⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: Softr starts at $49/mo (Basic) vs Adalo at $36/mo (Starter). Free plans on both.
- Best for: Softr for client portals, internal tools, and web app builds with Airtable/Google Sheets data. Adalo for native mobile apps you can publish to the Apple App Store and Google Play.
- Key difference: Softr only creates progressive web apps. Adalo publishes real iOS and Android apps to the app stores.
- Our pick: Softr for most business users who need internal tools, directories, and client portals fast.
Have an idea for an app but don’t have any coding knowledge?
You’re not alone. No code app builders make app building possible without writing a single line of code.
Two of the biggest no code tools in this space are Softr and Adalo.
But they solve very different problems. Softr is a web app builder for internal tools and client portals. Adalo lets you build native mobile apps and publish them to the Apple App Store and Google Play.
I tested both platforms for three weeks. I built real apps on each one to see how the building process actually feels. Here’s everything I found.
Overview
To give you the most accurate comparison, I tested both no code Softr vs Adalo on real projects.
I built a client portal in Softr connected to Google Sheets. Then I built a mobile app in Adalo using its built-in database.
I tracked launch speed, intuitive feel, and feature depth across both app builders.
By the end, you’ll know which tool fits your idea, your budget, and your audience.
What is Softr?
Softr is a no code app building platform for web apps, internal tools, and client portals.
Softr integrates directly with Airtable, Google Sheets, Notion, HubSpot, and SQL databases.
You build Softr apps using pre-built blocks like Lists, Charts, Forms, and Tables.
It’s the right tool for non-developers who want to launch internal tools or directories fast.
Softr
Softr is a no code app builder that lets you create client portals, internal tools, and web applications without code. It integrates with Airtable and Google Sheets, making it ideal for entrepreneurs and small businesses with structured data.
Softr Pricing
Softr offers tiered pricing based on internal users and external users. Here’s what each plan costs in 2026.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | 5 internal users + 100 external users |
| Basic | $49/month | Up to 1,000 external users on a launched site |
| Professional | $139/month | Up to 5,000 external users for growing businesses |
| Business | $269/month | Up to 10,000 external users and advanced features |
| Enterprise | Custom | Large organizations with custom requirements |
Pricing verified March 2026.
Free trial: Yes — the free Softr plan needs no credit card. You can create unlimited apps with access to basic blocks.
Money-back guarantee: Softr does not publicly advertise a money-back guarantee. Plans bill monthly so you can cancel anytime.
📌 Note: Softr pricing scales with the number of internal and external users. The Basic plan supports 1,000 external users, the Professional plan supports 5,000, and the Business plan supports 10,000.
⚠️ Warning: Softr does not publicly advertise its enterprise pricing. It is likely thousands of dollars per month, so request a quote before committing for large teams.
Key Benefits of Softr
Here’s what makes Softr stand out from other no code app builders:
- Real Time Data Connection: Softr integrates with Airtable, Google Sheets, Notion, HubSpot, and SQL databases as backends. Your app shows live data without manual syncing.
- Pre-Built Functional Blocks: Softr gives you Lists, Charts, Forms, and Tables blocks. Drop them on a page and your site is ready in minutes.
- AI App Generator: Describe your idea in plain text and the AI creates a basic version. This is great for entrepreneurs who need a starting point.
- White-Labeling Feature: Paid plans remove all Softr branding from your apps and landing pages. Your customers see only your own brand.
- Responsive on All Mobile Devices: Softr automatically adjusts apps for desktop, tablet, and mobile devices. Each browser visit looks polished without extra work.
- Custom Code Support: You can add custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript on top of Softr blocks. This gives technical users extra flexibility.
- Built-In Google Analytics: Softr supports Google Analytics tracking on every page. You see visitor traffic and events in real time.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Softr and spent several days exploring the platform. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
Softr Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Native connection to Airtable and Google Sheets databases
- Very fast to launch — internal tools and client portals in under an hour
- Responsive design across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
- AI App Generator helps non-developers get started quickly
- Rated 4.8 across 450+ verified reviews for ease of use and customer support
❌ Cons
- Cannot publish to Apple App Store or Google Play — PWAs only
- Block-based interface limits customization options compared to other app builders
- No built-in database — you must connect Airtable or Google Sheets
- Some learning curve when linking databases for the first time
What is Adalo?
Adalo is a no code app builder for native mobile apps and progressive web apps.
Adalo lets two non technical founders build a real iOS or Android app without coding knowledge. Many non technical founders use it to launch booking apps with check ins and member tracking.
You publish Adalo apps directly to the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Adalo claims that if you can make a slide deck, you can build apps. The interface uses drag and drop blocks for screens, components, and actions.
Adalo
Adalo is a great platform for non-technical founders who want to build apps and publish them to the Apple App Store and Google Play. The drag and drop interface, built-in database, and Adalo expert community make app building hassle free for entrepreneurs.
Adalo Pricing
Adalo offers a tiered pricing model with predictable monthly costs. Here’s the breakdown.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Build and test apps before paying to publish |
| Starter | $36/month | Founders and entrepreneurs creating simple apps |
| Professional | $52/month | Most popular plan for growing apps |
| Team | $160/month | Freelancers and agencies building multiple client apps |
Pricing verified March 2026.
Free trial: Yes — you can build your mobile and web app for free on Adalo. You only pay when you connect custom domains or publish to the app stores.
Money-back guarantee: Adalo does not advertise a standard money-back guarantee. The pricing is month-to-month so you cancel from your account anytime.
📌 Note: Adalo’s paid plans now include unlimited database records and unlimited usage updates. There are no usage-based charges, which makes pricing predictable as your app grows.
⚠️ Warning: Publishing to the Apple App Store or Google Play needs a paid Adalo plan. The free version is great for testing your idea but cannot go live on app stores.
Key Benefits of Adalo
Here’s what makes Adalo a strong choice in the no code app builder world:
- Native Mobile App Publishing: Adalo publishes directly to the Apple App Store and Google Play. You build mobile apps once and launch on both iOS and Android app stores.
- Built-In Database: Adalo includes its own database for app data. You don’t need Airtable or Google Sheets to store users, events, or check-ins.
- AI Magic Start Builder: Adalo’s AI Builder generates an app foundation from a simple description. This is great for entrepreneurs who want a fast first version.
- 50+ Pre-Built Components: The Adalo component marketplace offers over 50 pre-built components. You can find buttons, lists, maps, and booking widgets.
- Custom Actions and APIs: Adalo supports custom actions and external APIs through tools like Zapier. You can integrate with Stripe for payments and many other services.
- 3-4x Faster Performance: Adalo’s 3.0 infrastructure overhaul delivers 3-4x faster apps. It can support over 1 million monthly active users with modular scaling.
- Custom Fonts and Domains: You can use custom fonts and connect custom domains on paid Adalo plans. Your final app feels like your own product.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for Adalo and spent several days building a sample mobile app. Here’s what stood out from the hands-on building process:
Adalo Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Publishes native mobile apps to Apple App Store and Google Play
- Built-in database removes the need for external data sources
- Drag and drop interface anyone can learn quickly
- AI Magic Start generates app foundations from a single line of text
- Unlimited database records on all paid plans with no usage caps
❌ Cons
- Custom integrations with Airtable and Google Sheets need Zapier
- Complex apps can feel slow to build compared to Softr’s block system
- No white-labeling — your apps stay branded with Adalo’s signals
- App Store publishing adds extra steps and Apple review wait times
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed Softr vs Adalo comparison?
We’ll explore 10 key features to help you discover which platform fits your project best.
| Feature | Softr | Adalo |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $49/month | $36/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ | ✅ |
| Native Mobile App Publishing | ❌ | ✅ |
| Built-In Database | ❌ | ✅ |
| Airtable Integration | ✅ | ❌ (via Zapier) |
| Google Sheets Integration | ✅ | ❌ (via Zapier) |
| AI App Generator | ✅ | ✅ |
| White-Labeling | ✅ | ❌ |
| Custom Code Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| Best For | Internal tools, client portals, web applications | Native mobile apps, MVPs, consumer apps |
1. Visual App Builder
Softr: Softr uses a block-based visual builder with pre-built and functional blocks like Lists, Charts, Forms, and Tables. You drag a block onto the page and it connects to your database in one click. The interface is intuitive and clean, but you can only adjust placement of elements to predetermined positions. This block system limits design freedom compared to other app builders.
Adalo: Adalo offers a freeform responsive builder where you place any element anywhere on the screen. The dynamic visual editor displays up to 400 screens at once on a single canvas. You can preview design versions across different screen sizes directly inside the building process. This gives Adalo more design freedom than Softr but a slightly steeper learning curve.
⚠️ Warning: Softr’s block interface starts faster but limits design flexibility. Adalo gives more creative freedom but technical issues can appear when complex apps grow large.
2. Mobile App Publishing
Softr: Softr can only create progressive web apps (PWAs). It cannot publish in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. PWAs work in any browser on mobile devices but they don’t appear in app stores. This is a clear limitation if your idea needs a real native mobile app on users’ phones.
Adalo: Adalo lets users publish their apps to the Apple App Store, Google Play, and their own website. It’s the major reason entrepreneurs choose this code app builder. Real Adalo app examples include Scholarcash with over 20,000 iOS App Store downloads, Counselora for school counselors with 750+ users, and Mindbase for on-demand mental health support.
✅ Adalo wins this category clearly. If you need your own app on the iOS or Android stores, Adalo is your only option between these two no code tools.
3. Data Integration and Databases
Softr: Softr integrates with Airtable, Google Sheets, Notion, HubSpot, and SQL databases as backends for quick data integration. Real-time data synchronization means your app always shows the latest records. Softr is particularly useful for users with Airtable databases. Softr does not come with its own database, so you must connect external databases to start building.
Adalo: Adalo has a built-in database that makes it easy to store and manage app data without external services. Adalo also supports custom integrations through external APIs and Zapier connections. The SheetBridge feature lets you link Google Sheets data to Adalo apps when needed. For payments, Adalo connects directly to Stripe.
4. AI Features
Softr: Softr’s AI App Generator lets you create basic applications by describing your idea in plain text. The Database AI Agent helps manage and query your connected data. Both features speed up the building process for non-technical users who want to launch fast.
Adalo: Adalo’s AI Builder is called Magic Start. You write a single line describing your app, and Magic Start generates the foundations, screens, and basic structure. This is great for two non-technical founders who want a working first version in minutes.
⚠️ Warning: AI-generated apps from both tools are starting points only. You’ll still customize templates and features heavily before launch.
5. Templates, Components, and Blocks
Softr: Softr offers business app templates plus 9 functional block types covering Lists, Charts, Forms, Tables, Interface Builder, and more. Templates connect to Airtable or Google Sheets out of the box. Real Softr apps include 100DaysOfNoCode (a community for no-coders), LetterHunt (a directory of 10,000+ newsletters), Listr (top Twitter lists), SelfSchool (650+ free courses), Canny (interior design business tool), and Nanny Network (childcare matching). DreamMe also uses Softr for personalized dream interpretations.
Adalo: Adalo’s component marketplace includes over 50 pre-built components plus app templates for common use cases. Real Adalo apps include Scholarcash (scholarship finder), Counselora (school counselor resources), Lloyd (career planning), Peculiar Yogi (yoga class bookings), Preps Recruiting (student-athlete platform), Chara (holistic health), and Stew (anger management with self-discovery and journaling). These show Adalo’s range across complex apps and small businesses.
6. White-Labeling and Branding
Softr: Softr’s paid plans include full white-labeling. You remove all Softr branding from custom apps, landing pages, and other websites. This is a major advantage for agencies building tools for clients and for businesses selling branded software products.
Adalo: Adalo does not offer white-labeling. Your apps are clearly built on the platform. For an MVP or personal project this doesn’t matter much. For agencies and small businesses selling client apps, this is a clear gap compared to Softr.
7. Custom Code and Custom Actions
Softr: Softr supports custom code with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Developers can write custom code on top of any Softr block. This gives technical users the ability to extend functionality beyond the no code platform when needed.
Adalo: Adalo does not support custom code insertion. However, it does offer custom actions that connect to external APIs. This keeps Adalo strictly no code while still letting you integrate with services your app depends on.
8. Ease of Use and Learning Curve
Softr: Users find Softr very easy to use, with a 4.8 rating across 450+ verified reviews. The block system is intuitive for project management tools, client portals, and directories. The learning curve mostly appears when you connect databases for the first time.
Adalo: Adalo is also beginner-friendly. The company says if you can make a slide deck, you can make an app. Some Adalo app examples were built when the pandemic hit and founders needed to launch fast. The platform’s drag and drop interface keeps the building process hassle free.
9. Integrations and Connections
Softr: Softr integrates natively with Airtable, Google Sheets, Notion, HubSpot, and SQL databases. It also supports Google Analytics, custom domains, and third-party embeds. For data-heavy business apps, the connection list is hard to beat.
Adalo: Adalo supports custom integrations through external APIs and Zapier. It includes additional features like Stripe payments, custom actions, and SheetBridge for Google Sheets data. Adalo offers more functionality for mobile-first workflows than for data-heavy web applications.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | Softr | Adalo |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/month | $0 |
| Starter / Basic | $49/month | $36/month |
| Pro / Professional | $139/month | $52/month |
| Business / Team | $269/month | $160/month |
| Enterprise | Custom | N/A |
Softr: Softr’s Basic Version is $49 per month for up to 1,000 external users. The Professional Version costs $139 per month for up to 5,000 external users. The Business Plan is $269 per month for up to 10,000 external users. Pricing scales with audience size, so user counts matter when picking a plan.
Adalo: Adalo’s Starter plan is $36 USD per month and is designed for founders building simple apps. The Professional plan is $52 USD per month — Adalo’s most popular plan. The Team plan is $160 USD per month for freelancers and agencies who create apps for multiple clients. Adalo avoids usage-based charges entirely.
💡 Test Result: Adalo’s Starter plan is $13/month cheaper than Softr’s Basic plan. If money is your main concern and you don’t need Airtable integration or white-labeling, Adalo offers more value per dollar.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Native mobile app in the app stores | Adalo | Only Adalo publishes to iOS and Android |
| Airtable or Google Sheets connection | Softr | Native sync, no Zapier needed |
| Tight budget | Adalo | $13/month cheaper at entry tier |
| Client portals or internal tools | Softr | Built for this exact use case |
| White-labeled apps for clients | Softr | Full brand removal on paid plans |
| Custom code flexibility | Softr | HTML, CSS, JS support built in |
| Beginner launching first app | Adalo | Fastest path from idea to live app |
💰 Your Budget
Adalo’s Starter plan starts at $36/month, which is $13 cheaper than Softr’s $49 Basic plan. For a solo entrepreneur, that saves $156 per year.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
If you already use Airtable or Google Sheets, Softr is the obvious choice. Softr integrates natively, so your data lives in your app in minutes.
📱 Your App Type
Need a native iOS or Android app in the Apple App Store and Google Play? Only Adalo can do that. If a web app is fine, Softr is faster to launch.
🎓 Your Experience Level
Both no code app builders are beginner friendly. Softr is slightly faster for first-time users because the blocks work without setup. Adalo’s freeform canvas takes more time to master.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Both Softr and Adalo offer free plans with no credit card. Sign up, test both, and visit each builder before you commit money.
🛟 Support Options
Softr is praised for responsive support across its 450+ verified reviews. Adalo has an active community of users including Adalo expert builders who help newcomers.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these no code tools? Here’s what to expect when you switch.
🔄 Switching from Softr to Adalo?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Ability to publish native mobile apps to Apple App Store and Google Play
- Built-in database — no external Airtable or Google Sheets connection needed
- Lower starting price at $36/month vs Softr’s $49/month
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Native Airtable and Google Sheets integration
- White-labeling and brand removal features
- Custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code support
📋 How to switch:
- Export your Airtable or Google Sheets database as a CSV file
- Create a free Adalo account and import your CSV into the built-in database
- Rebuild your screens using Adalo’s drag and drop components and templates
🔄 Switching from Adalo to Softr?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Native Airtable and Google Sheets connection with real time sync
- White-labeling and full brand removal for client work
- Custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for advanced customization
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Native mobile app publishing to the app stores
- Built-in database — you’ll need Airtable or Google Sheets as a backend
- Lower monthly pricing at the entry and professional tiers
📋 How to switch:
- Export your Adalo database records as CSV files
- Import your CSV into Airtable or Google Sheets as your new backend
- Create a Softr account, connect your Airtable, and rebuild with Softr blocks
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on solo entrepreneurs, small businesses, and small teams. We didn’t test enterprise-level features, custom domain bulk management, or large-scale agency workflows. Our observations are based on the March 2026 versions of both no code tools — additional features may have shipped since then. If you’re an Adalo expert running 50+ apps for clients, your priorities will differ from what we’ve covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | Adalo |
| 📱 Mobile App Publishing | Adalo |
| 🔌 Data Integration | Softr |
| 🤖 AI Features | Tie |
| 🎨 Templates & Components | Tie |
| 🏷️ White-Labeling | Softr |
| 💻 Custom Code | Softr |
| 👶 Ease of Use | Softr |
| 🔗 Integrations | Softr |
| 📐 Design Freedom | Adalo |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | Softr |
🏆 WINNER: SOFTR
Softr wins 5 out of 10 categories, with 2 ties.
Best for: Internal tools and client portals, Airtable-powered web applications, agencies needing white-labeled custom apps
Softr and Adalo are two very different no code app builders. The right pick depends on your project goals.
Softr wins on data integrations, white-labeling, custom code, ease of use, and overall feature depth for business app builders.
Adalo wins where it matters most for mobile-first projects: Apple App Store and Google Play publishing, lower pricing, and design freedom.
Choose Softr to build internal tools, client portals, or web applications connected to Airtable. Choose Adalo to build mobile apps you can publish to the iOS and Android app stores.
Now go build that app — you’ve got everything you need to launch with confidence!
More of Softr Compared
Here’s how Softr stacks up against other competitors:
Softr vs Bubble
Softr wins on: Easier learning curve, faster setup, native Airtable connection
Bubble wins on: Design freedom, complex business logic, custom workflows
Softr wins on: Template variety, data integration, white-labeling on paid plans
Buzzy wins on: Figma-to-app conversion, design fidelity for visual designers
Softr vs Glide
Softr wins on: Block variety, client portal features, SQL database support
Glide wins on: Spreadsheet-first apps, simplicity for tiny teams
Softr wins on: Proven track record, template library, large user community
Softgen wins on: AI-first approach, newer AI app generation features
Softr vs Lovable AI
Softr wins on: Native data integration, no code simplicity, transparent pricing
Lovable AI wins on: Full code generation, deeper developer flexibility
Softr vs Emergent
Softr wins on: Stability, integrations list, established user base
Emergent wins on: AI-generated full-stack apps from prompts
More of Adalo Compared
Here’s how Adalo stacks up against other competitors:
Adalo wins on: Beginner friendly interface, native mobile app publishing, gentler learning curve
Bubble wins on: Complex web apps, custom business logic, advanced workflows
Adalo wins on: App Store publishing, built-in database, predictable pricing
Buzzy wins on: Design accuracy from Figma slide deck-style files
Adalo wins on: Native publishing, component variety, freeform design
Glide wins on: Spreadsheet integration, simplicity for data display apps
Adalo wins on: Established platform, community size, app store publishing
Softgen wins on: Faster AI-driven app creation
Adalo vs Lovable AI
Adalo wins on: No code simplicity, mobile app publishing, beginner access
Lovable AI wins on: Full code output, developer-grade applications
Adalo vs Emergent
Adalo wins on: Reliability, proven track record, community support
Emergent wins on: AI prompt-to-app speed, code ownership
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Softr used for?
Softr is used to create no code apps like internal tools, client portals, project management tools, directories, and SaaS websites that connect to Airtable, Google Sheets, or other databases.
What is Adalo used for?
Adalo is used to build native mobile apps and web apps without coding. Founders and small businesses publish complex apps to the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Can you build mobile apps with Softr?
Softr only creates progressive web apps that work on mobile devices via the browser. It cannot publish to the Apple App Store or Google Play. For native mobile apps, choose Adalo instead.
Is Adalo better than Bubble?
Adalo is better than Bubble for non-technical founders building native mobile apps. Bubble has more functionality for complex web app builds. For app store publishing, Adalo is the simpler choice.
Which is better, Softr or Adalo?
Softr wins overall, taking 5 of 10 categories — better for business apps and Airtable projects. Adalo wins on native mobile publishing. Read our full Adalo review or join Softr to compare.
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