Build Apps Without Code: NoCode vs. AI App Builders in 2025

Imagine building fully functional apps without writing a single line of code! Thanks to the rise of nocode and AI tools, that's now a reality. In this article, we'll explore five app builders, breaking down the pros and cons of nocode draganddrop platforms versus AI coding tools, helping you decide which is right for your next app project.

NoCode Drag and Drop Builders vs. AI Coding Tools

We'll be diving into two distinct categories:

• NoCode DragandDrop Builders: These platforms allow you to visually assemble your app using prebuilt components.
• AI Coding Tools: These tools use artificial intelligence to generate code based on your text prompts.

1. Buzzy: The AI App Builder

Buzzy is an AI app builder that lets you design, build, and deploy your app within a single platform. It's showcased by its ability to build an AI tshirt business, handling everything from design prompts to printing in seconds.

How Buzzy Works

Buzzy promises to take you from idea to a working web or mobile app in minutes. You start with a prompt, like "Create an event planning app that allows users to create and manage events..." The platform then uses this prompt to create the initial app structure, including the database.

You can then customize the app's screens, data, and design. For example, changing the title of a section from "Events" to "Featured Events" is a breeze. Adding a "maximum capacity" field for each event is also easily done with prompt instructions.

The Figma Plugin: Buzzy's Killer Feature

Buzzy offers a plugin that integrates with Figma, a popular design tool. This plugin allows you to import your Figma designs directly into Buzzy and transform them into functional apps with automatic markup. It can identify different sections and transform them into code, even generating a data model.

Buzzy Pricing

Buzzy's pricing is geared towards designers and programmers, offering $7,000 tokens for $50 a month. They also have a free 14day trial, and an AI teams plan for larger teams at $250 a month.

2. Softr: Building Web Apps with Zero Coding

Softr is a frontend builder that allows you to build web apps from scratch with practically zero coding skills. It's often used with Airtable but can also connect to HubSpot, Google Sheets, and more.

Softr's Interface

Softr focuses on building client portals, internal tools, and community hubs. The editor uses building blocks, making it simple for nontechnical users. You can add blocks like headers, hero sections, and lists of partners to create a landing page.

The AI Generator

Softr has an AI generator that can create apps based on a simple prompt. For example, creating a client portal for insurance companies to track client policy details is possible by just using text.

Softr Pricing

Softr offers a free plan to get you started. Their paid plans begin at $49 a month, allowing you to publish three different apps. The pricing is typically based on app users, similar to purchasing seats for your company.

One of Softr's strengths is its ease of maintenance. Nontechnical team members can easily build and improve the app over time.

3. Bolt.new: AI Coding Platform

Bolt.new is an AI coding platform where you code using prompts. It is considered a V1 and Cursor killer. It also allows you to download dependencies, meaning you don't have to download all the files to get started. The platform is also connected to a deployment platform.

How Bolt.new Works

Bolt.new builds a file structure and downloads dependencies based on your initial prompt. You can then refine the design and functionality with additional prompts. For example, you can ask it to make the logo look more like a tech startup or create a hero section.

You can connect the app to a database like Firebase and integrate with payment platforms like Stripe. Once everything is connected, you can deploy the app to a domain.

Downsides of AI Coding Platforms

One of the main limitations of using AI coding platforms is that if you encounter bugs or complex issues that the AI can't fix, you may struggle without coding knowledge. You might also need to rely on a programmer for ongoing adaptations after deployment.

Bolt.new Pricing

You can start using Bolt.new for free. They also have a Pro Plan for $20 a month, but you will likely need to buy extra credits in addition to the subscription.

4. Glide: Turning Data into Apps Quickly

Glide is a nocode draganddrop builder that focuses on transforming data or spreadsheets into apps. It offers solutions for building portals, dashboards, CRMs, knowledge bases, and inventory management tools.

How Glide Works

Glide allows you to create apps from AI or connect directly to a data source like Airtable. The user interface is simple and allows adding components to build layouts. You can sync these components with data sources and add additional pages.

Glide's workflows are similar to Zapier, allowing you to create triggers that activate specific actions. They also have an AI feature that can convert voice to text.

5. Replit Agents: From Idea to App, Fast

Replit started as a deployment platform, making it easier to launch apps. They have now built Replit Agents, a frontend built on top of their deployment platform that allows you not only to deploy your apps, but also build them from scratch, creating a promptbased frontend builder leveraging AI.

How Replit Agents Work

Replit Agents start with a prompt, and then it comes up with a plan. Then, it will ask if you're ready to execute on that plan. After you have approved, it will start building, starting with the database.

One of Replit's strengths is its handling of complex backend processes. It was originally built as a deployment platform and then had this UX layered on top.

NoCode vs. AI Coding: Pros and Cons

AI Coding Platforms

• Cons: Can be challenging if you lack coding knowledge, dependence on AI for bug fixes.

NoCode Tools

• Pros: Easier to learn than coding, easier for nontechnical individuals to get into.
• Cons: Subscriptions can be expensive.

Which Tool Should You Choose?

Here's a recommendation for which one to choose:

• Buzzy: Great for designers working in Figma who want a faster app launch process.
• Softr: A good starting point for complete beginners due to flexibility and ease of use.
• Bolt.new: Perfect if you have limited knowledge of coding, but want to be able to create an app quickly.
• Glide: Great for building inventory management apps.

Ultimately, it is a good idea to learn one of each, and become familiar with both, as the two platforms become increasingly integrated.