What is Thunkable Best For?
Thunkable is a cloud-based no-code platform that lets users build mobile apps using visual, block-based programming similar to Scratch. If you are exploring Thunkable alternatives, it helps to understand what Thunkable does well and where it falls short.
Education & Learning
Thunkable excels in educational settings. The block-based interface teaches programming logic without syntax errors, making it ideal for students and teachers introducing app development concepts.
Simple Prototypes
For basic app prototypes with straightforward logic, Thunkable provides a visual way to test ideas. The drag-and-drop component library covers common UI elements.
Cross-Platform Building
Build once, deploy to both iOS and Android. Thunkable handles the complexity of cross-platform development for basic applications.
AI Features
Thunkable offers AI tokens for image recognition, voice features, and OpenAI integration. The Builder plan includes 50,000 AI tokens for these capabilities.
Thunkable Pricing (January 2025)
Source: Thunkable Official Pricing
Why Look Beyond Thunkable?
While Thunkable pioneered accessible app development, there are significant reasons developers and entrepreneurs seek Thunkable alternatives. According to Capterra reviews, users commonly cite these limitations.
No Code Export
Thunkable does not let you export source code. Your app exists only within their platform, creating complete vendor lock-in. If Thunkable changes pricing, features, or shuts down, your app is stuck.
Block-Based Complexity
Building complex logic with blocks becomes unwieldy. What would be a simple function in code becomes a maze of connected blocks that is hard to debug and maintain.
Limited Backend Options
Thunkable relies on external services like Firebase and Airtable for backend needs. There is no integrated database solution, adding complexity and potential costs.
Performance Concerns
The interpretation layer for blocks can slow down complex apps. Users report performance issues with larger applications containing many screens and logic blocks.
Feature-Gated Pricing
Key features like private projects and app store publishing require paid plans. The free tier limits you to public projects visible in their gallery.
Top 5 Thunkable Alternatives in 2025
Based on our research of G2 reviews, Capterra comparisons, and hands-on testing, here are the best alternatives to Thunkable in 2025.
Natively
BEST FOR AI-POWERED BUILDINGThe most modern alternative to Thunkable. Natively uses AI to generate real React Native code from plain English descriptions. No blocks, no visual programming - just describe what you want and get production-ready native apps.
Key Advantages
- Full source code ownership (export to GitHub)
- Real native apps (not web wrappers)
- Integrated Supabase backend
- 10x faster than block-based building
Pricing
Starting price (15 prompts)
Try it today
FlutterFlow
BEST FOR DEVELOPERSBuilt on Google Flutter framework, FlutterFlow offers visual building with full code export. Best for developers who want to accelerate their workflow while maintaining code access.
Key Advantages
- Full Flutter/Dart code export
- GitHub integration and branching
- Team collaboration features
- Steeper learning curve than AI builders
Pricing
Basic plan (code export)
Free tier limited to 2 projects
Source: FlutterFlow Pricing
Adalo
BEST FOR BEGINNERSThe most beginner-friendly alternative with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Adalo offers 5,500+ integrations through Zapier and includes a built-in database system.
Key Advantages
- Easiest learning curve
- Built-in visual database
- Native iOS and Android apps
- No code export available
Pricing
Starter plan (1 published app)
Free tier for prototyping
Source: Adalo Blog
Bubble
BEST FOR WEB APPSThe industry leader for complex web applications. Bubble offers unmatched flexibility for building marketplaces, SaaS tools, and sophisticated web platforms. Not ideal for native mobile apps.
Key Advantages
- Most powerful web app builder
- 3,000+ plugins available
- Complex workflows and logic
- Web only (PWA, not native mobile)
Pricing
Starter plan
Plans from $5/mo
Source: Bubble.io
Glide
BEST FOR DATA-DRIVEN APPSBuild apps directly from spreadsheets. Glide connects to Google Sheets, Excel, or Airtable and turns your data into working applications in minutes. Great for internal tools and data dashboards.
Key Advantages
- Spreadsheet-to-app in minutes
- AI-powered features built-in
- Perfect for internal business tools
- PWA only (not native apps)
Pricing
Starter plan
Free tier for personal use
Source: Glide Apps
Full Feature Comparison Table
Here is how Thunkable compares to its top alternatives across key features that matter for mobile app development.
| Feature | Thunkable | Natively | FlutterFlow | Adalo | Bubble |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $19/mo | $5/mo | $39/mo | $45/mo | $32/mo |
| Building Method | Block-based | AI + Natural Language | Visual Drag-Drop | Visual Drag-Drop | Visual Drag-Drop |
| Code Export | No | Yes (React Native) | Yes (Flutter) | No | No |
| Native Mobile Apps | Yes | Yes (iOS + Android) | Yes | Yes | No (PWA only) |
| Built-in Backend | No (External) | Yes (Supabase) | Yes (Firebase) | Yes (Built-in DB) | Yes (Built-in) |
| Learning Curve | Medium | Easy (Just Describe) | Steep | Easy | Steep |
| AI Features | AI Tokens | Core AI Generation | AI Assistant | Limited | AI Prompting |
| Best For | Education | Production Apps | Developers | Beginners | Web Apps |
Pricing as of January 2025. Sources: GetApp, Jotform Blog
AI Builders vs Block-Based: A Paradigm Shift
The emergence of AI-powered app builders represents a fundamental shift from the block-based approach Thunkable uses. According to industry analysis, AI builders are becoming the preferred choice for production applications.
Block-Based (Thunkable)
Building a login screen: ~15 minutes of block arrangement
- Manual drag-and-drop for each logic element
- Complex logic becomes hard to follow
- No exportable code output
- Limited by available block types
AI-Powered (Natively)
- Describe in plain English, AI builds it
- Generates clean, maintainable React Native code
- Export to GitHub, modify anytime
- No limitations on complexity
Development Speed Comparison
Based on building a production-ready app with authentication, database, and 5+ screens.
How to Choose the Right Platform
Choosing between Thunkable and its alternatives depends on your specific needs, technical background, and project goals. Here is a decision framework to help you choose.
Choose Thunkable if...
- You are teaching programming concepts to students
- You prefer visual block-based programming
- You are building simple educational prototypes
- You do not need to own or export your code
Choose Natively if...
- You want to build production-ready native apps
- You prefer describing apps in natural language
- You need full source code ownership
- You want the fastest development speed
Choose FlutterFlow if...
- You have some development experience
- Your team needs collaboration features
- You want Flutter/Dart code export
- You need advanced visual building controls
Choose Adalo if...
- You are a complete beginner to app building
- You need the simplest possible interface
- You want a built-in database system
- You do not need code export capabilities
Migrating from Thunkable
Since Thunkable does not export code, direct migration is not possible. However, you can rebuild your app on a new platform. Here is how to approach migration, especially to AI-powered no-code platforms.
Document Your Existing App
Take screenshots of every screen in your Thunkable app. Note all the features, user flows, and any integrations. This becomes your specification for rebuilding.
Export Your Data
If your app uses Airtable, Firebase, or Google Sheets, export your data. Most AI-powered platforms can connect to these services or help you migrate to their integrated backend.
Describe Your App to AI
With platforms like Natively, describe each screen and feature in plain English. The AI will generate the equivalent functionality in standard code, often in minutes rather than hours.
Iterate and Refine
Use the AI to refine layouts, add features, and connect your backend. Each prompt improves your app. Because you own the code, you can make manual adjustments too.
Deploy to App Stores
Use the new platform deployment tools to publish to iOS and Android app stores. With code ownership, you have more control over the publishing process.
Ready to Migrate?
Try describing your existing Thunkable app to Natively. Most users recreate their apps in a fraction of the original build time while gaining code ownership. Get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thunkable best for?
Thunkable is best for education, teaching programming concepts through visual blocks, and building simple mobile app prototypes. It excels at introducing beginners to app development logic without requiring actual coding knowledge. With plans starting at $19/month and a free tier for learning, it is ideal for students, educators, and hobbyists building their first apps.
What are the best alternatives to Thunkable?
The best alternatives to Thunkable in 2025 include: Natively for AI-powered native app generation with code ownership ($5/month), FlutterFlow for developers wanting visual building with code export ($39/month), Adalo for beginners wanting an easy drag-and-drop experience ($45/month), and Bubble for complex web applications ($32/month). The best choice depends on your technical skills, budget, and whether you need native mobile apps or web apps.
How do modern AI builders compare to Thunkable?
Modern AI builders like Natively represent a fundamental shift from Thunkable's block-based approach. Instead of dragging logic blocks, you describe your app in plain English and AI generates real code. This is typically 10x faster than block-based building, produces industry-standard React Native code you can export, and eliminates the learning curve of understanding visual programming logic. AI builders also handle complex features that would require dozens of blocks in Thunkable.
Is Thunkable still a good choice in 2025?
Thunkable remains a good choice for specific use cases in 2025: educational settings teaching programming logic, simple prototype development, and users who prefer visual block-based programming. However, for production apps, complex features, or users wanting code ownership, newer alternatives like AI-powered builders offer significant advantages including faster development, better performance, and the ability to export and modify source code.
Can I migrate from Thunkable to another platform?
Direct migration from Thunkable is not possible because Thunkable uses proprietary block-based logic that cannot be exported as code. However, you can rebuild your app on other platforms. With AI-powered tools like Natively, you can describe your existing Thunkable app features and have them recreated in standard React Native code within hours rather than weeks. This actually provides an upgrade path since you then own exportable source code.