Feb 17, 2026
11 min read
Top Thunkable Alternatives for Faster App Development
Feb 17, 2026
11 min read
Table of contents
Are Thunkable alternatives better for large apps?
Can these platforms publish to app stores?
Do I need writing code skills?
Which platform is best for internal tools?
As apps grow, many builders move from Thunkable to more flexible platforms that offer stronger backend control, integrations, and scalability. Alternatives like Rocket.new, Bubble, and FlutterFlow help teams launch faster with better automation, code access, and multi-platform support, and the right choice ultimately depends on your app’s complexity, development speed needs, and the level of customization your product requires.
Looking for faster ways to build apps without hitting walls? The short answer is yes, there are many strong Thunkable alternatives that can speed up your workflow and give more control. The no code market is growing fast.
Gartner predicts that by 2025, 70% of new applications will use low code or no code technologies, helping makers build faster and with more control.
That means more tools, more options, and more alternatives for teams and solo founders. Let’s discuss the top Thunkable alternatives that help build apps faster, cleaner, and with fewer headaches.
Thunkable is popular. It lets users build a mobile app with drag-and-drop blocks and basic app logic. It works for simple apps and quick prototypes.
However, many users encounter Thunkable's limitations. Custom backend logic can feel restricted. Advanced data relationships are tricky. Code export is limited. Scaling to larger web applications or SaaS products can feel tight.
So people start searching for Thunkable alternatives. They want more control. They want more power. They want better workflows.
Some need better integration with external apis. Others want stronger backend flexibility. Some want a smoother mobile ui design. And many just want a platform that handles complex functionality without fighting back.
That is where the top Thunkable alternatives come in.
Before jumping into tools, let’s define what the best Thunkable alternatives should offer.
Here’s what many users describe as ideal:
Some alternatives focus on no code simplicity. Others grant more control to technical users and developers than just drag-and-drop. The right Thunkable alternative depends on your use case.
Are you building internal tools? A customer facing mobile app? Or web apps for startups?
Each platform solves a different problem.
Before diving deeper into each platform, here’s a simple side-by-side snapshot.
This table gives a fast overview of code access, web support, native iOS capability, internal tools support, and whether paid plans are available. It helps narrow things down quickly before committing time to a detailed evaluation.
| Platform | Code Access | Web Apps | Native IOS | Internal Tools | Paid Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rocket.new | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bubble | No | Yes | Wrapper | Yes | Yes |
Each platform solves a different problem. Some focus on speed. Others focus on control or deeper backend logic. Pick the one that matches your app’s complexity and long-term goals.
Now, let’s break them down one by one.
When talking about top Thunkable alternatives, Rocket.new deserves attention.
Rocket.new is an ai powered no code platform that helps users build apps using natural language. Yes, plain english. Just describe the app idea and the platform handles layout, workflows, and backend setup.
It supports mobile and web apps. That means a single platform for multiple tools, rather than juggling different ones.
Rocket.new focuses on automation and speed. It reduces the need for writing code while still giving technical founders more control when needed.
Internal tools: Teams use Rocket.new to build internal tools like dashboards, CRM systems, and reporting panels. It connects with Google Sheets and other data sources.
Customer apps: Startups build mobile apps for booking systems, delivery apps, and subscription services. The AI-powered setup accelerates workflows.
Web apps: Companies create web apps for clients with custom domains and advanced functionality.
Rocket.new works best when speed matters more than deep technical customization. It is ideal for launching fast, testing ideas, and building internal tools without touching code.
Build your next app with Rocket.new
Bubble is a powerful no code platform mainly focused on web apps and web applications. It offers advanced backend control and deep workflow customization.
Bubble is strong when backend logic and data control matter more than simplicity. It suits teams ready to invest time into mastering workflows.
Adalo focuses on mobile app development with a strong visual builder. It supports publishing to app stores for both IOS and Android.
Adalo is great for straightforward mobile apps that need quick publishing to app stores. It works well when complexity is moderate, and speed is the goal.
Glide turns spreadsheets into apps. It connects directly with Google Sheets and other data sources to generate web apps and mobile-friendly apps.
Glide shines when data lives in spreadsheets and fast deployment matters. It is practical for internal tools and lightweight apps.
FlutterFlow is built on Flutter and targets developers and technical users who want more control and code export capability.
FlutterFlow is well-suited for projects that require strong control and code ownership. It works best for developers who want flexibility without building everything from scratch.
Real user feedback gives practical clarity. Instead of relying only on feature lists, it helps to look at what actual builders say after working with a platform for months. One user shared experiences about building with Thunkable and then encountering challenges when the apps grew in complexity.
"Thunkable is the no-code app development software. What's your experience with it? How hard is the learning curve? Have you depoyed any app with it?"- Check comments on Reddit
Community discussions often show the same pattern. Thunkable works well for learning and early builds, but as apps grow, many users look at stronger alternatives for better backend control and cleaner workflows.
Not all Thunkable alternatives are built for the same type of app. Some are great for quick mobile launches. Others handle complex backend workflows. A few are perfect for internal tools. Instead of picking at random, it helps to ask the right questions first.
Is this a mobile-first app?
If the focus is strongly mobile, choose a platform that handles mobile layout and publishing smoothly.
Do users need native iOS performance?
Native iOS support is critical when performance, animations, and the device experience are important.
Will the app rely on heavy backend logic?
Complex data relationships and advanced workflows require stronger backend flexibility.
Are internal tools the main goal?
Dashboards, admin panels, and data management systems need stable backend control.
Do developers need code access?
If customization or long-term ownership matters, code export and native code flexibility become important.
Every platform solves a different problem. The right choice depends on your app’s complexity, long term vision, and how much control you want over backend, workflows, and code. Start with your use case, then choose the tool that supports it best.
AI-powered platforms are changing how apps get built. Instead of manually connecting every workflow and backend rule, users can describe their requirements in natural language and let the platform generate the structure.
Still, writing code is not disappearing.
The alternatives market keeps expanding. Users are no longer tied to a single platform. AI-powered tools simply add another practical option for faster app development.
With so many platforms available, it makes sense to pause and ask a simple question before choosing a tool.
The top Thunkable alternatives provide options. And having options means more control over how apps are built, scaled, and managed long term.
Thunkable is beginner-friendly, but scaling apps with complex backend logic, advanced workflows, and external APIs can expose limitations. Many users eventually want more control over data, functionality, and publishing across iOS, Android, and the web.
That is where stronger alternatives step in. Modern platforms, from AI-powered builders like Rocket.new to developer-focused tools like FlutterFlow, offer better automation, deeper backend setup, and more advanced features.
The right choice depends on the idea, the team, and long-term goals. Some users prefer speed and no code simplicity, while others need code access and deeper control. Matching the platform to the use case is the smart move. The right Thunkable alternatives can reduce friction, support growth, and prevent the need for rebuilding everything later.
| Adalo |
| No |
| Limited |
| Yes |
| Basic |
| Yes |
| Glide | No | Yes | Web based | Yes | Yes |
| FlutterFlow | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |