Appsmith vs Superblocks: Which One is Better in 2025?

When it comes to building internal tools, Appsmith and Superblocks are two popular options. Both offer unique features and cater to different needs. In this article, we'll compare their key features, pricing, limitations, and user reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Appsmith: Overview and Key Features

Appsmith is an open-source platform designed for building internal tools quickly and efficiently. It offers a range of features to simplify the development process.

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Appsmith allows users to create complex UIs using a simple drag-and-drop interface. This feature eliminates the need for extensive coding knowledge.
• Pre-Built Widgets: The platform includes a variety of pre-built widgets such as tables, forms, and charts. These widgets can be customized to fit specific needs, saving time on development.
• Data Source Integrations: Appsmith supports integrations with multiple data sources like PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and REST APIs. This makes it easy to connect and interact with various databases and services.
• Role-Based Access Control: Users can define roles and permissions to control who can view or edit specific parts of the application. This ensures data security and proper access management.
• Custom JavaScript: Appsmith allows the use of custom JavaScript to add logic and functionality. This feature provides flexibility for developers to implement complex business logic.
• Version Control: The platform includes version control capabilities, enabling users to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed. This is crucial for maintaining application stability.
• Deployment Options: Appsmith offers multiple deployment options, including cloud and on-premise. This flexibility allows organizations to choose the best environment for their needs.
• Community and Support: Being open-source, Appsmith has a strong community that contributes to its development. Users can access extensive documentation and community support for troubleshooting and enhancements.

Appsmith's Reviews

Overall, user feedback on Appsmith highlights its ease of use and extensive features, though some users note performance issues and a learning curve.

Ratings from Trusted Platforms:

• G2: 4.7/5

User Reviews:

• Michael W. (5.0 out of 5): "Being able to connect to datasources and present the data in a table is quick and easy. Creating complex forms is also straightforward."
• Verified User (4.5 out of 5): "Es util, soporte los habituales casos de uso de un CRUD. Los conectores con API y base de datos están muy bien soportados."
• Lucian M. (5.0 out of 5): "I managed to build a personal finances app with a good deal of features literally from day 1. The speed of development is incredible."
• Alen Y. (5.0 out of 5): "We've been using Appsmith since a few months and it's been a great tool. It's so easy to get started, even on the self-hosted version."
• Carlos S. (5.0 out of 5): "Appsmith is an incredible tool! It requires a bit of imagination and creativity to get things done, often involving some workarounds."

Concise Reviews Recap:

Positive Aspects:

• Ease of use
• Time-saving
• Extensive features
• Easy integrations
• User-friendly interface

Common Concerns:

• Limited features
• Occasional performance issues
• Some UI design concerns

Superblocks: Overview and Key Features

Superblocks is a platform designed for building internal tools with a focus on flexibility and efficiency.

• Drag-and-Drop Builder: Superblocks offers a drag-and-drop interface for creating user interfaces. This feature simplifies the design process, allowing users to build complex layouts without coding.
• Custom Plugins: Users can integrate custom plugins to extend functionality. Examples include data visualization tools like Chart.js and authentication modules for secure access.
• Data Source Integrations: Superblocks supports connections to various data sources such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, and REST APIs. This enables seamless data retrieval and manipulation.
• Role-Based Access Control: The platform allows administrators to define roles and permissions. This ensures that only authorized users can access or modify specific parts of the application.
• Automated Workflows: Superblocks includes tools for creating automated workflows. Users can set up triggers and actions to automate repetitive tasks, improving efficiency.
• Version Control: The platform features built-in version control, allowing users to track changes and revert to previous versions. This is crucial for maintaining application stability and integrity.
• Deployment Options: Superblocks offers multiple deployment options, including cloud and on-premise solutions. This flexibility allows organizations to choose the best environment for their needs.

Superblocks's Reviews

Overall user feedback on Superblocks highlights its ease of use and powerful support, though some users note backend limitations and performance issues.

Ratings from Trusted Platforms:

• G2: 4.7/5

User Reviews:

• Rating: 5.0 out of 5 - "Very easy to use, intuitive, and does the work we want to get done really well." - No concerns mentioned.
• Rating: 5.0 out of 5 - "I've used Superblocks in conjunction with Supabase for a project for a non-profit association for membership data management." - "There are a few IDE quirks, though manageable."
• Rating: 5.0 out of 5 - "The low code feature speeds up my development process. Allows us to develop and use private data in an internal secure network environment." - No concerns mentioned.
• Rating: 5.0 out of 5 - "Superblocks BYOC deployment model is a dream compared to more traditional ones." - "There can always be more out-of-the-box integrations and building blocks."
• Rating: 5.0 out of 5 - "Superblocks simplifies the process of building internal tools and UIs by providing an intuitive, low-code platform." - "Managing shared changes before deployment can sometimes be tricky."

Concise Reviews Recap:

Positive Aspects:

• Ease of use
• Intuitive interface
• Powerful customer support
• Fast development and deployment capabilities
• Extensive integration options
• Flexibility and extensibility with code

Common Concerns:

• Backend limitations
• Lack of component reusability
• Limited features and customization options
• Performance issues with large datasets
• Managing shared changes before deployment can be tricky

Feature Comparison: Appsmith vs. Superblocks

Similarities

Despite targeting slightly different audiences, Appsmith and Superblocks share some important similarities:

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Both platforms offer a drag-and-drop interface for building user interfaces, simplifying the design process.
• Data Source Integrations: Each supports connections to various data sources like PostgreSQL and REST APIs, facilitating seamless data retrieval and manipulation.
• Role-Based Access Control: Both platforms allow administrators to define roles and permissions, ensuring secure access management.
• Version Control: Built-in version control features enable users to track changes and revert to previous versions, maintaining application stability.
• Deployment Options: Both offer multiple deployment options, including cloud and on-premise solutions, providing flexibility for different organizational needs.
• Custom Code Extensibility: Each platform allows the use of custom code to extend functionality, offering flexibility for developers to implement complex business logic.

Differences

Critical differences between Appsmith and Superblocks will likely influence your choice.

• AI Integration: Superblocks incorporates AI to assist in app generation and refinement, whereas Appsmith does not offer AI-driven features.
• Custom Plugins: Superblocks supports custom plugins for extended functionality, while Appsmith focuses on pre-built widgets and custom JavaScript for customization.
• On-Premise Agent: Superblocks provides an On-Premise Agent to ensure data security within the user's VPC, a feature not available in Appsmith.
• Managed Infrastructure: Superblocks offers centralized configuration for integrations and enterprise features, whereas Appsmith emphasizes open-source flexibility and community support.
• AI-Driven Development: Superblocks uses AI to speed up development processes, unlike Appsmith, which relies on traditional low-code tools and manual customization.

Pricing Comparison: Appsmith vs. Superblocks

Appsmith Pricing

Appsmith offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different user needs, from individual developers to large enterprises.

• Free: $0
  • For individual developers and small teams
  • Up to 5 users (for cloud)
  • 5 workspaces
  • Version control with Git (3 repos)
  • Google SSO
  • 3 standard roles for access control
  • Public apps
  • Community support
• Business: $15 per month per user
  • For teams that need more customization and collaboration
  • Everything in Free, plus:
  • Up to 99 users
  • Unlimited environments, Git repos, and workspaces
  • Workflows
  • Reusable packages
  • Custom roles and access controls
  • Audit logs
  • Remove “Powered by Appsmith” branding
  • Email/chat support
• Enterprise: $2,500 per month for 100 users
  • For teams that need advanced security, scale, and support
  • Everything in Business, plus:
  • SAML / OIDC SSO
  • User provisioning and group sync through SCIM
  • CI/CD
  • Private app embedding with shared logins
  • Airgapped edition (Add-on)
  • Managed hosting (Add-on)
  • Custom integrations
  • Dedicated support and SLAs

Superblocks' Pricing

Superblocks offers a range of pricing plans designed to meet the needs of different users, from individuals to large enterprises.

• Free: $0 per month per Creator or End User
  • Up to 5 users
  • Unlimited apps
  • Unlimited workflows & scheduled jobs
  • Staging & production integration profiles
  • Version control
  • Custom components
  • Integrate with any API and database
  • Make apps publicly available
• Startup: $49 per month per Creator, $15 per month per End User
  • Everything in Free plan plus:
  • Unlimited integration profiles
  • User groups & permissions (RBAC)
  • Audit logs (3-day retention)
  • Reusable modules
  • Live queries with timers
• Enterprise: Custom pricing based on goals
  • Everything in Startup plan plus:
  • SAML/OIDC-based SSO
  • User management with SCIM
  • Source control via GitHub & GitLab
  • Audit logs (custom retention)
  • Analytics & observability
  • Secrets manager integrations
  • Streaming APIs via Kafka, Flink, Kinesis
  • Custom branding
  • Embedded applications
  • Dedicated CSM & Premium Engineering Support

Subframe, a Better Alternative to Appsmith and Superblocks

Subframe is a UI design tool that syncs directly with your code. We offer a drag-and-drop editor that uses real components, making it easy to create pixel-perfect, responsive layouts. Our platform instantly converts designs into clean, production-ready React and Tailwind code, eliminating the need for handoff and speeding up your workflow.

Subframe's Features

Subframe is the UI design tool for the AI era, offering a seamless blend of design and code.

• Component-Based Design: Subframe uses real, reusable components instead of static mockups, ensuring your designs are always production-ready.
• Pre-Built UI Templates: Access a library of customizable templates built with reusable components, inspired by established design patterns to speed up your workflow.
• Code Export: Generate clean, production-quality React and Tailwind code that can be directly integrated into your codebase, eliminating the need for handoff and manual CSS adjustments.
• Free to Get Started: Subframe offers free access to its visual design tools with no credit card required, making it easy to start designing immediately.
• AI-Powered Design: Leverage AI to quickly transform ideas into interfaces, with features like prompt-to-UI and adaptive design, streamlining the design process.

Subframe's Pricing

Subframe pricing is designed to cater to different user needs:

• Free Plan: $0 per user/month
  • 1 project
  • Up to 3 page designs
  • Up to 3 team members
  • 100s of UI templates
  • Limited AI features
• Pro Plan: $29 per user/month
  • Up to 3 projects
  • Unlimited page designs
  • Unlimited team members
  • Custom components
  • 100s of UI templates
  • Full AI beta access
• Custom Plan: Custom pricing
  • Unlimited projects
  • Unlimited page designs
  • Integrate your components
  • Dedicated Slack support
  • Figma plugin
  • Unlimited AI

For more details, visit our Subframe Pricing page. Book a demo with us to see how Subframe can transform your design workflow.

Subframe's Reviews

Users have shared positive feedback about Subframe, noting its user-friendly interface, time-saving tools, and the quality of the UI designs it produces. The platform has earned a 5/5 rating on Product Hunt. Customers especially value the visual editor, drag-and-drop functionality, and AI features that help refine designs based on user input.

Ratings from Trusted Platforms:

• Product Hunt: 5/5

User Reviews:

• "Great product, amazed by the accuracy of the pages generated by the AI." - Filmon Arefayne
• "Loved this product! The visual editor saves loads of time and is really a cool feature." - Raunak Shaw
• "Without Subframe, the frontend build of this tool would've taken a lot longer and a lot more financial resources." - Erin Kim

Appsmith, Superblocks or Subframe? Which is The Best Tool For You

Appsmith excels in providing an open-source, low-code platform that is ideal for developers who need extensive customization and community support. Superblocks stands out with its AI-driven development and robust security features, making it a strong choice for enterprises focused on rapid internal app development and secure data management. However, Subframe uniquely integrates design and code, offering a seamless experience for creating production-ready React and Tailwind code with AI-powered design assistance.

If you prioritize open-source flexibility and community-driven development, Appsmith is a great fit. For those who need AI-driven features and strong security for internal apps, Superblocks may be the better choice. But for those looking for a tool that combines design flexibility with efficient code generation, Subframe stands out.

Explore Subframe today to see how it can streamline your workflow and transform your design process. Get started on Subframe for free.