Glide vs Thunkable vs Adalo: 2026 Comparison

Three different approaches to building apps — but which one fits your project? Glide is a spreadsheet-to-app builder, Thunkable is a cross-platform mobile app builder, and Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps. Each platform serves different needs, and the right choice depends on what you're building, who's building it, and where the app needs to run.

This guide compares all three across pricing, native mobile output, AI features, database capabilities, and real-world use cases — with honest assessments of where each platform excels.

Quick Comparison

Glide: Overview

Glide is a spreadsheet-to-app builder that focuses on Quick internal tools and simple apps from existing spreadsheet data. Starting at $25/mo+, it appeals to teams who prioritize these capabilities.

Strengths:

• Very fast for simple apps from Google Sheets
• Low starting price
• Google Sheets integration is intuitive
• Good for internal tools and dashboards

Limitations:

• No native mobile apps (web/PWA only)
• Spreadsheet-based architecture limits customization
• Custom domains require $60/mo plan
• Not suited for complex, multi-screen apps

Glide works well for Quick internal tools and simple apps from existing spreadsheet data. Teams whose requirements align with these strengths will find it a capable platform.

Thunkable: Overview

Thunkable is a cross-platform mobile app builder starting at $189/mo. It takes a different approach, focusing on Educational projects and users familiar with block-based coding.

Strengths:

• Block-based logic (familiar to Scratch/MIT App Inventor users)
• Educational partnerships
• Cross-platform output

Limitations:

• App store publishing requires $189/mo tier
• Token-based limits on usage
• Less sophisticated builder than alternatives
• Smaller community and ecosystem

Thunkable is a strong option for teams whose primary need is Educational projects and users familiar with block-based coding.

Adalo: Overview

Adalo is a no-code app builder that lets teams build database-driven web, iOS, and Android apps from a single codebase. The multi-screen canvas shows every screen at once, and Visual AI Direction lets you point at elements to instruct changes — rather than relying on chat-only prompts.

Strengths:

• Native iOS and Android compilation (IPA/APK) — not WebView wrappers
• Visual AI Builder: Ada, Adalo's AI builder (Magic Start, Magic Add), X-Ray, Visual AI Direction
• $36/month with unlimited usage — no caps on actions, users, records, or storage
• Built-in relational database with no external setup
• Multi-screen canvas with on-device preview

Honest limitations:

• No full code export (FlutterFlow offers this)
• Plugin ecosystem is smaller than Bubble's
• Web-only dashboard-heavy apps may be better served by web-focused platforms

Adalo is built for teams who want native mobile + web apps from one platform, without managing code.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Pricing Breakdown

The total cost of ownership varies significantly between these platforms. Adalo's flat-rate model keeps costs predictable. Glide's tiered with row/usage limits model and Thunkable's pricing can both scale differently depending on usage.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Glide if:

• Your primary need is Quick internal tools and simple apps from existing spreadsheet data
• You don't need native mobile app store publishing
• Your team has the resources to work within a spreadsheet-to-app builder

Choose Thunkable if:

• You specifically need Educational projects and users familiar with block-based coding
• Your project aligns with the cross-platform mobile app builder approach
• The pricing model works for your expected usage

Choose Adalo if:

• You need native iOS and Android apps published to the App Store and Google Play
• You want a visual canvas where you can see every screen at once
• You need AI-assisted building with visual direction, not just chat prompts
• Predictable pricing matters — $36/month with unlimited usage
• You want a built-in database without external setup

The Bottom Line

These three platforms represent different philosophies about app building. Glide excels at Quick internal tools and simple apps from existing spreadsheet data. Thunkable is strong for Educational projects and users familiar with block-based coding. Adalo focuses on building native mobile + web apps visually with AI assistance — at a predictable price point.

The best choice depends on your project's requirements. Consider where the app needs to run, who's building it, and how your costs will scale over time.

FAQ

Which is cheapest for publishing a mobile app: Glide, Thunkable, or Adalo?

Adalo includes native iOS and Android publishing at $36/month with unlimited usage. Glide starts at $25/mo+ (tiered with row/usage limits). Thunkable starts at $189/mo. For native app store publishing specifically, Adalo's flat rate is the most predictable option.

Can non-technical founders use all three platforms?

Each platform has a different learning curve. Adalo's visual canvas and AI tools (Magic Start, Magic Add) are designed for non-technical users. Glide requires familiarity with spreadsheet-to-app builder concepts. Thunkable's approach suits teams comfortable with cross-platform mobile app builder workflows.

Do all three platforms support native mobile apps?

Adalo compiles true native iOS (IPA) and Android (APK) apps from a single codebase. Glide is web-only and doesn't produce native mobile apps. Thunkable supports mobile output.

Which has the best AI features for app building?

Adalo offers Magic Start (generates a full app from a description), Magic Add (adds features via natural language), X-Ray (identifies performance issues), and Visual AI Direction (point at elements on the canvas to instruct changes). Glide offers Glide AI (column-based). The main difference is Adalo's spatial, visual approach to AI versus chat-based or prompt-only interfaces.

What can't Adalo do that Glide or Thunkable can?

Glide excels at Quick internal tools and simple apps from existing spreadsheet data, and Thunkable is stronger for Educational projects and users familiar with block-based coding. If your project is web-only and requires deep customization in those specific areas, you may find those platforms are a better fit. Adalo doesn't offer full code export, and its plugin ecosystem is smaller than Bubble's. Adalo is built for teams who want native mobile + web apps without managing code.

Can I migrate from Glide or Thunkable to Adalo?

There's no direct migration tool between platforms, but Adalo's Magic Start can generate an app foundation from a description of your current project. Data can be imported via CSV or API connections. Many teams rebuilding in Adalo find the visual canvas accelerates the process.