Top 4 AppSheet alternatives to use in 2024

No-code platforms are changing how businesses create custom apps. The impact of no-code extends beyond just app creation. It's about empowering teams, accelerating digital initiatives, and unlocking new possibilities for businesses of all sizes. 

AppSheet has some impressive features, but how does it compare to alternatives like Bubble, Glide, OutSystems, and PowerApps? We’re here to help you make an informed decision. In this article, we’ll explore AppSheet and how it compares with its main alternatives, highlighting their unique functionalities.

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TL;DR

AppSheet excels with offline functionality, deep Google Workspace integration, and robust security controls. Bubble is ideal for creating highly customized web apps. Glide is perfect for data-centric, both simple and enterprise-grade apps. OutSystems is suitable for large-scale enterprise apps, with built-in DevOps capabilities. PowerApps is best for businesses that need to stay within the Microsoft ecosystem.

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What is AppSheet?

AppSheet was founded in 2014 by Praveen Seshadri and Brian Sabino with the vision of enabling non-developers to create powerful mobile apps. In January 2020, Google acquired AppSheet, integrating it into its Google Cloud platform. AppSheet now integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) applications, making it a natural choice for organizations already invested in the Google ecosystem.

Let's break down the technical aspects of AppSheet:

1. Type of apps: AppSheet primarily builds Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and native mobile apps for iOS and Android. The PWAs can be accessed via web browsers, while the native apps can be distributed through app stores.
2. Underlying code and backend:
   1. Frontend: HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript‍
   2. Backend: Google Cloud Platform services AppSheet abstracts away the underlying code, using a proprietary engine to translate the no-code configurations into functional applications.

3. Deployment and hosting: Apps are hosted on Google's infrastructure, which provides robust performance and reliability. Users don't need to worry about server management or scaling infrastructure.

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These are some of AppSheet’s key features:

• Offline functionality: Apps built with AppSheet can work offline, syncing data when a connection is reestablished. This is particularly useful for field workers in areas with poor connectivity.
• Google Workspace integration: Deep integration with Google Sheets, Forms, and other Workspace apps allows for seamless data flow and real-time updates.
• OCR and barcode scanning: Built-in support for optical character recognition (OCR) and barcode scanning, useful for inventory management and data capture scenarios.
• Security controls: Fine-grained access controls and data security features, including the ability to set row-level security in spreadsheets.
• Expressions: A powerful expression language for creating complex formulas and business logic without coding.

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AppSheet use cases:

1. Data collection and surveys: Field workers can easily collect data using custom forms on mobile devices.
2. Inventory management: Businesses can track stock levels, manage orders, and automate reordering processes.
3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Sales teams can build custom CRM apps tailored to their specific workflows.
4. Project management: Teams can create apps for task assignment, progress tracking, and resource allocation.
5. Employee management: HR departments can develop apps for time tracking, leave management, and onboarding.
6. Field service management: Service companies can dispatch technicians, track job status, and manage customer information.
7. Workflow automation: Organizations can digitize and streamline various business processes.

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Comparing AppSheet with Its competitors

1. Bubble

Bubble shines with its customizable logic and workflows, perfect for those wanting to build sophisticated apps without needing to code. Its visual programming interface lets you create complex workflows easily, offering the flexibility to design detailed applications. Bubble’s plugin ecosystem is extensive, with a marketplace full of plugins to enhance your app's functionality. Plus, Bubble has a strong community and excellent documentation, providing all the support you need. If you're looking to create highly customized and feature-rich web apps, Bubble is a great choice.

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Key features:

• Responsive design: Built-in tools for creating responsive applications that work on any device.
• Plugins and integrations: Extensive library of plugins and integrations, including APIs for external services.

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Technical aspects:

• Type of apps: Primarily web applications; PWAs and mobile wrappers can be created but are not natively supported.
• Underlying code and backend:some text
  • Frontend: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript.
  • Backend: Bubble’s proprietary backend, it allows for significant customization.
• Deployment and hosting: Hosted on Bubble’s servers, with scalable infrastructure provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS).

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2. Glide

Glide is much more than a platform to turn Google Sheets into apps. It connects to various data sources like Google Sheets, Excel, and even its own Glide Tables and Glide Big Tables, which handle data robustly for enterprise-grade apps. Glide’s interface is user-friendly, and the pre-built templates help you get started quickly. Whether you're building simple or complex applications, Glide has the tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

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Key features:

• Glide Big Tables: Optimized for speed and efficiency with large datasets, their data handling solution can handle millions of rows of data.
• Connect to your own data: Google Sheets, Excel Online, Airtable, SQL databases.
• Data security: Role-based access controls for data protection and row owners.

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Technical aspects:

• Type of apps: Primarily PWAs with native app functionalities available through wrappers.
• Underlying code and backend:some text
  • Frontend: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript.
  • Backend: Google Cloud Platform services for data storage.
• Deployment and hosting: Hosted on Glide’s infrastructure, leveraging Google Cloud for scalability.

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3. OutSystems

OutSystems is designed for full-stack development, supporting both frontend and backend, which means you can build comprehensive, scalable enterprise apps. It’s built for high performance and scalability, making it great for large projects. The platform includes built-in DevOps capabilities, helping with continuous integration and deployment. OutSystems also offers advanced integrations with various enterprise systems. That gives you the flexibility to extend your app’s functionality. If you're aiming for large-scale, performance-oriented applications, OutSystems is a solid pick.

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Key features:

• Enterprise-grade applications: Designed for building scalable, enterprise-grade applications.
• Advanced integrations: Extensive library of connectors for various enterprise systems.

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Technical aspects:

• Type of apps: Supports both web and native mobile applications.
• Underlying code and backend:some text
  • Frontend: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript.
  • Backend: .NET or Java, with flexible cloud or on-premises deployment options.
• Deployment and hosting: Can be hosted on OutSystems' cloud, AWS, Azure, or on-premises.

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4. PowerApps

PowerApps is deeply integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem, perfect for businesses using Microsoft services. It connects seamlessly with Office 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365, making data flow smoothly across these platforms. PowerApps also supports custom connectors, allowing integration with many third-party services and APIs. If your organization is invested in Microsoft’s suite of tools, PowerApps can enhance your app development with its powerful and familiar integrations.

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Key features:

• Microsoft ecosystem integration: Deep integration with Microsoft 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365.
• AI builder: Leverages AI to enhance app functionality, including form processing and prediction models.
• Custom connectors: Supports creating custom connectors to integrate with various data sources.

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Technical aspects:

• Type of apps: Supports both web and native mobile applications.
• Underlying code and backend:some text
  • Frontend: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript.
  • Backend: Azure services for backend operations.
• Deployment and hosting: Hosted on Microsoft Azure, providing robust performance and scalability.

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What each platform stands out for

• Bubble: Superior for creating complex, customized web applications with extensive third-party integrations.
• Glide: Excellent for quick app development with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
• OutSystems: Ideal for enterprise-level applications requiring advanced integrations and scalability.
• PowerApps: Best for businesses deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem, leveraging AI and custom connectors.

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Final words

As we conclude our exploration of AppSheet and its alternatives, we see that there are many rich no-code options, and each platform brings its own strengths to the table. The potential of no-code extends far beyond simple applications. As these platforms evolve, they're increasingly capable of handling complex business logic, large-scale data operations, and sophisticated user experiences.

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We encourage you to continue exploring the world of no-code development. The possibilities are vast, and staying informed about these technologies can open new doors for innovation within your organization.

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Looking for the best option for your business? Book a free discovery call and we guide you to success!