Choosing between Softr and Glide? Dive into our detailed analysis to make an informed decision for your design and frontend needs.
Irvin Zhan
•
2025-01-13
When it comes to building apps without coding, Softr and Glide are two popular choices. 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.
Softr: Overview and Key Features
Softr is a no-code platform designed to help users build web applications quickly and efficiently.
Pre-built Templates: Softr offers a variety of pre-designed templates for different use cases, such as portfolios, blogs, and e-commerce sites, allowing users to get started quickly.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Users can easily create and customize web pages using Softr's intuitive drag-and-drop editor, which requires no coding knowledge.
Custom Plugins: Softr supports custom plugins, including integrations with popular tools like Google Analytics, Stripe for payments, and Zapier for automation, enhancing functionality.
SEO Tools: Softr includes built-in SEO tools, such as meta tag customization, URL structuring, and automatic sitemap generation, to improve search engine visibility.
User Authentication: Softr provides user authentication features, including sign-up, login, and password recovery, ensuring secure access to web applications.
Responsive Design: All Softr templates and components are fully responsive, ensuring that web applications look great on any device, from desktops to smartphones.
Data Integration: Softr allows users to connect to various data sources, including Airtable and Google Sheets, enabling dynamic content updates and data management.
Custom Domains: Users can connect their custom domains to Softr applications, providing a professional and branded web presence.
Softr's Reviews
Overall, users appreciate Softr for its ease of use and customer support, though some note limitations in customization and performance issues.
G2: 4.7/5
"Softr is honestly one of the easiest no-code platforms I’ve used. The drag-and-drop editor makes everything super intuitive from the start—no need for technical skills or tutorials." - Francisco P., 5/5
"Exceptional customer support really makes Softr stand out in the sector of no-code building." - Chams S., 5/5
"Fast Software, fast support!" - Lars M., 4.5/5
"Building a No-Code CRM with Softr: My Experience and Key Takeaways" - Francisco P., 5/5
"Softr.io Great App builder!" - Eliza B., 5/5
Positive Aspects:
User-friendly and intuitive interface
Powerful and advanced features
Quick and easy app development
Strong community and customer support
Common Concerns:
High pricing, especially for the Business plan
Occasional slow loading speeds
Limitations in publishing apps to major app stores
Restrictions on the number of users and data rows
Glide: Overview and Key Features
Glide is a no-code platform designed to help users create mobile apps from Google Sheets data.
Data-Driven Apps: Glide transforms Google Sheets into mobile apps, allowing users to manage and update app content directly from their spreadsheets.
Customizable Templates: Glide offers a variety of pre-built templates for different use cases, such as employee directories, event management, and inventory tracking, making it easy to get started.
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Users can design and customize their apps using Glide's intuitive drag-and-drop editor, which requires no coding skills.
Real-Time Updates: Changes made in the connected Google Sheets are instantly reflected in the app, ensuring that the app data is always up-to-date.
User Authentication: Glide supports user authentication features, including sign-in with Google, email, or custom authentication methods, providing secure access to the app.
Integrations: Glide integrates with various third-party services, such as Zapier for automation, Stripe for payments, and Google Analytics for tracking user behavior.
Responsive Design: Glide apps are designed to be fully responsive, ensuring they look and function well on any device, from smartphones to tablets.
Glide's Reviews
Overall, users find Glide to be a powerful and user-friendly no-code platform, though some note its high pricing and design limitations.
G2: 4.7/5
"The interface is extremely easy to use, and the features are very powerful." - Javier O., 5/5
"Easy learning curve and simple user experience from a dev perspective." - Jarred K., 5/5
"The simplicity but how everything can be so advanced and it has a very good modern look." - Hayley M., 5/5
"User-friendly, truly no-code application, but loading speed can be slow." - Marco C., 5/5
"Excellent user interaction and freedom of creation, but lacks the ability to publish on app stores." - Joao Paulo L., 5/5
Positive Aspects:
Ease of use and intuitive interface
Powerful features and integrations
Quick development and deployment of applications
Strong community support and customer service
Ability to create custom software without coding knowledge
Common Concerns:
Pricing can be expensive, especially for the Business plan
Limitations on the number of users and data rows
Lack of freedom in design and layout
No option to publish apps on the Apple Store and Play Store
Occasional slow loading speeds
Feature Comparison: Softr vs. Glide
Similarities
Despite targeting different types of applications, Softr and Glide share several important similarities:
Drag-and-Drop Interface: Both platforms offer intuitive drag-and-drop editors, making it easy for users to build applications without coding skills.
User Authentication: Each platform supports user authentication features, ensuring secure access to the applications.
Responsive Design: Applications built on both platforms are fully responsive, ensuring they look good on any device.
Third-Party Integrations: Both Softr and Glide integrate with popular third-party services like Zapier and Google Analytics to enhance functionality.
Customizable Templates: Each platform provides a variety of pre-built templates for different use cases, allowing users to get started quickly.
Real-Time Updates: Changes made in connected data sources are instantly reflected in the applications, ensuring up-to-date information.
Differences
Critical differences between Softr and Glide will likely influence your choice.
Primary Focus:
Softr: Primarily focused on building web applications and portals.
Glide: Specializes in creating mobile apps from Google Sheets data.
Data Integration:
Softr: Integrates with various data sources like Airtable, Google Sheets, and SQL databases.
Glide: Primarily integrates with Google Sheets, with additional support for Airtable and MySQL.
AI Capabilities:
Glide: Offers AI-powered features to automate tasks and provide actionable insights.
Softr: Does not emphasize AI capabilities in its feature set.
Customization Options:
Softr: Provides extensive customization through drag-and-drop building blocks and pre-built templates.
Glide: Focuses on simplicity with customizable templates but less granular control over design elements.
Publishing and Deployment:
Softr: Allows users to create web apps that can be accessed via custom domains.
Glide: Creates mobile apps that can be shared via links but cannot be published on app stores.
Pricing Comparison: Softr vs. Glide
Softr Pricing
Understanding Softr's pricing structure is essential for determining which plan best suits your needs. Here is a breakdown of the available pricing plans:
Free Plan: Includes basic features, limited to one application, and Softr branding.
Starter Plan: $24/month, includes up to 3 applications, custom domain support, and email support.
Professional Plan: $65/month, offers up to 10 applications, advanced integrations, and priority support.
Business Plan: $165/month, includes unlimited applications, premium integrations, and dedicated account management.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing, tailored solutions, and enterprise-level support. Contact Softr's support for more details.
Glide' Pricing
Glide offers a range of pricing plans designed to cater to different needs, from individual creators to large enterprises.
Free Plan: Includes 1 app, 10 personal users, up to 25k rows, 40+ components, real-time data sync, and community support.
Maker Plan: Starting at $49 per month (billed yearly). Includes 3 apps, unlimited personal users, 500 updates (+2¢ per update), up to 50k rows, workflows, Glide AI, custom domains & branding, and Glide support.
Business Plan: Starting at $199 per month (billed yearly). Includes unlimited apps, 30 users (+$5 per user), 5,000 updates (+2¢ per update), up to 100k rows, users with business emails, Slack Trigger (Coming Soon), Glide API, Call API, and Glide Express Support.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing. Includes unlimited apps, custom users, custom updates, up to 10M rows, Glide Bulk API, Single Sign-on (SSO), custom terms, account manager, AI consultation, and Glide Priority Support. Contact sales for more details.
Subframe, a Better Alternative to Softr and Glide
Subframe is a UI design tool that makes building user interfaces fast and easy. We offer a drag-and-drop editor that syncs with code, allowing you to create pixel-perfect, responsive layouts. With Subframe, your designs are instantly translated into clean, production-ready React and Tailwind code, speeding up your development process.
Component-Based Design: Create user interfaces with real, reusable components instead of static mockups. The visual editor includes a responsive drag-and-drop canvas for building precise, production-ready layouts.
Pre-Built UI Templates: Access a library of customizable templates inspired by established design patterns. Each template is built with reusable components to help speed up the design process.
Code Export: Generate clean, production-quality React and Tailwind code. Designs can be copied directly into a codebase, reducing time spent on handoff and manual CSS adjustments.
Free to Get Started: Enjoy free access to visual design tools with no credit card required.
AI-Assisted Design: Benefit from AI-powered features that adapt to your design preferences, ensuring a seamless and efficient design process.
Subframe's Pricing
Subframe pricing is designed to cater to different needs:
Free: $0 per user/month. Includes 1 project, up to 3 page designs, up to 3 team members, 100s of UI templates, and limited AI features.
Pro: $29 per user/month. Includes up to 3 projects, unlimited page designs, unlimited team members, custom components, 100s of UI templates, and full AI beta access.
Custom: Pricing is negotiable. Includes unlimited projects, unlimited page designs, integration of your components, dedicated Slack support, Figma plugin, and unlimited AI.
For more details, visit the Subframe Pricing page. Book a demo with Subframe to see how it can transform your UI design process.
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.
"Without Subframe, the frontend build of this tool would've taken a lot longer and a lot more financial resources." - Erin Kim
"Subframe helped us make a super clean UI for our console without designers." - Carl Peterson
"Huge shoutout to Subframe guys! Super easy to create UI, and the support is great. Highly recommend!" - Amartya Jha
Softr, Glide or Subframe? Which is The Best Tool For You
Softr excels in building web applications and portals with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and extensive customization options. Glide is ideal for creating mobile apps from Google Sheets data, offering real-time updates and AI-powered features. However, Subframe stands out by seamlessly integrating design and code, allowing you to create production-ready React and Tailwind code with ease.
If you prioritize building web applications with extensive customization, Softr is a great fit. For those looking to create mobile apps with real-time data updates, Glide may be the better choice. But for those seeking a platform 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 UI design process. Get started on Subframe for free.
Join thousands of happy builders.
Subframe lets you build stunning UI with beautifully crafted components and a drag-and-drop visual editor.