaze.tech: A powerful no-code platform that offers more flexibility in creating both internal and external-facing apps. Blaze provides advanced customization options and the ability to create mobile apps, making it suitable for a wider range of projects.
  
  It also provides enterprise-grade security, such as SOC 2 certification and HIPAA compliance, making it a more suitable option for larger organizations.
  
  
• Airtable: While primarily a database tool, Airtable offers app-building capabilities focused on collaborative work management. It's more flexible in terms of data structure but may require more setup for complex applications.
  
  
• Glide: It specializes in creating mobile apps from spreadsheet data. It's more mobile-focused than Stacker but may have limitations for complex internal tools.
  
  
• Softr: Similar to Stacker in its no-code approach, Softr allows the creation of web apps and client portals. It offers more options for public-facing apps but may have less robust data integration compared to Stacker.

Is Stacker HIPAA-compliant?

As of 2024, Stacker does not list HIPAA compliance as a standard feature on its website. Organizations handling sensitive health information should directly consult Stacker or consider other platforms that explicitly offer HIPAA-compliant features out of the box.

However, Stacker does offer enterprise-grade security features in its Enterprise plan, which may include provisions for HIPAA compliance with additional configuration.

Organizations in the healthcare sector or those handling protected health information (PHI) should consider other no-code tools like Blaze.tech that offer more advanced security options that don’t require additional manual configuration.

The Bottom Line

Stacker stands out as an efficient no-code platform that enables businesses to create internal tools and applications. 

With its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with popular databases like Airtable and Google Sheets, Stacker empowers organizations to transform their existing data into functional, collaborative applications without the need for extensive coding expertise.

Stacker's unlimited app creation feature makes it an attractive option for growing businesses that need to scale their internal operations efficiently.

However, Stacker does have limitations. Its focus on internal tools makes it not ideal for creating public-facing applications or native mobile apps. Additionally, businesses requiring highly specialized designs or complex, custom-coded solutions might find Stacker's capabilities somewhat restrictive.

For organizations seeking a more versatile alternative, particularly those needing both internal and external-facing applications or mobile app development capabilities, Blaze.tech presents a compelling option.

Blaze offers a comprehensive no-code development platform that addresses many of Stacker's limitations while maintaining ease of use. Its flexible architecture allows for the creation of a wider range of applications, from internal tools to customer-facing portals and mobile apps.

Blaze's comprehensive support includes an implementation team to assist with initial application development, which can significantly reduce the learning curve and accelerate time-to-market.

Some key advantages of Blaze:

• Ease of use: Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows quick and easy application development, even for non-technical users.
  
  
• Built-in database: It simplifies data management by eliminating the need for external databases and streamlining the development process.
  
  
• Customizable workflows: It automates complex business processes with Blaze's workflow builder, which is tailored to your needs.
  
  
• Comprehensive support: An implementation team helps build the initial version of your application, speeding up your development cycle.

Blaze is ideal for healthcare organizations, large enterprises, and startups looking for a secure, scalable, and easy-to-use platform for developing their applications. No technical background is needed. 

Schedule a Free Demo Today.