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Wondering which Android application builders are the best for creating apps without coding experience? In this post, Simicart will evaluate some of the top no-code tools for building Android apps, from simple options for beginners to powerful platforms suitable for professional developers.
We will take a look at 12 Android application builders that make it easy to create your own mobile app without having to write a single line of code. Let’s explore now!
What is an Android Application Builder?
An Android application builder is a type of no-code/low-code development platform that allows users to create Android mobile apps visually without writing code. Android app builders provide drag-and-drop interfaces that simplify the app creation process for non-programmers.
With an Android app builder, users can structure the database, compose the user interface with elements like buttons, forms, and screens, and build the app logic by connecting these elements through a visual workflow editor. Common things users can do with Android app builders include:
- Creating mobile apps for Android devices from scratch or using pre-built templates
- Adding features like user authentication, payment collection, data capture forms, etc.
- Connecting the app to external data sources and APIs for real-time functionality
- Publishing the built apps to Google Play Store for distribution
- Integrating with other apps and services using pre-built connectors and Zapier integrations
Some key aspects that Android app builders handle include app layouts, user experience design optimized for mobile, data storage using databases like Firebase, backend functions, and one-click deployment to Play Store. They remove the need for coding skills while still providing flexibility.
Read more: Top 8 Drag and Drop Mobile App Builder Reviews 2024
Top 12 Android Application Builders You Should Know
1. SimiCart
SimiCart is a leading e-commerce Android application builder that provides developers tools to create fully-featured native mobile apps for Magento stores. With over 10 years of experience, they have helped merchants build high-performing commerce apps.
Key features and integration:
- Intuitive visual editor to design app interfaces and functionality without coding.
- Ready templates tailored for various industries like fashion, food etc. that offer a jumpstart.
- Seamless integration with Magento webstores to sync product, order and customer data.
- Support many languages and currencies to reach people around the world.
Price: From $999 for a basic app. It includes app source code, free publishing on app stores and 3 months support.
Pros:
- Extensive experience in building Magento mobile apps
- Customizable designs and integrated backend
- Multi-currency and language support
Cons:
- Pricing may be on the high side for some budgets
- Advanced customizations require consulting help
- Learning curve for non-technical users
2. AppInstitute
AppInstitute is a leading no-code Android application builder that allows users to easily create mobile apps for both iOS and Android without writing any code. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a library of pre-built templates tailored for different business types. Overall, AppInstitute is one of the top choices for SMBs that want an easy way to develop a fully-functional mobile presence without technical expertise.
Key Features and integration:
AppInstitute offers features like push notifications, calendar/booking system, rich media integrations and loyalty programs. It also integrates with tools like Facebook, Twitter and payment gateways. The platform’s drag-and-drop builder allows users to seamlessly add or modify features. AppInstitute provides templates for industries like restaurants, salons, fitness clubs etc. Users can also create custom apps from scratch.
Price: From $40/month (billed annually)
It offers a flexible monthly plan suitable for SMBs and individual users. There is also a 14-day free trial to test the platform.
Pros:
- User-friendly no-code interface
- Industry-specific templates save time
- Good integrations with e-commerce and CRM tools
- Competitive pricing for small businesses
Cons:
- Customization could be limited for advanced uses
- Platform updates may require learning new features
- Not as full-featured as dedicated developer platforms
Related topic: Top 10+ Best Free Android App Builders
3. GoodBarber
The fourth position on this list is GoodBarber. It is an app development platform that makes it easy to build mobile and web applications for many companies. As a result of focusing on the design aspect, it is perfect for brands that need their applications not only to work efficiently but also to look attractive.
Key features and integration:
GoodBarber has a rich design-focused template list that offers a huge choice of templates for different industries and guarantees a customized approach. It also adds in push messages and geofencing for application enhancement. In the GoodBarber application, third parties such as Facebook, Twitter, and WordPress are supported as a result, expanding the range of content and social engagement within the apps.
Price: From $25/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Extensive design-centric template library
- Comprehensive integration with popular social media platforms
- Inclusion of advanced features like geofencing
Cons:
- Occasional reports of delayed customer support responses
- Limitations in deep customization for advanced developers
- Can be slightly overwhelming for beginners
4. Andromo
Andromo is an Android application builder that allows the users to design complete native mobile applications for the iPhone and Android, and this is done without coding. The tool has a simple drag-and-drop feature that makes it easy to work on the development of the application.
Key features and integration:
Andromo also has some built-in widgets that can be dragged and dropped into a layout. It provides integration with other APIs and services and databases to extend functionalities of the applications. The Andromo apps can also be integrated with standard platforms such as Facebook, Google Maps and payment gateway.
Price: From $24/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- No coding required to build fully native mobile apps
- Wide range of pre-built components for visual development
- Integrates with many external platforms and services
Cons:
- Customization options may be limited compared to coding from scratch
- Higher priced tiers can be costly for individual developers or small teams
- Still requires an understanding of app design principles for best results
5. Appy Pie
Appy Pie is an all-in-one no-code platform that allows users to build mobile and web applications, websites, chatbots, and utilize various AI design tools without writing any code. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for creating applications and digital experiences across platforms in an easy and quick manner. Appy Pie also offers customizable website templates for building and hosting websites. So Appy Pie is worth considering as one of the top 12 Android application builders.
Key features and integration:
- App Builder: Create fully functional Android and iOS apps from scratch or convert existing websites to apps using its drag-and-drop app creator.
- Website Builder: Design professional responsive websites quickly using pre-built templates and integrate with services like Google Workspace.
- Chatbot Builder: Develop AI/ML-powered chatbots for customer support, appointment booking etc without coding.
- AI Design Tools: Leverage image and video generators as well as animation tools to create visual content.
- Automation: Streamline workflows using tools for task automation, app integration and more.
- APIs: Access AI models and capabilities through APIs to enhance created apps and workflows.
Price: From $18/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Intuitive visual interface for non-coders
- Wide range of templates for different use cases
- Solid integrations with other tools and services
- Flexible pricing plans for individual and enterprise needs
Cons:
- Limitations in deep customization options for advanced users
- Learning curve for complex functionalities
- Pricing could be expensive for small scale use
6. AppMachine
One of the top 12 Android application builders – AppMachine, is a no-code application platform that can be used to design and develop native mobile and web applications with ease. With the help of its easy-to-use drag-and-drop feature it allows both experienced and novice developers to develop fully functional apps for iOS, Android and web.
Key features and intergration:
AppMachine provides a user-friendly visual interface to build apps using pre-defined building blocks. This allows easy addition of features without coding. AppMachine also offers a wide range of templates for app types like business, e-commerce, events etc. that can be customized. The platform easily integrates with popular tools like Google Maps, Facebook, SMTP services and others to extend app capabilities.
Price: From $49/month for a basic individual user plan up to enterprise plans for larger businesses and agencies. It also provides a 14-days free trial.
Pros:
- Intuitive visual interface for non-developers
- Multi-platform app publishing
- Rich library of features and templates
- Good integration with third-party services
Cons:
- Advanced customizations require code knowledge
- Learning curve for complex app requirements
- Additional costs for third-party plugins
Discover: Top 10 Mobile App Development Trends That Will Dominate
7. AppMakr
AppMakr is a drag-and-drop Android appplication builder that is designed to make the process of creating a mobile app as easy as possible for as many people as possible. Due to the specific set of instruments provided, it is most appropriate for developing applications for education that meet the requirements of teachers and schools.
Key features and integration:
AppMakr offers a platform to deliver education content and materials in order to teach and share lessons. Also, it provides quiz modules with questions and answers and feedback tools for students during the learning process. Furthermore, it is easy to interface with educational platforms and databases, so that teachers can easily pull and display content.
Price: From $2/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Compatible integrations with popular educational platforms
- Interactive modules for quizzes and tests
- Tailored tools for educational content distribution
Cons:
- Limited design customization options for more advanced users
- Requires consistent updates to match educational trends
- May not be as flexible for making non-education apps
8. Thunkable
Thunkable is a visual Android application builder that allows users to build native mobile apps for Android and iOS without any coding. As one of the leading drag-and-drop app builders, Thunkable provides an intuitive interface for creating fully customizable and powerful apps.
Key features and integration:
- Visual block-based editor that allows composing app logics without writing any code. This makes app development accessible to everyone.
- Extensive library of pre-built UI components and templates to get started quickly. Developers can customize the templates as per their requirements.
- Integrations with various third-party services like Facebook, Google Maps, Firebase etc to enrich app functionalities.
- Cloud-based development approach that enables real-time collaboration among team members.
- Generated apps are true native Android and iOS applications with capability to access all device features.
Price: A free plan and paid subscriptions starting from $37/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Intuitive visual interface for non-coders
Powerful enough to build complete native apps
Rich library of components and templates
Enables real-time collaboration
Cons:
- Limited customization options for advanced developers
- Paid tiers may be too expensive for some projects
- Dependence on internet during development
9. Appery.io
Appery.io is one of the most popular cloud-based low-code Android application builders that helps users create hybrid mobile and responsive web applications with no programming skills.
Key features and integration:
- Support for building cross-platform apps that run consistently on iOS and Android devices using common APIs.
- Visual editor to design intuitive user interfaces by dragging and dropping UI components.
- Ability to integrate with various third-party services and plugins as well as proprietary IT systems using powerful middleware.
- Admin features for real-time collaboration and app deployment to app stores.
Price: From $25/month depending on number of apps, users, and server calls. It also provides a 14-day free trial.
Pros:
- Strikes a balance of low-code functionality and flexibility of native apps
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Effortless integration with various systems and services
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve than pure no-code tools
- Limited customization scope for advanced users
- Professional assistance may be required for complex projects
10. Bubble
Bubble is an iconic drag and drop app builder that enables users to create, build and launch standard web applications without coding.
Key features and integration:
- Bubble offers a visual drag-and-drop interface which makes it very easy for non-technical users to build responsive web applications.
- It has a built-in database that allows users to manage data without hassle.
- Bubble integrates with many third-party services through a plugin system, allowing applications to connect with services like Stripe, Google Maps, and various authentication providers.
Price: From $25/month.
Pros:
- Vast range of plugins to enhance app functionality
- Built-in database functionality aids in data management
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface simplifies design
Cons:
- Custom domain is not included in the basic plan
- Some advanced features might necessitate higher plans
- Might have a learning curve for absolute beginners
11. AppSheet
Appsheet is a no-code app development tool that enables users to create mobile and web applications and interfaces without coding. It offers a simple point-and-click way of developing applications that are based on data from spreadsheets and databases.
Key features and integration:
The opportunity to build applications based on spreadsheets and databases located on services, such as Google Sheets, Excel, or SQL, without programming. Any modification made to the source data is reflected in the app because of the real-time connection established between AppSheet and the data source AppSheet can also connect to other usual data sources such as Cloud SQL, Apigee, Azure SQL, AWS databases, Salesforce objects, and OData feeds.
Appsheet can be easily connected with Google Workspace products and services using features such as Gmail, Google Sheets, and Chat. It also integrates with other applications including the Microsoft Office 365, Dropbox, and Salesforce applications.
Price: Free plan and from $5/month.
Pros:
- No coding required to build data-driven apps from existing data sources
- Real-time data syncing ensures apps have up-to-date content
- Integrates with popular database and CRM platforms
Cons:
- Requirement to understand underlying data structures for optimal functionality
- Some customizations may be limited compared to full-stack platforms
- Learning curve for those unfamiliar with no-code/low-code development
12. BuildFire
Finally, BuildFire is the final drag-and-drop Android appplication builder that developers should try to build customizable app templates. It enables users to create interesting mobile and web applications even if they have no coding skills.
Key features and integration:
What we found out about BuildFire was that it has a rich repository of templates for mobile and web applications across industries that can be used as a starting point for new applications. These templates are as flexible as they can be. A simple visual content editor that permits users to work on app interfaces and functionality without coding skills, as the editor mimics the final result.
BuildFire integrates with various third-party services such as e-commerce platforms, marketing tools and CRM systems to extend app capabilities.
Price: From $59/month (billed annually)
Pros:
- Extensive third-party tool integration capabilities
- Easy to use interface makes it understandable for all skill levels
- Diverse template range with deep customization options
Cons:
- The pricing spectrum may be a hurdle for bootstrapped projects
- Some native functionalities require external plugins
- Might be overwhelming for complete beginners due to customization depth
Key Features to Look For the Best Android Application Builder
When choosing an Android application builder, it’s important to look for features that ensure ease of use, functionality, and scalability. Here are key features to consider to help you pick the best Android application builder:
User-Friendly Interface
- A drag-and-drop interface is ideal for beginners or those without coding skills, allowing you to create screens and layouts visually.
- Look for an intuitive design layout, easy navigation, and clear instructions to reduce the learning curve.
Cross-Platform Capability
- If you aim to publish your app on both Android and iOS, a builder with cross-platform support is essential.
- Tools like Flutter or React Native allow you to develop one codebase for both platforms, saving time and resources.
Customization Options
- The builder should allow you to customize app elements (buttons, icons, fonts, colors) to align with your brand.
- Look for flexibility in UI/UX design to ensure the app fits your specific vision and offers a personalized user experience.
Integration with Third-Party Services
- Many apps rely on third-party integrations (e.g., payment gateways, social media, analytics, or CRMs) to function effectively.
- Check if the builder supports major integrations, as this can expand your app’s functionality without complex coding.
Access to Native Device Features
- Some applications require access to native device features like the camera, GPS, or push notifications.
- Ensure the builder allows access to these device features to provide a more seamless and native-like experience.
Analytics and User Insights
- Built-in analytics features can help you track user behavior, app performance, and engagement metrics.
- Access to metrics like user retention, screen views, and session duration can help improve the app over time.
Conclusion
From a beginner to an expert in Android application development, choosing the right Android application builder is crucial. This list of best choices demonstrated the range of options – from the rich feature set of visual editors to templates or design-centered tools.
Using an Android application builder can be much more efficient in comparison to writing code from scratch than coding from scratch. So get out there and start making your great Android ideas into reality with the help of these effective yet easy-to-use development tools! All in all, selecting the right builder is time and cost-effective to help you focus on delivering great experiences to users.