Adalo

What is Adalo?

Adalo is a no-code platform that lets you build mobile and web apps without needing to write code. It offers a drag-and-drop interface, making app development accessible to entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses. With Adalo, you can create fully functional applications, integrate databases, set up user authentication, and deploy apps to the App Store and Google Play.

It provides built-in components like forms, lists, buttons, and logic workflows, allowing you to customize app functionality. Adalo is ideal for those looking to quickly build and launch apps without hiring developers.

Key Features of Adalo

• Drag-and-Drop Interface – Easily design your app using Adalo’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor. No coding is required to create custom layouts and interactive screens.
• Database Integration – Connect to external databases like Airtable, Xano, or Google Sheets, or use Adalo’s built-in database to store and manage app data efficiently.
• Custom Logic & Workflows – Set up conditional actions, navigation flows, and automated processes to enhance app functionality without coding.
• User Authentication – Add user login and signup features with built-in authentication, enabling secure access to personalized app content.
• Native Mobile & Web App Deployment – Publish your app as a web app, or export it as a native mobile app for iOS and Android, directly from the Adalo platform.
• Pre-Built Components & Templates – Access a library of UI components like buttons, lists, forms, and modals to speed up development. Use templates for a head start on your app.
• Third-Party Integrations – Connect your app with external tools like Stripe for payments, Zapier for automation, and APIs for custom functionalities.
• Responsive Design – Create apps that automatically adjust to different screen sizes, ensuring a seamless experience on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
• Push Notifications – Send real-time push notifications to keep users engaged with updates, alerts, and reminders.
• App Monetization – Integrate payment gateways like Stripe or set up subscriptions and in-app purchases to generate revenue from your app.

Benefits of Adalo

• No Coding Required – Adalo allows you to build fully functional apps without writing a single line of code, making app development accessible to non-developers.
• Fast Development Process – The drag-and-drop interface, pre-built components, and templates speed up app creation, reducing development time significantly.
• Cost-Effective Solution – Adalo eliminates the need for hiring developers, making it an affordable option for startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility – Build once and deploy your app as a web app, progressive web app (PWA), or native mobile app for iOS and Android.
• Customizable UI & Features – Unlike rigid app builders, Adalo gives you the flexibility to design custom layouts and implement unique workflows tailored to your needs.
• Seamless Integrations – Connect your app with tools like Stripe for payments, Zapier for automation, and Airtable for external databases, extending your app’s capabilities.
• Scalable for Growth – Start with a simple MVP and expand as needed by adding new features, workflows, and integrations without rebuilding your app from scratch.
• User Authentication & Personalization – Easily set up login, signup, and user-specific content to create personalized experiences within your app.
• Monetization Options – Adalo supports various revenue models, including subscriptions, in-app purchases, and one-time payments, helping you turn your app into a profitable business.
• Community & Support – Get help from Adalo’s active community, documentation, and customer support to troubleshoot issues and enhance your app development journey.

Limitations of Adalo

• Performance Issues with Complex Apps – Adalo can slow down when handling large databases, complex workflows, or apps with high user traffic.
• Limited Backend Customization – While Adalo offers database functionality, it lacks advanced backend control compared to traditional coding or low-code platforms like Bubble.
• Higher Costs for Scaling – As your app grows, Adalo’s pricing can become expensive, especially if you need more actions, API calls, or team collaboration features.
• No Offline Mode – Adalo apps require an internet connection to function properly, making it unsuitable for offline-first applications.
• Limited Flexibility in UI Design – Although customizable, Adalo's design system is not as flexible as traditional coding, making highly unique UI layouts more challenging.
• Restricted API Usage on Free Plan – API integrations and external database connections are only available on paid plans, limiting flexibility for free users.
• App Store Approval Challenges – Some Adalo-built apps may face challenges during Apple App Store or Google Play Store approval due to technical or policy restrictions.
• Lack of Native Animations & Transitions – Adalo does not support advanced animations and smooth transitions like fully coded apps, affecting user experience.
• Limited Plugin & Component Marketplace – Unlike other no-code platforms, Adalo has fewer third-party components and plugins, reducing customization options.
• Data Export & Migration Challenges – Moving an Adalo app to another platform can be difficult, as the database and app structure are tied to Adalo’s ecosystem.

Pricing of Adalo

• Free – $0 per month: Includes 200 records per app, unlimited app actions, and 1 app editor. Supports databases, collections, unlimited screens, and unlimited test apps.
• Starter – $45 per month: Includes 1 published app, unlimited app actions, and 1 app editor. Adds custom fonts, a custom domain, and publishing to the web and app stores.
• Professional – $65 per month: Includes 2 published apps, unlimited app actions, and 5 app editors. Adds custom integrations, design versions, and geolocation.
• Team – $200 per month: Includes 5 published apps, unlimited app actions, and 10 app editors. Adds priority support, Xano integration, and a collections API.
• Business – $250 per month: Includes 10 published apps, unlimited app actions, and unlimited app editors. Adds special add-on pricing.

Who Should Use Adalo

• Entrepreneurs & Startups – Ideal for founders who want to build an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) quickly and test ideas without hiring developers.
• Small Businesses – Great for businesses looking to create internal tools, booking systems, or customer engagement apps without coding.
• Freelancers & Creators – Perfect for individuals building portfolio apps, content-sharing platforms, or personal productivity tools.
• Non-Technical Founders – Enables business owners with no coding experience to bring their app ideas to life without relying on developers.
• Educators & Community Leaders – Useful for creating educational apps, community portals, or membership platforms with user authentication.
• Agencies & No-code Developers – Helps no-code agencies and freelancers build apps for clients faster using a visual development approach.
• Nonprofits & Event Organizers – Suitable for organizations that need custom event management, volunteer coordination, or fundraising apps.
• E-commerce & Membership Platforms – Supports building apps with payment gateways, subscriptions, and user-specific content to monetize digital products or services.

Adalo May Not Be Right for You If

• You Need Advanced Backend Functionality – Adalo is great for front-end development, but it lacks powerful backend capabilities compared to platforms like Bubble or Xano. If your app requires complex logic, external API calls, or robust database management, you may face limitations.
• You’re Building a High-Performance App – Apps built on Adalo can experience performance issues, especially when handling large datasets or complex workflows. If you’re planning to scale to thousands of users, you may need a more scalable solution.
• You Require Extensive Customization – While Adalo offers a visual builder with drag-and-drop functionality, it has limited flexibility in terms of custom UI/UX. If you need pixel-perfect design control, you might find platforms like Webflow or FlutterFlow more suitable.
• You Need Affordable Multi-App Development – Adalo’s pricing structure can be expensive if you plan to launch multiple apps. Unlike platforms that offer unlimited app creation under one plan, Adalo charges per published app, which may not be cost-effective for agencies or startups with multiple projects.
• You Want Native-Level App Performance – While Adalo allows you to publish mobile apps, they may not match the performance and responsiveness of fully native apps. If your app demands high-speed interactions or advanced mobile features, a native development approach might be better.

Alternatives to Adalo

• Bubble – A powerful no-code platform that offers advanced logic, database management, and full customization, making it ideal for web apps and complex SaaS products. Read our detailed review of Bubble.
• Glide – Best for turning Google Sheets into mobile and web apps quickly. It’s great for simple business tools, internal apps, and data-driven applications. Read our detailed review of Glide.
• Thunkable – A no-code platform focused on building native mobile apps with more customization options, making it a good alternative for mobile-first development. Read our detailed review of Thunkable.
• OutSystems – A robust low-code platform with enterprise-grade features, allowing businesses to build scalable mobile and web applications with deep backend integrations. Read our detailed review of OutSystems.
• Softr – A no-code app builder designed for creating web apps and client portals using Airtable as a backend, making it perfect for internal tools and business applications. Read our detailed review of Softr.

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FAQs About Adalo

How does Adalo compare to other no-code app builders?

Adalo is user-friendly and ideal for beginners who want to build mobile apps without coding. It excels in drag-and-drop design and easy deployment to app stores. However, it lacks advanced backend functionality compared to Bubble and scalability features found in FlutterFlow. If you need complex workflows, API integrations, or high-performance apps, other platforms may be a better fit.

Can I build web and mobile apps with Adalo?

Yes, Adalo allows you to create both web and mobile apps. You can build progressive web apps (PWAs) and publish native mobile apps on iOS and Android. However, the platform is primarily optimized for mobile development. If you need a highly responsive web app with advanced UI/UX customization, Webflow or Bubble might be better choices.

Does Adalo support external database integrations?

Adalo provides basic database functionality but has limited external database support. While it offers integrations with tools like Airtable and Xano, it lacks the flexibility of platforms like Bubble, which allow for more complex API and database connections. If your app requires advanced backend customization, you may need to rely on third-party services or consider a more powerful no-code tool.

Is Adalo good for scaling a business app?

Adalo works well for MVPs and small business apps but has limitations in scalability. Apps with high user traffic or complex logic may experience performance issues, such as slow loading times or database constraints. If scalability is a priority, you may need to explore other platforms like FlutterFlow or custom-coded solutions to ensure long-term performance and growth.

How much does it cost to publish an app on Adalo?

Adalo requires a paid plan to publish an app. The Starter plan ($45/month) allows one published app, while higher-tier plans enable multiple apps and more editors. The Professional plan ($65/month) is ideal for small businesses, and Team ($200/month) & Business ($250/month) plans cater to agencies. Keep in mind that each published app requires a subscription, making it costly for multi-app businesses.

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