Glide No-Code App Review: Easy App Building for Everyone

If you’ve ever dreamt of creating your own app but feel bogged down by coding, you’re in for a treat. In this review, we’re diving into Glide, a no-code app builder that promises to make app creation as easy as pie. Through my hands-on experience and by examining user data, I’ll share how Glide could revolutionize your approach to app development. Whether you’re a tech whiz or a complete novice, this article will answer your questions and help you get started on your app-building journey. Let’s get to it!

Pros and Cons

Pros of Using Glide

Let’s start with the good stuff about Glide.

User-Friendly Interface

• Incredibly easy to use: If you know your way around Google Sheets, you’re already halfway to becoming an app developer with Glide.
• Quick setup: Ideal for anyone looking to build an app in a short span of time.

Seamless Integration with Google Sheets

• Simple data management: Managing your app data is as straightforward as updating a spreadsheet.
• Real-life example: I built a simple inventory tracking app for a friend’s small business in just one afternoon.

Customizable Templates

• Easy to get started: Various templates are available, making it easy to create different types of apps such as:
  • Task managers
  • Company directories
  • Booking systems

Cons of Using Glide

But, like any tool, Glide is not without its downsides.

Limited Customization

• Not suitable for complex designs: While you can tweak layouts and features, don’t expect to build highly unique interfaces.
• Personal experience: I wanted to add a custom animation to my inventory app but quickly hit Glide’s limits.

Google Account Dependency

• Requires a Google account: This might be a dealbreaker for those who aren’t big fans of Google or want to build an app for users who don’t have Google accounts.

Free Version Limitations

• Premium features are paid: To access more advanced features, you’ll need to pay for one of the premium plans.

Key Features

Drag-and-Drop Builder

One of Glide’s stand-out features is its drag-and-drop builder. Think of it as playing with LEGO blocks—just drag the components you want and drop them where you need them. No coding required. This simplicity is a game-changer.

Gone are the days where you needed to be fluent in JavaScript or HTML to create an app. I once worked on a project where we had a tight deadline, and the drag-and-drop feature saved us countless hours. We went from concept to a working prototype in less than a day. That’s efficiency at its finest.

Data Integration

Glide seamlessly integrates with Google Sheets, making it an excellent tool for those who are already using Google’s ecosystem. How does it work? Your Google Sheet acts as the database for your app. Update the sheet and your app updates in real-time. It’s brilliant for managing dynamic data.

A small business I consulted for was able to streamline their inventory management this way, cutting down on manual data entries and reducing errors. It’s efficient and practical.

Custom Templates

For those who need a little inspiration or just want to save time, Glide offers a variety of custom templates. From fitness trackers to swanky portfolios, these templates serve as a fantastic starting point. Customize them to fit your needs, and you’re good to go.

I personally love the task manager template—they even have templates for more specific needs, like a restaurant menu app. These templates aren’t just pretty; they come with built-in functionality, making your job that much easier.

User Access Control

Security and access control are critical, especially if you’re building an app with sensitive data. Glide allows you to set user permissions, so you can decide who can view or edit what. This is particularly useful for team projects or client work.

Picture this: you’re building an app for a team of remote workers; you don’t want everyone to have access to all data. Glide’s user control feature ensures everyone gets the right level of access, keeping sensitive info secure.

Instant Publishing

Finally, one of the most exciting features is Glide’s instant publishing. Once your app is ready, you can share it instantly via a link. No tedious upload processes or waiting for app store approvals.

A friend of mine used it for a community event app and was able to deploy it within minutes. The attendees simply clicked a link and had the app on their phones, ready to use. It doesn’t get easier than that.

Each of these features makes Glide a potent tool for anyone looking to build an app quickly and with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a small business owner, a freelancer, or someone just starting in app development, Glide offers a practical, action-oriented solution to get your ideas off the ground.

Setup Process

Account Creation

First things first, you need an account. Glide makes it super simple by letting you sign up using your Google account. No tedious forms or multiple steps. Just a few clicks, and you’re in. I remember setting up mine during a lunch break—took less than 5 minutes. If you’re already buried in Google services, this will feel seamless. The integration is smart and saves tons of time.

Connecting Data Source

Next up, linking your data source. Glide uses Google Sheets to manage data, so you’ll need to connect a sheet. Think of Google Sheets as the brain behind your app. Any change here directly influences your app. It’s pretty awesome. I had my spreadsheet with product lists ready, and it was incredible how easily everything synced. You don’t need to worry about complex configurations.

Choosing a Template

Now for some fun—choosing a template! Glide offers pre-designed templates tailored for various apps like inventories, directories, or even a fitness tracker. You’ll find something that fits your needs. Templates speed up the process and give a polished look right out of the gate. I picked a template closest to my vision, which took care of 70% of the work. Believe me, this step is a massive time-saver.

Customizing the App

Once your template is set, it’s time to tweak it. This part felt like customizing a MySpace page back in the day (if you remember that). You can adjust layouts, add features, and make it yours. I had a blast moving things around and testing how it looked on mobile vs. desktop. Want to add a map or calendar? Just drag and drop. This flexibility while keeping it intuitive is a major Glide strong point.

Publishing the App

Finally, the big moment: publishing! Click a button and voila—your app is live. Glide generates a shareable link that you can send to anyone. It’s that easy. I published my app before finishing my coffee, and seeing it live felt like a mini-milestone. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, this quick turnaround is something you’ll appreciate. Once your app is live, you can continue to make changes and see them in real-time. Give it a go, and you’ll be hooked.

User Experience

Glide No-Code aims to make app creation straightforward and enjoyable, and it largely delivers. Navigating through the app is intuitive, even for those new to no-code solutions. Here’s a quick rundown of my experience and some key features:

Ease of Use

I remember the first time I tried Glide; I was able to build a basic app within an hour. The drag-and-drop builder is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to see your changes in real-time. Key benefits include:

• Intuitive Interface: No steep learning curve.
• Real-Time Updates: See your changes instantly.
• Google Sheets Integration: Syncs seamlessly, simplifying your workflow.

Performance

Performance is another strong point. The apps built with Glide are fast and responsive, which is key for user satisfaction. I created a simple task management app for a small team, and it performed flawlessly even with multiple users accessing it simultaneously. Additional benefits:

• Instant Publishing: Your app is live in moments, a game-changer under time constraints.
• Smooth Multi-User Experience: Works well even with multiple simultaneous users.

However, some users have reported occasional sluggishness, especially as their apps become more data-heavy.

Support and Community

Support is a mixed bag. Glide provides a solid knowledge base and an active community forum, which is super helpful when you hit a snag. For example, when I got stuck on customizing a template, a quick search through their forums led me to the solution.

• Knowledge Base: Comprehensive documentation available.
• Community Forums: Helpful for troubleshooting and tips.

However, the free plan doesn’t offer much in terms of direct support. You’ll need to upgrade for priority assistance. This can be a sticking point if you need immediate help but aren’t ready to commit financially.

Mobile Compatibility

Mobile compatibility is also worth mentioning. Whether you’re building for mobile or desktop, Glide ensures your app looks and functions well across all devices. I tested my task management app on both my phone and laptop, and it adapted beautifully to each platform.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works smoothly across devices.
• Responsive Design: Adapts well to different screen sizes.

This flexibility is crucial in today’s multi-device world, making Glide No-Code a practical choice for anyone looking to build functional, attractive apps without diving into code.

Pricing

Glide offers three pricing plans: Free, Pro, and Entrepreneur. If you’re just dipping your toes into app creation, the Free Plan is a great launching point. It includes basic features that allow you to build simple apps using Google Sheets as your data source. The catch? Limited customization options. But for many, that’s enough to get started.

The Pro Plan ramps things up significantly. It’s tailored for users who need more advanced features and better customization. For $32 per month, you get access to features like custom domains and enhanced data limits. This plan is ideal for small businesses or hobbyists wanting a bit more control over their apps.

For those looking to go all-in, the Entrepreneur Plan has you covered. At $99 per month, this plan opens up Glide’s full feature set and includes priority support. Ideal for startups or businesses needing robust apps, it’s well worth the investment. Think of it as hiring an extra hand in your dev team but without the hefty overhead.

When I first tried Glide, I started with the Free Plan to test the waters. It’s clear why this platform has a TrustScore of 4 out of 5. It’s straightforward and user-friendly, even for non-tech folks. If you’re curious about other no-code tools, you might find our reviews on Stacker and Spreadsheet Automation useful too. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned developer, Glide’s pricing structure makes it accessible to all.

Competitors

When comparing Glide to its main competitors, a few other names come to mind. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on what you’re looking for. Let’s dive into three main alternatives: Adalo, Bubble, and AppSheet.

Adalo: Customization and Design

Adalo also offers a drag-and-drop app builder but packs in more customization options. For example, with Adalo, you can:

• Dive deeper into design aspects
• Get more control over how your app looks and feels

If you want more freedom in your app design, Adalo may be worth checking out. However, the trade-off is often a slightly more complex interface, which might not be as beginner-friendly as Glide.

Bubble: Advanced Logic and Workflows

Bubble is a heavy-hitter in the no-code space, offering a comprehensive platform that goes beyond simple app-building. With Bubble, you can:

• Create more complex apps with advanced logic
• Build sophisticated workflows

Yet, Bubble’s steep learning curve can be daunting. I recall a friend trying out Bubble for a small business tool, only to spend hours figuring out the nuances. The power’s there, but it requires time to master.

AppSheet: Flexibility and Integration

Then there’s AppSheet, which is now part of Google Cloud. AppSheet integrates seamlessly with various data sources, like:

• Google Sheets
• Excel
• SQL databases

This makes it very flexible for business applications. I remember using AppSheet to build a simple inventory management system at a startup. It worked wonders because of its integration capabilities. However, for highly customized applications, it might leave you wanting more.

Choosing the Right Tool

All these platforms have their pros and cons. While Glide shines in its ease of use and quick setup, it does face limitations in customization and complexity. Deciding which tool to use ultimately depends on your specific needs and technical comfort level.

• For basic, functional apps quickly: Glide’s straightforward approach can’t be beaten.
• For more flexibility and advanced features: Digging into Adalo, Bubble, or AppSheet might be worth the extra effort.

Consider what you really need from your app before making a decision.

Conclusion

So, is Glide the right choice for your app-building needs? It depends on what you’re looking for. Glide is perfect for those who want to create simple, functional apps quickly. The ease of use is hard to beat. With its drag-and-drop builder, you can have a basic app up and running in no time. Using Google Sheets as your data source makes the process even smoother, especially if you’re already familiar with spreadsheets. The customizable templates also give you a head start, so you don’t have to start from scratch.