Thunkable

What is Thunkable?

Thunkable is a no-code platform that lets you create native mobile apps for iOS and Android without writing any code. It has a drag-and-drop interface where you can design screens, add logic, and easily connect to APIs. Thunkable supports real-time testing, database integrations, and cloud storage, making it a powerful tool for both beginners and experienced creators.

With its visual programming system, you can build fully functional apps, including animations, user authentication, and third-party services. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, educator, or business owner, Thunkable helps you turn your app idea into reality without the need for coding.

Key Features of Thunkable

• Drag-and-Drop App Builder – You can create mobile apps visually without writing code. Simply drag and drop UI components to design your app's interface.
• Cross-Platform Development – Build once and deploy your app on both iOS and Android without needing separate codebases.
• Logic-Based Blocks for Functionality – Instead of coding, you can use a block-based programming system to add logic, interactions, and automation to your app.
• Live Testing & Preview – Instantly test your app on real devices with the Thunkable Live app, allowing you to see changes in real time.
• Native Mobile Features – Access built-in device functionalities like GPS, camera, push notifications, accelerometer, and sensors without coding.
• Database & API Integration – Connect to external databases like Firebase, Airtable, or Google Sheets, and integrate REST APIs to fetch and send data.
• Cloud Storage Support – Store and manage user-generated content like images and files using built-in cloud storage features.
• User Authentication – Easily add sign-in options using Google, Firebase, or email-based authentication to manage user access securely.
• Media & Animation Support – Add images, videos, GIFs, and animations to create visually engaging apps with interactive elements.
• One-Click Publishing – Publish your app directly to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store without complex configurations.

Benefits of Thunkable

• Beginner-Friendly – You don’t need any coding experience to build an app. The drag-and-drop interface and block-based logic make app development accessible to anyone.
• No Separate Codebase for iOS & Android – Thunkable automatically compiles your app for both platforms, eliminating the need to manage two different codebases.
• Real-Time Collaboration – Teams can work on the same project simultaneously, making it easier to develop, test, and iterate without version conflicts.
• Strong Community & Learning Resources – Thunkable has an active community and extensive documentation, making it easy to find tutorials, templates, and troubleshooting tips.
• Great for Educators & Students – Many schools and coding bootcamps use Thunkable to teach app development concepts without overwhelming students with complex programming languages.

Limitations of Thunkable

• Limited Customization – While Thunkable offers a visual builder, it lacks the flexibility of traditional coding. Advanced UI customizations and complex interactions may require workarounds.
• Performance Constraints – Apps built on Thunkable may not be as fast or optimized as native apps developed with Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android), especially for high-performance applications like gaming or heavy animations.
• Subscription Costs for Advanced Features – While Thunkable has a free plan, premium features like custom branding, unlimited projects, and increased storage require a paid subscription.
• No Server-Side Logic – Thunkable does not provide backend development tools, meaning you must rely on external services like Firebase, Airtable, or external APIs for database management and authentication.
• Exporting Code Not Supported – You can publish apps to the App Store and Play Store, but you cannot export the underlying source code, limiting flexibility if you want to migrate to a custom-coded solution later.
• App Store & Play Store Approval Required – Since Thunkable-generated apps need to comply with Apple and Google’s guidelines, there’s no guarantee your app will be approved for publishing.
• Steep Learning Curve for Complex Apps – While simple apps are easy to build, more complex applications require understanding API connections, database management, and logic structuring, which can be challenging for complete beginners.

Pricing of Thunkable

• Free Plan – This plan allows you to work on up to 3 public projects, each limited to 5 screens. It includes live testing capabilities but does not support publishing to app stores.
• Builder Plan – Priced at $59 per month (billed monthly) or $37 per month (billed annually), this plan includes custom branding, 50 public projects, 10 private projects, and the ability to publish one live app on both iOS and Android platforms. It also offers chat support and live testing.
• Advanced Plan – At $189 per month (billed monthly) or $99 per month (billed annually), this plan provides unlimited public and private projects, unlimited published apps on iOS and Android, in-app payments and ads integration, collaboration features, and priority support.

Who Should Use Thunkable

• Small Businesses – Thunkable makes it easy for businesses to create custom mobile apps for customer engagement, bookings, loyalty programs, or internal use without investing heavily in development.
• Educators & Students – Schools and coding bootcamps use Thunkable to teach app development concepts in a visual, beginner-friendly way, making learning more interactive and accessible.
• Non-Technical Creators – Content creators, influencers, and marketers can use Thunkable to develop personalized apps for their audience, such as community hubs, event apps, or digital products.
• Developers Looking for Rapid Prototyping – Even if you have coding experience, Thunkable can be a fast way to test ideas, create functional prototypes, and iterate on designs without starting from scratch in native code.

Thunkable May Not Be Right for You If

• You Need Complete Design Freedom – Thunkable’s drag-and-drop builder is powerful but comes with design limitations. If you need pixel-perfect UI customization, a fully coded solution may be better.
• You Want Full Backend Control – Thunkable does not include a built-in backend, so you must rely on third-party databases like Firebase or Airtable. If you need advanced backend logic, tools like Xano or a custom-coded backend might be a better fit.
• You’re Building a High-Performance App – Apps with complex animations, heavy processing, or real-time features (like live streaming or gaming) may not run as smoothly compared to native apps built with Swift (iOS) or Kotlin (Android).
• You Need Extensive Third-Party Integrations – While Thunkable supports APIs, it lacks an extensive plugin ecosystem like FlutterFlow or Glide. If you rely on many third-party services, you may face limitations.
• You Want to Export Your App’s Source Code – Thunkable does not allow you to export raw code. If you plan to migrate your app to a custom development stack later, this could be a major limitation.

Alternatives to Thunkable

• FlutterFlow – A no-code app builder powered by Google’s Flutter framework. It provides more customization, better performance, and the ability to export source code, making it ideal for more complex mobile apps. Read this guide to see what you can build with FlutterFlow.
• Glide – Best for turning Google Sheets into mobile apps without coding. It’s ideal for simple internal tools, event apps, and lightweight business applications. Read our detailed guide to GlideApps.
• Bubble – Bubble has now introduced its own Native Mobile Editor, allowing users to build fully functional native mobile apps directly within the platform. This eliminates the need for third-party wrappers and provides a more seamless experience. Read our detailed guide to Bubble.io.
• Adalo – A visual mobile app builder with built-in databases and a marketplace for plugins. It’s great for creating business apps but has limitations in performance and flexibility. Read our detailed review of Adalo.
• Kodular – A block-based app builder similar to Thunkable, but with more flexibility for Android app development. However, it has a steeper learning curve.
• Bravo Studio – A no-code tool that lets you convert Figma designs into functional mobile apps. It’s great for designers who want full creative control but lacks an integrated backend. Read our detailed review of Bravo Studio.
• Draftbit – A no-code builder for creating React Native apps with more customization than Thunkable. It allows developers to refine the code and transition to full coding when needed.

FAQs About Thunkable

What is Thunkable used for?

Thunkable is a no-code platform that lets you build native mobile apps for iOS and Android without coding. It is used by entrepreneurs, businesses, educators, and developers to create functional mobile applications using a drag-and-drop interface.

Can I build apps for both iOS and Android with Thunkable?

Yes, Thunkable allows you to create a single app that works on both iOS and Android, so you don't need to build separate versions for each platform.

Do I need coding skills to use Thunkable?

No, Thunkable is designed for non-developers. It uses a block-based programming system, which lets you add logic and functionality without writing code.

Can I publish my Thunkable app to the App Store and Google Play?

Yes, Thunkable supports direct publishing to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. However, publishing is only available on paid plans.

Can I export the source code of my Thunkable app?

No, Thunkable does not allow users to export the source code. Apps built on the platform can only be modified and maintained within Thunkable.

Can I integrate third-party APIs with Thunkable?

Yes, Thunkable lets you connect APIs to fetch and send data, making it possible to integrate external services like payment gateways, authentication systems, and databases.

Is Thunkable suitable for game development?

Thunkable is not designed for high-performance game development. It is better suited for business, utility, and productivity apps rather than graphics-intensive mobile games.

‍