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Adalo vs Thunkable: Which One is Better in 2025?

Choosing between Adalo and Thunkable? Dive into our detailed analysis to make an informed decision for your design and frontend needs.

In the rapidly evolving world of app development, choosing the right platform can make all the difference. Adalo and Thunkable are two popular options that cater to different needs and preferences.

This article delves into a detailed comparison of Adalo and Thunkable, examining their features, pricing, and limitations. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a beginner, understanding these platforms will help you make an informed decision.

Overview of Adalo and Thunkable

What is Adalo?

Adalo

Adalo is a no-code platform that enables users to create custom mobile and web applications without writing any code. It offers a drag-and-drop interface for app design, flexible database options, and the ability to publish apps across multiple platforms.

Key features of Adalo include drag-and-drop design components, integration with external data sources, and tools for app monetization. Additionally, it supports responsive web app development, custom actions, and a component marketplace to extend app functionality.

What is Thunkable?

Thunkable

Thunkable is a no-code app development platform that allows users to create custom mobile apps without writing any code. It provides a visual drag-and-drop interface to design apps and add functionality through logic blocks.

Main features of Thunkable include naturally native capabilities, powerful design components, and seamless publishing options. It also supports advanced logic, device-native functionalities, and extensible integrations, making it suitable for various roles and use cases.

Features of Adalo & Thunkable

Similarities

Adalo and Thunkable share several key features that make them popular choices for no-code app development.

  • Drag-and-Drop Interface: Both platforms offer a visual drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to design apps without writing code.
  • Customizable Components: They provide a variety of pre-built design components that can be customized to fit specific needs.
  • Integration Capabilities: Adalo and Thunkable support integrations with third-party services, enhancing app functionality.
  • Publishing Options: Users can easily publish their apps to major app stores and the web.
  • Logic and Functionality: Both platforms enable the addition of complex logic and native device functionalities through visual tools.

Differences

Adalo and Thunkable each offer unique features that set them apart in the no-code app development space.

  • Adalo's Component Marketplace: Adalo provides a marketplace for users to extend app functionalities with custom components, a feature not available in Thunkable.
  • Thunkable's Device Native Features: Thunkable supports native device functionalities like Bluetooth and location services, which are not offered by Adalo.
  • Adalo's Custom Actions: Adalo allows users to create custom actions for advanced functionalities, a feature Thunkable lacks.
  • Thunkable's Workspace Collaboration: Thunkable offers workspace collaboration for team-based development, a feature not present in Adalo.
  • Adalo's Relational Database: Adalo includes its own relational database for managing app data, whereas Thunkable relies on external integrations for data management.

Pricing of Adalo & Thunkable

Adalo Pricing

Adalo offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different user needs, from beginners to businesses.

  • Free Plan: $0 per month. Includes 500 records per app, 1,000 monthly app actions, 1 app editor, database + collections, unlimited screens, and unlimited test apps.
  • Starter Plan: $36 per month (billed annually) or $45 per month (billed monthly). Includes 1 published app, 5,000 monthly app actions, 1 app editor, all free features plus custom fonts, custom domain, publish to web, and publish to app stores.
  • Professional Plan: $52 per month (billed annually) or $65 per month (billed monthly). Includes 2 published apps, 15,000 monthly app actions, 5 app editors, all starter features plus custom integrations, design versions, and geolocation.
  • Team Plan: $160 per month (billed annually) or $200 per month (billed monthly). Includes 5 published apps, 50,000 monthly app actions, 10 app editors, all pro features plus priority support, Xano integration, and collections API.
  • Business Plan: $200 per month (billed annually) or $250 per month (billed monthly). Includes 10 published apps, 200,000 monthly app actions, unlimited app editors, all team features plus special add-on pricing.

Thunkable Pricing

Thunkable offers a variety of pricing plans to accommodate different user needs, from hobbyists to professional developers.

  • Free Plan: $0 per month. Includes up to 3 public projects, 5 screens per project, and live testing.
  • Builder Plan: $59 per month (billed annually). Includes custom branding, 50 public projects, 10 private projects, 1 live published iOS and Android app, chat support, and live testing.
  • Advanced Plan: $189 per month (billed annually). Includes custom branding, unlimited public and private projects, unlimited published iOS and Android apps, in-app payments and ads, collaboration, and priority support.
  • Company Plan: Contact support for pricing. Options for buying licenses in bulk for teams or classrooms.

Reviews of Adalo & Thunkable

Adalo Reviews

Overall, users have given Adalo a mixed reception, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5. While some appreciate its no-code capabilities, others find the platform's limitations and performance issues frustrating.

"The platform is easy to use but lacks advanced features and can be slow at times." - John D., 3/5

"Adalo is good for simple apps, but the pricing is high for what it offers." - Sarah K., 2.5/5

Thunkable Reviews

Overall, users have given Thunkable a mixed reception, with an average rating of 3.5 out of 5. While some appreciate its no-code capabilities, others find the platform's limitations and performance issues frustrating.

"The platform is easy to use but lacks advanced features and can be slow at times." - John D., 3/5

"Thunkable is good for simple apps, but the pricing is high for what it offers." - Sarah K., 2.5/5

Subframe, a Better Alternative to Adalo and Thunkable

Subframe

Subframe is a code-first design tool that empowers users to build user interfaces quickly and efficiently. With features like a drag-and-drop visual editor, real-time collaboration, and pixel-perfect React + Tailwind code generation, Subframe is designed to be loved by both designers and developers.

Pros of Subframe

Subframe stands out as a powerful tool for building user interfaces quickly and efficiently.

  • Design with real components: Subframe offers a visual UI editor that allows users to drag-and-drop on an intuitive, responsive canvas, ensuring pixel-perfect UI every time.
  • Stunning UI templates: Users can access hundreds of beautiful, designer-approved templates, personalized to their needs, eliminating the need to start from scratch.
  • High-quality code generation: Subframe enables users to copy and paste front-end code directly into their codebase, allowing them to focus on adding business logic rather than dealing with CSS.
  • Real-time collaboration: The platform supports real-time collaboration, making it easier for teams to work together seamlessly on UI projects.
  • Free to start: Users can begin building UI visually for free, with no credit card required, making it accessible for everyone to try out the platform.

Subframe's Pricing

Subframe offers a range of pricing options to suit different needs:

  • Free Plan: $0 per user/month. Includes 1 project, up to 3 page designs, up to 3 team members, and access to 200+ UI templates & snippets.
  • Pro Plan: $29 per user/month. Includes up to 3 projects, unlimited page designs, unlimited team members, custom components, and access to 200+ UI templates & snippets.
  • Custom Plan: Price is negotiable. Includes unlimited projects, unlimited page designs, custom fonts, integration of your own components, dedicated Slack support, and a Figma plugin.

For more details, visit our Subframe Pricing page. Ready to take the next step? Book a demo with us today!

What Are Others Saying?

Users have given Subframe an overall rating of 5 out of 5. They particularly appreciate its ease of use, efficiency, and high-quality code generation.

  • "I love how easy this is to get started, especially with templates." - Dakota
  • "Turning ideas into code is one of the most critical tasks I've ever had. Subframe is super useful and user-friendly." - Germán Merlo
  • "Finally something that's not just a mockup. Would give you 5 upvotes, if I could!" - Aris Nakos

Why Choose Adalo, Thunkable or Subframe?

If you are a non-technical user or a small business owner looking to quickly build and customize mobile and web apps without writing any code, Adalo might be the right choice for you. Its drag-and-drop interface and extensive integration options make it ideal for those who need to create and publish apps efficiently.

On the other hand, if you are a founder or part of an operations team that requires advanced logic and native device functionalities, Thunkable could be a better fit. Its powerful design components and seamless publishing options cater to users who need to build robust mobile applications with complex features.

As part of Subframe, we believe that if you are a developer or designer seeking a code-first approach to UI design, Subframe is your best option. Our platform offers pixel-perfect React and Tailwind code generation, making it perfect for those who want to focus on high-quality code and real-time collaboration.

Adalo, Thunkable, or Subframe: Which is The Best Tool For You?

Choosing between Adalo, Thunkable, and Subframe ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals. Adalo and Thunkable are excellent for non-technical users and small businesses looking to create mobile and web apps quickly without writing code.

However, if you're a developer or designer seeking a code-first approach with high-quality, pixel-perfect UI, Subframe stands out as the best option. With its real-time collaboration, stunning UI templates, and seamless code generation, Subframe offers a comprehensive solution for building user interfaces efficiently. We recommend giving Subframe a try to experience the difference firsthand.

Join thousands of happy builders.

Subframe lets you build stunning UI with beautifully crafted components and a drag-and-drop visual editor.