Learning how to make an app without coding has never been easier. The no-code and low-code market has exploded to over $36 billion in 2025, with projections reaching $94 billion by 2029, according to The Business Research Company. Whether you want to create an app without coding for your business, validate a startup idea, or simply bring a personal project to life, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What You'll Learn
- Best no-code tools for different app types
- Step-by-step app building process
- How to publish to App Store & Google Play
- Real cost and time estimates for 2025
The No-Code Revolution: 2025 Statistics
Before diving into how to build an app without coding free, let's look at why this approach has become so popular. According to AIMultiple Research, the no-code industry is experiencing unprecedented growth.
of new enterprise apps will use no-code/low-code by 2026
Source: Gartner
projected low-code market size by 2030
31% CAGR growth rate
reduction in development time reported
vs. traditional development
Best Tools to Build an App Without Coding
Choosing the right platform is crucial when you want to develop an app without coding. Here's a comparison of the top no-code app builders in 2025, based on data from NoCode.MBA and Zapier.
| Platform | Type | Best For | Pricing | Code Export | Native Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NativelyRecommended | AI-Powered | True native iOS/Android apps with full code ownership | From $5/month | ||
Adalo | Drag-and-Drop | Simple mobile apps with native publishing | From $45/month | — | |
Bubble | Visual Programming | Complex web applications and SaaS | From $32/month | — | — |
FlutterFlow | Low-Code | Flutter-based cross-platform apps | From $30/month | ||
Glide | Spreadsheet-Based | Internal tools and data-driven apps | From $25/month | — | — |
* Pricing reflects entry-level paid plans as of January 2025. Free tiers available on most platforms.
How to Create an App Without Coding: Step-by-Step
Follow this proven process to go from idea to published app. This workflow applies whether you're using an AI-powered platform like Natively's AI app builder or a traditional drag-and-drop builder.
Define Your App Idea
Start by clearly defining what problem your app solves. Write down the core features, target users, and unique value proposition. The clearer your vision, the faster you'll build.
Pro tip: Start with a single "killer feature" rather than trying to build everything at once. You can always add more features later.
Choose Your Platform
Select a no-code platform based on your needs. For true native apps with code ownership, consider AI-powered no-code builders. For web apps, Bubble excels. For data-driven internal tools, try Glide.
Design Your Screens
Map out your app's user flow. Most no-code platforms offer templates to speed this up. With AI platforms, you can describe your screens in natural language and let the AI generate the UI.
Onboarding Flow
Core Features
User Profiles
Set Up Your Database
Configure your backend data storage. Most platforms include built-in databases or integrate with services like Supabase, Firebase, or Airtable. Define your data structure: users, content, transactions, etc.
Platforms with included backends: Natively (Supabase), Adalo (built-in), Bubble (built-in), FlutterFlow (Firebase/Supabase)
Add Logic & Integrations
Connect your screens to data and add business logic. Set up user authentication, payment processing (Stripe), notifications, and any third-party APIs you need.
Test Your App
Preview your app on real devices. Most platforms offer web previews and companion apps for testing on iOS/Android. Get feedback from beta users before publishing.
Testing checklist: User registration, core feature flow, edge cases, offline behavior, different screen sizes
Publish to App Stores
Deploy your app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. You'll need developer accounts: Apple ($99/year) and Google ($25 one-time). Many no-code platforms handle the submission process for you.
How Long Does It Take to Build an App Without Code?
One of the biggest advantages when you make an app without coding is the dramatically reduced timeline. According to industry research, here's how the timelines compare.
Traditional Development
No-Code / AI Development
Up to 90% faster development
What Kind of Apps Can You Build Without Coding?
The range of apps you can create without coding has expanded dramatically. From simple utilities to complex mobile app platforms, here are the most popular categories.
E-Commerce
Product catalogs, carts, payments
Social Networks
Profiles, feeds, messaging
Marketplaces
Listings, bookings, reviews
Fitness Apps
Workouts, tracking, progress
Food Delivery
Menus, ordering, tracking
Booking Systems
Calendars, appointments
Education
Courses, quizzes, certificates
Productivity
Tasks, notes, collaboration
Real Success Stories
Many successful apps have been built without traditional coding. According to Adalo's case studies, no-code platforms have powered educational apps like Traverse, social platforms like WeHive, and management tools like My Nursery—all built by non-developers.
Can You Build an App Without Coding for Free?
Many platforms let you build an app without coding free during the development phase. Here's a realistic cost breakdown for going from idea to published app.
Cost Comparison: No-Code vs. Traditional Development
* Costs vary based on app complexity, user scale, and chosen platform. Many platforms offer free tiers for prototyping.
Building for iOS and Android Without Coding
Yes, you can build both iOS apps and Android apps without coding from a single project. Most modern no-code platforms support cross-platform development, meaning you write once and deploy to both app stores.
iOS App Store
- Apple Developer Account required ($99/year)
- Review process: 1-3 business days
- Stricter guidelines, higher quality bar
Google Play Store
- Google Developer Account required ($25 one-time)
- Review process: Few hours to 1 day
- Faster approval, larger user base
Ready to Build Your App?
Start building your iOS and Android app today without writing a single line of code. Describe your idea and watch AI bring it to life.
No credit card required · Export code anytime · Deploy to stores
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to build an app without coding?
To build an app without coding, you need a no-code or AI-powered app builder platform. Popular options include Natively (AI-powered, generates real React Native code), Adalo (drag-and-drop mobile apps), Bubble (complex web apps), FlutterFlow (visual Flutter development), and Glide (spreadsheet-based apps). Most platforms require only a web browser to get started, plus developer accounts for the Apple App Store ($99/year) and Google Play Store ($25 one-time) if you want to publish.
How long does it take to build an app without code?
With modern no-code and AI tools, you can build a functional app prototype in 1-2 days, compared to 3-9 months for traditional development. Simple apps can be created in just a few hours, while more complex applications with features like user authentication, databases, and payment processing typically take 1-2 days. AI-powered platforms like Natively can generate a working app in minutes from a text description, allowing you to iterate and refine over days rather than months.
Can I build both iOS and Android apps without coding?
Yes, most modern no-code platforms support building for both iOS and Android from a single project. Platforms like Natively, Adalo, and FlutterFlow generate native binaries for both operating systems. This cross-platform approach saves significant time and cost compared to building separate apps for each platform. Some platforms create true native apps (compiled to native code), while others create Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) or webview-based apps with varying performance levels.
What kind of apps can I build without coding?
You can build virtually any type of mobile application without coding, including: e-commerce apps with shopping carts and payments, social networking apps with feeds and messaging, marketplace apps connecting buyers and sellers, fitness and health tracking apps, food delivery and booking systems, educational platforms with courses and quizzes, productivity tools like to-do lists and note-taking apps, and internal business tools. The main limitations are highly specialized apps requiring custom hardware integrations or real-time gaming with complex 3D graphics.
Is building an app without coding really free?
Many no-code platforms offer free tiers that let you build and test apps without paying. However, to publish to app stores, you typically need a paid plan (ranging from $5-200/month depending on the platform) plus developer account fees (Apple: $99/year, Google: $25 one-time). Some platforms like Natively start at just $5/month, while others like Adalo offer free tiers with limited features. For learning and prototyping, you can absolutely start building apps without any upfront cost.
Related Resources
Complete guide to no-code development
Build apps with artificial intelligence
Learn about the vibe coding trend
Step-by-step beginner guide
Visual development tools
Describe your app in words
What to budget for your app
Compare top platforms
Keep control of your code