Why Look for Appy Pie Alternatives?
Appy Pie is a popular DIY app builder that has helped many beginners create their first apps. However, as highlighted in reviews on Capterra and G2, there are significant limitations that lead users to seek professional alternatives to Appy Pie.
Limited Design Customization
Appy Pie sacrifices design customizability for ease of use. You cannot edit layouts or templates to match your brand, and the rigid design system makes it hard to create unique-looking apps.
No Source Code Export
Your app is locked to Appy Pie forever. You cannot download your code or host it elsewhere. If you outgrow the platform or it changes pricing, you have no escape route.
iOS Requires Premium Plan
Want to publish to the iPhone App Store? You need the Platinum plan at $60/month. The Basic plan ($16/month) only supports Android publishing.
Download Limits Apply
Even on paid plans, you face download limits: 500/month on Basic, 1,000 on Gold, and 2,000 on Platinum. Additional downloads incur overage charges.
Basic API Handling
Appy Pie struggles with complex API integrations. Nested arrays, dynamic interfaces, and in-depth chat features are difficult or impossible to implement.
Reliability Issues Reported
Some users report app functionalities breaking unexpectedly and Google Sheets disconnecting when modifications are made, requiring manual reconnection each time.
Appy Pie Pricing (January 2026)
Source: Appy Pie Official Pricing
Appy Pie vs Alternatives: Full Comparison
This comparison covers the top Appy Pie alternatives based on data from G2 reviews, Software Advice, and our own testing. All platforms support both iOS and Android development.
| Platform | Starting Price | Code Export | iOS Publishing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
NativelyRecommended | $5/month | React Native | All plans | AI-powered native apps |
| Appy Pie | $16/month | No | $60+ plans only | Simple DIY apps |
| FlutterFlow | $30/month | Flutter | All plans | Visual Flutter building |
| Adalo | $45/month | No | All plans | Beginner-friendly MVPs |
| Glide | $25/month | No | PWA only | Spreadsheet apps |
| Thunkable | $25/month | No | All plans | Education, beginners |
Pricing as of January 2026. Check each platform for current rates.
Top 6 Appy Pie Alternatives in Detail
1. Natively
RecommendedNatively is the best Appy Pie alternative for anyone who wants real native apps with full code ownership. Unlike Appy Pie where you drag and drop from templates, Natively lets you describe your app in plain English and AI generates production-ready React Native code. You own every line of code and can export to GitHub anytime.
Advantages over Appy Pie
- Full React Native code export
- AI-powered natural language building
- True native performance (60fps)
- 12x cheaper for iOS publishing ($5 vs $60)
- Supabase backend (PostgreSQL, Auth, Storage)
- Built-in APK builder for Android
Technology Stack
- React Native + Expo SDK 54
- Supabase (PostgreSQL)
- GitHub integration
- iOS + Android + Web
2. FlutterFlow
Best for DevelopersBuilt on Google Flutter framework, FlutterFlow is a powerful visual builder for cross-platform apps. Unlike Appy Pie, it offers full source code export, letting you own your intellectual property and continue development outside the platform. Ideal for developers who want visual building with code access.
Advantages over Appy Pie
- Full code export (Flutter/Dart)
- 60fps native performance
- Advanced animations and custom code
- Team collaboration features
Considerations
- Steeper learning curve
- Requires Flutter knowledge for extending
- Higher starting price
3. Adalo
Beginner FriendlyAdalo offers a more intuitive drag-and-drop experience than Appy Pie with a built-in database system. It is particularly good for rapid prototyping and MVPs. However, like Appy Pie, it does not offer code export. Check our Adalo alternatives guide for more options.
Advantages over Appy Pie
- More intuitive interface
- Built-in database included
- iOS on all paid plans
- 5,500+ Zapier integrations
Considerations
- No code export (like Appy Pie)
- Performance issues with 1,000+ records
- Higher price than Appy Pie
4. Glide
Spreadsheet AppsGlide converts spreadsheets (Google Sheets, Airtable, Excel) into beautiful web apps in minutes. It is the easiest platform for data-driven workflows, directories, and internal tools. Unlike Appy Pie, Glide has built-in AI features for document summarization and image recognition. See our Glide alternatives for more.
Advantages over Appy Pie
- Spreadsheet-to-app in minutes
- Powerful AI features included
- Lower starting price ($25)
- 10 million row support
Considerations
- PWA only (not native mobile)
- No code export
- Limited for complex user flows
5. Thunkable
Education FocusThunkable uses visual block-based programming similar to Scratch, making it ideal for educational settings and learning app development concepts. It offers cross-platform native apps at a similar price point to Appy Pie. See our Thunkable alternatives for detailed comparison.
Advantages over Appy Pie
- Visual block-based logic
- Great for learning
- iOS on all plans
- AI assistant included
Considerations
- No code export
- Block-based can get complex
- Limited for production apps
6. Bubble
Web Apps OnlyBubble is the industry leader for complex web applications with over 3,000 plugins. While it does not support native mobile apps (only PWAs), it offers unmatched flexibility for marketplaces, SaaS tools, and business applications. Read our Bubble alternatives for mobile guide.
Advantages over Appy Pie
- 3,000+ plugins available
- Much more powerful workflows
- JavaScript customization
- Version control built-in
Considerations
- Web only (no native mobile)
- No code export
- Steep learning curve
Find Your Best Appy Pie Alternative
Answer a few questions to find the platform that best matches your needs. This interactive quiz considers your goals, budget, and technical requirements.
What is your primary goal?
AI-Powered vs Traditional App Builders
The app development landscape is shifting rapidly. According to industry research, 70% of new applications will use AI-assisted development by 2026. Here is how AI builders compare to traditional platforms like Appy Pie.
Traditional Builders
Appy Pie, Adalo, Thunkable
- 1
Manual drag-and-drop building
Place components manually, wire up logic visually
- 2
Limited to templates
Customization restricted to what the platform offers
- 3
Vendor lock-in
No code export, stuck on the platform forever
Best when: Building simple prototypes with basic requirements and no need for code ownership.
AI-Powered Builders
Natively (recommended)
- 1
Natural language building
Describe what you want, AI generates the app
- 2
Unlimited customization
AI can build anything possible in code
- 3
Real code ownership
Export to GitHub, modify freely, no lock-in
Best when: Building production apps, needing code ownership, or wanting faster development.
The Bottom Line on AI Builders
AI-powered builders like Natively offer the best of both worlds: the speed of no-code with the flexibility of real code. You describe your app in plain English, get production-ready React Native code you own, and pay a fraction of traditional platform costs.
Cost Comparison Calculator
See how platform costs add up over time. This interactive calculator helps you understand the true cost of each platform based on your timeline.
Cost Comparison Calculator
Compare platform costs over time
Natively saves you up to $660 compared to Appy Pie over 12 months, while offering full code ownership and AI-powered development.
When to Upgrade from Appy Pie
Since Appy Pie does not export code, migrating requires rebuilding on a new platform. Here are the signs it is time to make the switch, and tips for a smooth transition.
You Need More Design Freedom
If the rigid templates are limiting your brand expression, platforms like Natively generate custom designs from your descriptions rather than forcing you into preset layouts.
You Want Code Ownership
If vendor lock-in concerns you, switch to a platform with code export. Natively gives you full React Native source code you can download as a ZIP or export to GitHub.
You Need iOS Without Premium Pricing
Paying $60/month just for iOS publishing does not make sense when alternatives like Natively include iOS on all plans starting at $5/month.
Your App is Outgrowing Limitations
If you are hitting download limits, struggling with complex APIs, or experiencing reliability issues, it is time for a more capable platform.
How to Make the Switch
Document your current screens and features. With AI platforms like Natively, describe each feature in natural language and let AI recreate them in proper React Native code. Most users complete migration in days, not weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main limitations of Appy Pie?
Appy Pie has several limitations: limited design customization with rigid templates, no source code export creating vendor lock-in, iOS publishing only available on premium plans ($60+/month), limited to 500-2,000 app downloads per month on most plans, and basic API handling that struggles with complex integrations.
What are the best Appy Pie alternatives in 2026?
The best Appy Pie alternatives in 2026 include Natively ($5/month) for AI-powered native app development with full React Native code ownership, FlutterFlow ($30/month) for visual Flutter building with code export, Adalo ($45/month) for beginner-friendly drag-and-drop, and Glide ($25/month) for spreadsheet-based apps.
How does Appy Pie compare to AI-powered app builders?
AI-powered builders like Natively offer significant advantages over Appy Pie: describe apps in natural language instead of manual drag-and-drop, get production-ready React Native code you own, deploy anywhere without vendor lock-in, and pay 12x less ($5/month vs $60/month for iOS publishing). AI builders are faster for complex features and produce true native apps with 60fps performance.
Can I migrate from Appy Pie to another platform?
Appy Pie does not allow code export, so direct migration is not possible. You would need to rebuild your app on the new platform. With AI-powered tools like Natively, you can describe your existing app features and have them recreated in standard React Native code quickly. This provides an upgrade path with full code ownership.
When should I upgrade from Appy Pie to a better platform?
Consider upgrading from Appy Pie when: you need more design customization than templates allow, you want to own your source code, you need iOS publishing without paying $60+/month, your app requires complex API integrations, you are hitting download limits, or you want true native app performance instead of hybrid apps.