When comparing Draftbit vs. FlutterFlow vs. Adalo, try Draftbit if you’re an agency or large organization, FlutterFlow if you need a low-code platform for a single app, and Adalo if you want the perfect combo of ease and power.
Read on to discover:
- Summary of the 3 platforms’ differences
- Similarities between FlutterFlow, Draftbit, and Adalo
- Reviews of each app builder’s features, intended audience, pricing, and more
- How each app builder applies to different use cases
Take a quick look at the table below to learn the major differences between Adalo, Draftbit, and FlutterFlow.
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Draftbit vs. FlutterFlow vs. Adalo: Head-to-Head Comparison
Draftbit, FlutterFlow, and Adalo all have core strengths and weaknesses that appeal to a specific audience. But if you want to see each app builder’s core information, like key features, pricing, and audience, check out the table below.
TL;DR: A Quick Summary of Differences
While the table indicates that Draftbit and FlutterFlow have the most features in common, all 3 platforms have a few key commonalities.
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Similarities
Draftbit, FlutterFlow, and Adalo share the following 5 features:
- Publish to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store: Each platform lets you publish a native mobile app to both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. This capability lets your users download your app directly to their phones.
Additionally, publishing your app to the app stores puts it in front of a massive audience — both apps have a combined user base of billions.
- Thriving ecosystem: Each platform has a collection of resources that allow you to learn every aspect of the app-building process. These include many helpful documents, video tutorials, and instructions.
Each app builder has an online forum where you can join the community, access expert knowledge, and share your app-building experience.
- Affordable: Adalo, Draftbit, and FlutterFlow each have an entry-level pricing tier under $40/month. This means you won’t need to worry about forking out an exorbitant sum of cash.
- No-credit-card-info-required-free version: Before you commit your hard-earned bucks to the app-building platform of your choice, you can take advantage of a free version. This will give you a good feel for the platform and whether or not it meshes with you.
You won’t be asked for credit card information as a bonus. You only pay when you decide to purchase a paid version.
- Power: Want to make a social-media app for carpenters, a takeout app for your restaurant, a booking system for your salon, or do you have a unique SaaS (software as a service) idea? Adalo, Draftbit, and FlutterFlow all have the power, flexibility, and functionality to make any app idea a reality.
Draftbit
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Draftbit is a low-code app builder that blends simple elements of no-code with more advanced technical concepts, giving you more control over your app-building process than most no-code app builders offer.
Features
- Draftbit's AI image generator lets you create unique images. Just key in how you want your images to appear, and Draftbit’s AI will create them for you.
- You can watch your code update in real-time while crafting your app using Draftbit’s drag-and-drop interface. Then, add a few lines of code if you want to build a custom function.
- When you finish building your app, use Draftbit’s iOS and Android testing features to ensure your app is good to go for the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. These can help you avoid publishing headaches.
- Draftbit integrates with GitHub, Zapier, and several other third-party applications to give your app extra oomph.
Pricing
Draftbit differentiates itself from FlutterFlow and other app-building platforms by offering three pricing levels. The first level is aimed at freelancers and entrepreneurs, with a plan starting at $29/month (billed monthly). It lets you publish to the app stores (FlutterFlow’s basic pricing tier doesn’t allow for this) and create unlimited draft apps, allowing you to publish one.
If you want to build bigger apps with more screens and publish on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, go with the Pro Version for $79/month (billed monthly).
The second pricing level is geared toward agencies or enterprises that need to publish several apps. The basic tier is $249/month (billed monthly), allowing you to publish up to 15 apps per month with a team of up to 5 collaborators.
Draftbit also provides a third pricing level, in which you outsource building your app to Draftbit’s development team. Starting at $2,000/month (billed monthly), Draftbit’s team will spend 8 hours weekly developing your app, and you’ll be able to communicate with them directly as they build it.
Who It’s Good For
Because Draftbit is a low-code app-building platform, you’ll need to know technical concepts, such as understanding how code works, working with JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), and the ability to structure data in a database. If you aren’t familiar with tech, using Draftbit will most likely be a Herculean task.
If you’re a big organization in need of developing your own internal tools or an agency looking for your next low-code platform, Draftbit could be an option. They provide enterprise and agency plans, which have features specifically designed to meet the needs of large companies and agencies.
Pros
- It seamlessly blends no-code and low-code functionality, which allows you to design and develop mobile apps. You won’t need to be a full-stack developer to create a super unique, powerful app.
- Draftbit has a live preview feature, which lets you see changes in real time as you build your app. This saves you the hassle of constantly switching between your editor and test environments.
- The platform comes with several REST API integrations, which let you draw data from sources from external apps and databases with ease. This can add more flavor and functionality to your app.
Cons
- In addition to having technical knowledge about database schema, APIs, and more, you’ll also need to have some familiarity with React Native, Draftbit’s architecture is built on it.
- While its code export feature is a benefit in some cases, exported code may not always be fully optimized or aligned with your specific coding standards — it could contain bugs and other issues that may hinder your development with coding.
FlutterFlow
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Like Draftbit, FlutterFlow is a low-code web and native mobile app builder. It leverages a drag-and-drop interface similar to photo-editing software, providing loads of design flexibility and control.
Features
- FlutterFlow provides abundant resources for learning the building interface. One particularly unique learning feature is the FlutterFlow Ambassadors, experts who create YouTube videos about learning FlutterFlow and some tips and tricks.
- You can try FlutterFlow without signing up. Visit the FlutterFlow Playground and tinker with its building interface to see how it feels — no signup information is required.
- Want to create a few lines of code but don’t want to write them out? Look no further than FlutterFlow’s AI-code generator, which produces lines of code after you enter a prompt.
Pricing
Start using FlutterFlow for $30/month (billed monthly), and download your source code. If you want simple publishing to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and the ability to integrate with GitHub, try the $70/month (billed monthly) version.
If you’re a big company looking to develop an app at scale, try FlutterFlow’s Enterprise option. It comes with enterprise-level security and hands-on support. Contact FlutterFlow for pricing info.
Who It’s Good For
Just like Draftbit, FlutterFlow is a low-code app-building platform. To use FlutterFlow, you’ll need a skill set similar to the one you bring to Draftbit. Ultimately, there’s a good amount of overlap between the two platforms. For instance, FlutterFlow also has a pricing plan for teams, which allows multiple members to build apps in real time.
Pros
- FlutterFlow is built on Google’s Flutter framework and powered by Dart (a programming language), enabling you to create visually appealing mobile apps that perform seamlessly on iOS, Android, and the web. This can also make publishing to the app stores less of a chore.
- You can seamlessly connect your app with various APIs, Firebase, and third-party services. This capability streamlines your app-building while providing the option to add more power to your app.
- The platform is packed with pre-built components and templates, which you can whisk over to your app, accelerating the development process without sacrificing design quality.
Cons
- You’ll need to be familiar with the Flutter framework and their proprietary code in order to publish your app with FlutterFlow, meaning you’ll need to bring even more technical skills.
- Additionally, FlutterFlow relies heavily on the Flutter framework. While this is great if you’re developing an app for the Flutter Framework, it’s not so ideal if you’re creating an app or software to work primarily with desktop frameworks.
- While you can type in your own code, the only code FlutterFlow allows is Dart, which is not as widespread as Python or JavaScript. And, even if you use the AI generator to create Dart commands, you’ll still need to know how the Dart language works.
Adalo
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Adalo is the only genuinely no-code native mobile app builder in this triple-head comparison. You don’t need any tech or programming skills to create an app with Adalo. Adalo is so simple that you can build your app intuitively right after signing up without consulting any tutorials.
Features
- While Adalo is one of the easiest app builders on the market, I don’t think it sacrifices power for simplicity. Adalo offers a perfect balance between functionality and ease of use — it comes with enough features and design freedom to take any app from idea to reality.
- When you build with Adalo, you create two apps simultaneously: A web app and a native mobile app. Adalo is a responsive app builder, meaning you won’t need to make any major adjustments to transform your web app into a native mobile one.
- Adalo has useful features, like a GPS tool that allows easy navigation and a Stripe integration for taking payments.
Who It’s Good For
I’ve recommended Adalo more than any other low-code or no-code app builder. That’s because Adalo provides enough simplicity and power for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small and medium business owners to spark life into any app idea.
Pros
- Adalo provides nearly pixel-perfect design freedom, allowing you to move elements, pictures, and other items around your app free-form using your mouse so you can craft your app’s appearance precisely as you envision it.
- You’ll be able to integrate your app with third-party accounts like Zapier, QuickBooks, and over 1,000 others. This allows you to create a truly versatile app.
- Adalo is a full-fledged app builder: You’ll be able to create your app’s frontend, backend, and database all within Adalo. This means you won’t need to worry about finding and learning a backend builder to organize your data.
Cons
- While fully loaded and 100% customizable, Adalo doesn’t offer as many templates as other no-code app-building platforms.
- You’ll need to go with the more expensive pricing tiers if you want to leverage Adalo’s powerful APIs, like the Notifications API for sending in-app notifications or announcements, and the Collections API for connecting your app’s database to external platforms.
Pricing
Adalo’s Starter plan, at $45/month (billed monthly), is for you to publish one app to the web and app stores, with 10,000 monthly app actions and one app editor. The Professional plan, at $65/month (billed annually), includes features like push notifications and publishing up to two apps, alongside 30,000 monthly app actions and five app editors. Both plans come with additional benefits like custom fonts and domains.
If you sign up for Adalo’s Team version, which costs $200/month (billed monthly), Adalo will also cover your subscription to Xano, a powerful backend builder, for $99/month. Xano allows you to create a custom database, connect APIs, and customize your backend logic to a T.
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Use Cases: When to Choose Draftbit, FlutterFlow, or Adalo
Knowing which app builder is best suited for you requires a solid understanding of how each app builder executes your desired tasks. Here are 4 separate use cases, and how each tool applies:
1. Building Customizable Mobile Apps with React Native Compatibility
React Native, an open-source framework, allows you to build mobile applications for iOS and Android compatibility. You can create mobile apps with high levels of customization and access to native devices. It’s particularly suitable if you want to publish on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Here’s what to consider:
- Choose Draftbit: Because Draftbit is built on React Native, it’s a robust choice. You’ll get significant control and flexibility over your app’s performance, allowing you to fine-tune, modify, and polish your source code. Yet, you’ll need to be very familiar with React Native to leverage these powerful features.
- Choose FlutterFlow: Although FlutterFlow isn’t built on React Native, it can deliver high-performance cross-platform apps on the framework. For instance, FlutterFlow excels if you have projects requiring scalable design and integration with Google’s ecosystem.
However, if you require React Native compatibility to integrate with an existing React Native project, FlutterFlow might not be the right choice.
- Choose Adalo: If you’re looking to create an advanced app on React Native, but want to build a simple MVP (minimum viable product) or startup app first, go with Adalo to do so. The platform is easy enough (even more so for techies) to build your startup app fast and test it on Android and iOS ecosystems by publishing to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Then, you’ll be able to create the next stage of your app using a platform that’s compatible with React.
2. Building a Firebase-Integrated App with a Stellar UI/UX
Firebase is a cloud platform built in the Google ecosystem that provides tools for authentication, real-time database, cloud functions, and storage, enabling seamless app performance. To construct a Firebase-integrated app with a jaw-dropping UI/UX, you’ll need a development platform combining backend power and design flexibility.
Here’s what to look for:
- Choose Draftbit: Draftbit has loads of prebuilt components and tools combined with a power drag-and-drop interface to build a stunning user interface. You’ll also be able to code in your features using Python or JavaScript so you can build out unique frontend components. You can connect to Firebase via REST API, giving you nearly full access to the platform. If you’re a techie, Draftbit is a wonderful choice.
- Choose FlutterFlow: Because FlutterFlow is built around Google’s Flutter framework, it’s exceptionally well-suited for Firebase services like authentication, Firestore, and cloud functions. This, coupled with its out-of-the-box Firebase integration, allows for a seamless connection to the platform.
Combined with its powerful drag-and-drop interface and capability to create custom code commands using Dart, FlutterFlow will provide loads of flexibility and security.
- Choose Adalo: If you don’t have any coding experience but still want to create a beautiful app integrated with Firebase, you can do so on Adalo. Adalo has an API integration with Firebase, allowing you to connect in just one click, and you’ll also be able to customize your app without using any code.
3. Building Prototypes, MVPs, or Apps Quickly Without Code
If you don’t have any programming experience and want to build an app to test an idea or validate a concept? Or, maybe you’re a seasoned developer but want to release a startup app without any fuss? Read on to learn which tool best suits these use cases.
Here’s how to decide:
- Choose Draftbit: Although it features a simple user interface, loads of templates, and several premade components, Draftbit is a viable tool for prototyping and creating smaller web apps. However, it’s geared towards the tech crowd, so if you don’t understand technical concepts like the logic behind programming, you’ll struggle.
- Choose FlutterFlow: If you’re looking to create a small MVP for publishing in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, FlutterFlow can serve as a viable option as the Flutter framework makes it compatible with Android and iOS. And, just like Draftbit, you’ll have access to a drag-and-drop interface for quick app construction. Yet, you’ll need to have tech experience to use the platform, as it’s low-code.
- Choose Adalo: Comparted with Draftbit and FlutterFlow, Adalo is probably the best choice for prototyping and building a startup app. That’s because Adalo is 100% no-code, and you won’t need any tech or programming skills to use the platform. You’ll be able to publish your MVP to the web, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store.
4. Scaling and Maintaining Long-Term Code Ownership
Want to scale your new app so you can reach an audience in the 100,000s or more? Perhaps you want to keep your app’s source code so you won’t have to worry about losing your app if the platform goes out of business, or you want to further develop your app with your own coding skills?
Consider the following:
- Choose Draftbit: Draftbit allows you to export your app’s source code for compatibility with the React Native framework and scales well on that framework, making it an ideal choice for scaling web apps.
- Choose FlutterFlow: FlutterFlow allows you to download your Dart source code. Because it’s based on Flutter, FlutterFlow is ideal for scaling native mobile apps for iOS (Apple) and Android (Google) systems.
- Choose Adalo: While Adalo is excellent for scaling apps to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses, it doesn’t allow you to keep your app’s source code.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
When debating Draftbit vs. FlutterFlow vs. Adalo, consider the following points:
- How much coding knowledge do you have?
- Do you want to outsource?
- How much can you spend?
- How many apps do you want to build?
Folks in the tech crowd who want to patch in their code and then keep their source code after publishing their app might want to consider Draftbit or FlutterFlow.
For those who want to release their app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, Draftbit has the edge in a FlutterFlow vs. Draftbit face-off. This is because Draftbit allows you to publish on the app stores for only $29/month, while with FlutterFlow, it costs $70/month.
However, Adalo appeals to both the tech crowd and the tech-averse crowd. Adalo lets you publish your app to the app stores for only $45/month ($36/month billed annually).
Adalo also offers more pricing options — its second tier is only $65/month ($52/month billed annually), which is much cheaper than FlutterFlow and Draftbit’s second tiers, which are $70/month and $79/month, respectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Platform is Better for Beginners: Draftbit, FlutterFlow, or Adalo?
FlutterFlow and Draftbit are low-code platforms, meaning you’ll need some tech experience to use them — in other words, they aren’t beginner-friendly. Adalo is the best platform for beginners, as you won’t need any tech experience. Start building your app with Adalo immediately after signing up.
Can I Export Code from Draftbit, FlutterFlow, and Adalo?
Draftbit and FlutterFlow allow you to export your app’s source code, a feature that’s not uncommon amongst low-code platforms. At the time of this writing, Adalo doesn’t allow source code export.
Are Draftbit, FlutterFlow, and Adalo Usable with iOS and Android Apps?
All three platforms are compatible with the iOS and Android ecosystems. You can publish your app in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, regardless of the platform you choose.
Does Draftbit, FlutterFlow, or Adalo Have Better Support and Community Resources?
When comparing FlutterFlow vs. Draftbit vs. Adalo’s ecosystems, you’ll be pleased to know that each one has enough resources to learn the platform inside out. No matter which one you choose, you’ll get access to help documents, YouTube tutorials, and online forums to connect with experts and fellow users.
Adalo has recently updated its App Academy, making it easier to learn how to leverage the platform to its full potential. This makes Adalo stand out from FlutterFlow and Draftbit.
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Next Steps: Build the App of Your Dreams with Adalo
Are you not part of the tech crowd and don’t know a thing about coding? Or maybe you’re a seasoned programmer who wants a user-friendly app-building experience. No matter how tech-savvy you are (or aren’t), Adalo is the app builder that can make your app a reality.
When comparing Draftbit vs. FlutterFlow vs. Adalo for ease of use, Adalo takes the cake by a mile. It has an extremely easy learning curve, but it packs enough punch and design freedom for you to make an uber-professional, eye-catching app.
Choose from almost 40 different templates to get started. Then, select from over 100 plugins and 5,500 integrations to supercharge your app. No matter what your app idea, Adalo has the features and functionality to bring it to life.
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