The 12 Best Free App Maker Platforms for 2026

Building a mobile app once required a massive budget and a dedicated team of developers. Now, a new generation of app makers lets you bring your vision to life, often for free. The challenge is that not all "free" plans are equal. Some offer generous features perfect for creating a functional prototype, while others provide a clear runway for a professional launch without initial costs. This guide is designed to cut through the marketing noise and show you what's truly possible.

We will analyze the 12 best free app maker platforms available in February 2026, focusing specifically on what you can build without spending a dime. Finding the right tool depends entirely on your project's needs, your technical skill, and your long-term goals.

This resource provides a direct comparison to help you make an informed decision. For each platform, you will find:

• A clear breakdown of its free tier limitations.

• An honest assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.

• The ideal user profile, from non-technical founders to experienced designers.

• A one-line recommendation for its most practical use case.

Our goal is simple: to help you select the best free app maker for your specific idea. We skip the filler and get straight to the actionable details, complete with screenshots and direct links, so you can stop researching and start building your app today.

1. CatDoes

CatDoes establishes itself as a powerful, AI-native platform for turning ideas into production-ready mobile apps. Its standout feature is a multi-agent workflow that automates the entire development lifecycle. You describe your app concept in plain language, and the system handles requirements gathering, UI/UX design, and generating cross-platform code using React Native Expo. This approach makes it a uniquely effective best free app maker for users who want to bypass the traditional complexities of software development.

Unlike many app builders that offer limited templates or drag-and-drop editors, CatDoes builds the application for you conversationally. This process includes setting up a fully managed backend through CatDoes Cloud, which automatically configures user authentication, databases, file storage, and serverless functions without any manual infrastructure work. The platform's commitment to a complete solution is further demonstrated with built-in error monitoring via CatDoes Watch and optional GitHub integration for source code management.

The testing and deployment process is also remarkably efficient. Users can preview their app live in a browser or scan a QR code to test it directly on an iPhone or Android device. This immediate feedback loop is critical for rapid iteration and refinement.

Why It Stands Out

CatDoes's primary advantage is its end-to-end automation. While other tools may assist with one part of the process, like UI design or backend setup, CatDoes manages the entire sequence from a simple text prompt to a build ready for app store submission. This makes it an excellent choice for founders and small teams who need to launch a minimum viable product (MVP) quickly and cost-effectively. You can explore a deeper dive into this accelerated process by reading about no-code mobile app development.

Free Plan Limitations

The free plan is generous, allowing you to build and maintain one full application. This includes access to the AI workflow, the managed backend, and testing features. For businesses needing to launch multiple apps or requiring higher usage limits and more advanced features, paid subscription tiers are available with transparent pricing.

• Best for: Non-technical founders, startups building an MVP, and agencies needing to accelerate app delivery.

• Pros: True end-to-end AI automation, auto-configured managed backend, and fast, cross-platform testing.

• Cons: Organizations with strict compliance requirements should verify security certifications, as they are not publicly listed. Very complex app logic may still need review from an engineer.

Use-Case Recommendation: Ideal for launching a B2C marketplace or an internal business tool in days instead of months, without hiring a development team.

Website: https://catdoes.com

2. FlutterFlow

FlutterFlow stands out as a powerful visual development platform for building native mobile, web, and desktop applications using Google's Flutter framework. Unlike many no-code tools that lock you into a proprietary ecosystem, FlutterFlow generates clean, production-ready Flutter code. This makes it a strong contender for the title of best free app maker, especially for teams who want to start with a visual builder and retain the option to hand off real code to developers later.

The free plan is quite functional for learning and prototyping. You can build visually with a large library of pre-built components, connect to backend services like Firebase, and test your app's logic. Its primary strength lies in bridging the gap between no-code speed and professional-grade development.

What it's best for: Creating high-fidelity, functional prototypes that can be seamlessly transitioned into full-scale, production-ready applications with real, exportable code.

• Standout Features: Drag-and-drop UI with 1,000+ components, backend integrations (Firebase, Supabase, APIs), and visual action/logic building.

• Free Plan Limitations: The free tier restricts you to two active projects and a limited number of API endpoints. Critical features like source code download, GitHub integration, and one-click app store deployment are reserved for paid subscriptions.

• Ideal User: Startups building an MVP, UI/UX designers creating functional prototypes, or developers looking to accelerate the Flutter development process.

3. Glide

Glide excels at transforming data from spreadsheets or tables into beautiful, functional web applications with incredible speed. It allows users to build Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) directly from sources like Google Sheets, Glide Tables, or Big Tables, making it a favorite for data-driven projects. This unique approach solidifies its position as a contender for the best free app maker for anyone needing to create internal tools, client portals, or inventory trackers quickly.

The free plan is well-suited for personal projects, internal tool prototypes, and learning the platform's workflow. You can build a fully functional app with a Glide Table as your backend, access core UI components, and share it with a small number of users. The platform's strength is its simplicity and the immediate visual feedback you get as you connect your data to the interface, which is a common benefit of many no-code mobile app builder platforms.

What it's best for: Rapidly building data-driven internal business tools, simple client portals, and inventory management apps directly from a spreadsheet or database.

• Standout Features: Data-driven UI with 40+ components, direct connection to Glide Tables and Google Sheets, and a visual data editor.

• Free Plan Limitations: The free plan has significant restrictions, including Glide branding, a cap on users, and 0 monthly 'updates' (actions that modify data from sources other than a Glide Table). This makes it more of a trial than a long-term free solution for active apps.

• Ideal User: Business analysts creating internal tools, small business owners managing inventory, or anyone needing to quickly build a functional app from existing data.

  
  

4. Thunkable

Thunkable provides a direct, no-code pathway for building truly native iOS and Android applications. It’s a compelling choice for those who want to move beyond web-based apps and create software that installs directly onto a user's device. The platform’s visual, block-based logic system makes it particularly accessible for beginners, educators, and students looking for a practical introduction to app development concepts.

The free plan is designed for experimentation and learning. You can build and test your app on your own device, which is a significant advantage for seeing your creation in action. While the platform has powerful features like push notifications and AdMob monetization, these, along with app store publishing, are part of the paid tiers. Its strong focus on a simple interface and clear project limitations makes it an excellent choice for a first app project, a point which is critical to understand in UX design for an app.

What it's best for: Educators, students, and beginners who want to build and test real native mobile apps without writing any code.

• Standout Features: Drag-and-drop builder with block-based logic, live testing on your own devices, and support for native features like push notifications and monetization (on paid plans).

• Free Plan Limitations: The free plan is limited to three public projects, with each project capped at five screens and 200MB of account storage. Publishing your app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store requires a paid subscription.

• Ideal User: Students learning app development, hobbyists building a personal project, or entrepreneurs creating a basic native prototype to test an idea.

5. Adalo

Adalo is a popular no-code platform designed for building true native mobile and web applications with a simple drag-and-drop interface. It distinguishes itself by bundling a visual front-end builder with a fully integrated back-end database, making it a complete solution for many app ideas. This all-in-one approach establishes Adalo as a strong candidate for the best free app maker, particularly for entrepreneurs who need to quickly validate a consumer-facing app.

The platform's free plan allows you to design, build, and test your app using its core features, including unlimited screens and access to a rich template library. You can even preview your creation on a real device. The clear "build free, pay to publish" model means you can fully develop your concept before committing to a paid plan for launching on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

What it's best for: Entrepreneurs and non-technical founders building and testing consumer-focused mobile apps or simple internal business tools without writing a single line of code.

• Standout Features: Drag-and-drop screen and component builder, built-in database collections, pre-built logic for user authentication and actions, and a library of clonable templates.

• Free Plan Limitations: The free plan's primary restriction is on publishing to app stores. It also has a low data record limit (currently 200 rows per app) and displays Adalo branding. Access to custom integrations and higher performance requires paid tiers.

• Ideal User: Startups creating a first-version MVP, small business owners needing a simple mobile app, or students and hobbyists wanting to bring an idea to life.

6. Draftbit

Draftbit occupies a unique space in the no-code world by focusing on the React Native framework, making it a powerful choice for developers or teams with a development background. It offers a visual builder that produces readable, extendable React Native code. This positions it as a great option for those who want the speed of a visual interface but need the flexibility to export and customize the source code later, providing a clear path from a simple build to a complex, scalable application.

The platform's free plan is designed for exploration and learning the tool's capabilities. You can experiment with the drag-and-drop UI builder and logic flows for small projects. The core value proposition becomes clearer with its paid tiers, where features like full source code export and direct app store publishing become available, turning Draftbit into a serious development tool.

What it's best for: Teams and developers who want to accelerate React Native app development with a visual builder while retaining full access to the source code for custom extensions.

• Standout Features: Drag-and-drop React Native UI and logic builder, custom code components, GitHub integration, and simulator previews.

• Free Plan Limitations: The free plan is quite restrictive, capping users at two projects with a maximum of five screens each. Crucial features for production, such as source code export and one-click publishing, are locked behind a paid subscription.

• Ideal User: React Native developers speeding up their workflow, startups building a native MVP, or designers wanting to create high-fidelity, code-backed prototypes.

7. Bravo Studio

Bravo Studio offers a unique, design-first approach to app development, allowing you to convert Figma designs directly into native iOS and Android applications. This makes it an exceptional choice for designers and visually-focused teams who want to maintain pixel-perfect control over their user interface. Instead of rebuilding designs in a separate tool, Bravo uses Figma as the primary design surface, translating your layouts into a functional app.

The free plan is designed for learning the platform and prototyping your concepts. You can connect your Figma files, preview the app on your device, and test basic functionality. This makes it a strong contender as a free app maker for those who want to validate a design before committing to a subscription for full-scale features and publication.

What it's best for: Design-led teams and individuals who want to turn high-fidelity Figma prototypes into real, native mobile apps without writing code.

• Standout Features: Direct Figma-to-native app conversion, real-time device preview, and modular add-ons for features like chat, in-app purchases, and ads.

• Free Plan Limitations: The free tier has a screen import cap and does not allow you to publish to the App Store or Google Play. Advanced features and integrations are reserved for paid plans.

• Ideal User: UI/UX designers, creative agencies, and founders who prioritize a specific design aesthetic and want to bring their Figma files to life as working apps.

8. Google AppSheet

Google AppSheet is a no-code development platform designed for creating data-driven applications that integrate seamlessly with Google Workspace and other common data sources. It excels at turning spreadsheets from Google Sheets, Excel, or other databases into functional apps for internal business processes. This makes it a great candidate for a free app maker, especially for teams already embedded in the Google ecosystem.

The platform operates on a generous prototyping model. You can build, test, and share your app with up to 10 users completely free. This is perfect for gathering feedback and refining workflows before a wider rollout. Its core strength is its ability to rapidly generate useful tools from existing data, empowering business users to solve their own operational challenges.

What it's best for: Building internal business tools, data collection apps, and field service workflows directly from existing spreadsheets or databases.

• Standout Features: Direct app creation from data sources (Sheets, SQL, etc.), powerful automation rules, and native integration with the Google Workspace ecosystem.

• Free Plan Limitations: The free plan is for prototyping and small-team use only (up to 10 users). Deploying apps to a larger user base, using advanced governance features, or publishing a public-facing app requires a paid subscription like Core or the separate Publisher Pro plan.

• Ideal User: Business analysts, operations managers, and IT teams looking to create internal tools for data management, inventory tracking, or field reporting.

9. MIT App Inventor

MIT App Inventor is a foundational tool in the world of visual programming, originating from a project at Google and now maintained by MIT. It’s a completely free, web-based environment designed to make app development accessible to everyone, regardless of their coding background. The platform uses a block-based coding language, allowing users to assemble app logic like puzzle pieces. This approach makes it an outstanding choice for education, first-time creators, and quick prototyping for Android and iOS.

Its primary focus is on learning and experimentation. You can build surprisingly functional apps that interact with device sensors, maps, and media. While its core strength lies in Android development, where you can easily build and share APK files, iOS build workflows are also available, though they require more setup. The platform is supported by a massive educational community, offering endless tutorials and support for new builders.

What it's best for: Educational purposes, teaching the fundamentals of programming logic, and building simple yet functional utility apps for personal use or school projects.

• Standout Features: Visual blocks editor for logic, support for device sensors and components (GPS, accelerometer, camera), direct Android APK packaging, and a large educational ecosystem.

• Free Plan Limitations: The entire platform is free with no feature restrictions. However, the iOS build process can be complex, requiring an Apple Developer account, and the overall functionality is not suited for commercial-grade, scalable applications.

• Ideal User: Students, educators, hobbyists, and anyone looking for a no-cost entry point to learn the basics of mobile app creation.

  
  

10. AppMySite

AppMySite specializes in a unique niche: converting existing websites into native mobile applications. It connects directly with platforms like WordPress and WooCommerce, automatically pulling content to populate your app. This makes it an exceptional choice for businesses, bloggers, and e-commerce stores that already have a strong web presence and want a fast, code-free path to the app stores.

The platform’s strength is its simplicity and purpose-built workflow. You connect your site, customize the app’s appearance with various themes and layouts, and then preview it on a real device. Its free plan is quite generous, allowing you to design, customize, and even generate a ready-to-publish Android build. This makes it one of the few free app maker options that gives you a tangible product without an initial subscription.

What it's best for: Rapidly converting a content or e-commerce website (especially WordPress) into a functional native Android and iOS application with minimal effort.

• Standout Features: Direct WordPress and WooCommerce integration, real-time website sync, customizable splash screens and icons, and push notification support.

• Free Plan Limitations: The free tier includes AppMySite branding and does not permit publishing to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. An active subscription is required to go live, with iOS publishing reserved for higher-tier plans.

• Ideal User: WordPress bloggers, WooCommerce store owners, or any small business with an existing website wanting to create a companion mobile app quickly.

  
  

11. Kodular

Kodular is a strong contender for those seeking a free app maker for Android, built upon the foundation of the widely recognized MIT App Inventor. It uses a block-based coding system, making it incredibly accessible for beginners, students, and hobbyists who want to create functional Android applications without writing traditional code. Its focus on the Android ecosystem allows it to offer a rich set of native components and monetization options.

The platform is noted for its generous free tier, which allows users to build and export full projects. Recent updates have kept it current with the latest Android SDK requirements, a crucial factor for publishing on the Google Play Store. While the core building experience is free, advanced features like monetization are available through optional add-ons, providing a clear path for apps to grow.

What it's best for: Hobbyists, students, and first-time creators who want to build and publish fully-featured Android apps using an easy-to-learn, block-based system.

• Standout Features: Visual components for push notifications, in-app purchases, and ads; regular updates to support the latest Android SDKs; and a dedicated 'Kodular Monetize' add-on.

• Free Plan Limitations: While the builder is free, accessing monetization components and removing branding requires a paid activation. The platform is also limited to Android app development only.

• Ideal User: Students learning app development, hobbyists bringing personal projects to life, or entrepreneurs testing an Android-specific app idea on a budget.

  
  

12. Niotron

Niotron positions itself as a truly free app maker for Android, built on the familiar App Inventor framework. Its standout philosophy is that building and distributing non-monetized applications should not require a subscription. This makes it a compelling choice for students, hobbyists, or anyone needing to create a functional Android APK without incurring recurring platform fees, as long as they don't need in-app advertising or purchases.

The platform uses a blocks-based coding system that is accessible to beginners but is also supported by a community that develops and shares custom extensions. While the core building experience is free, users can opt for low-cost, one-time purchases or subscriptions to add monetization features, increase project size, or remove Niotron branding. This model provides a clear, budget-friendly path from a free project to a commercial app.

What it's best for: Hobbyists, students, and budget-conscious creators who want to build and publish non-monetized Android apps completely for free.

• Standout Features: Blocks-based visual editor, a large library of components and community extensions, and a core promise of free builds for non-commercial apps.

• Free Plan Limitations: The free plan prohibits the use of monetization components (like ads). It also has quotas on asset size and total project size, which can be upgraded with affordable paid plans.

• Ideal User: Beginners learning app development, makers creating utility apps for personal use, or developers who need a quick Android-only tool without a subscription.

  
  

Top 12 Free App Makers Comparison

Choosing Your Platform and Taking the Next Step

The journey to find the single best free app maker reveals a simple truth: the ideal tool is entirely dependent on your unique project needs, technical skills, and future ambitions. We have explored a dozen platforms, each offering a distinct pathway from idea to application. Your final decision hinges on carefully matching a tool's capabilities with your specific goals.

Recapping Your Options: A Needs-Based Summary

To distill the information from our list, think about your primary objective. This focus will quickly narrow down the most suitable options for you.

• For Absolute Beginners and Educators: If your goal is purely to learn the fundamentals of app logic and creation without any cost, MIT App Inventor remains a fantastic starting point. Its block-based system is designed for education and experimentation.

• For Designers Prioritizing UI: Designers who live in Figma and want a direct, pixel-perfect translation of their designs into a native app will find Bravo Studio to be an excellent choice. It honors your design intent above all else.

• For Entrepreneurs Building an MVP: Startups needing to validate an idea quickly require speed and functionality. Glide and Adalo offer rapid development cycles with a focus on databases and user flows, making them great for building a minimum viable product.

• For Developers Seeking Acceleration: If you have coding knowledge and want to speed up your workflow, platforms like FlutterFlow and Draftbit are powerful allies. They provide visual building environments while still allowing for custom code and full export capabilities, giving you the best of both worlds.

Key Factors for Your Final Decision

Before you commit to a platform, even a free one, consider the long-term implications. The "free" tier is a starting line, not the finish line.

Ask yourself these critical questions:

• Scalability: What happens when my app gains traction? Review the pricing tiers and feature unlocks of your top choices. Ensure their paid plans align with your potential growth and budget.

• Data and Backend: Where will your app's data live? Some tools like Google AppSheet integrate seamlessly with existing spreadsheets, while others like CatDoes automatically generate and manage the backend for you. Understand the data ownership and export policies from day one.

• Learning Curve: How much time can you realistically invest in learning a new tool? A platform like Thunkable offers a gentle learning curve, while a more complex tool might offer greater flexibility at the cost of a steeper initial time investment.

Building an app is often a crucial step for entrepreneurs looking to start their own digital venture. If you're wondering about the broader implications of this journey, consider what it takes for an opening an online business. The platform you choose is a foundational piece of that larger puzzle.

Your Actionable Next Step

The most valuable thing you can do now is move from research to action. Choose the two or three platforms from this list that best resonate with your project. Sign up for their free accounts and attempt to build one core feature of your app idea. This hands-on test is the only way to truly know if a platform's workflow, interface, and limitations are a good fit for you.

The world of no-code and low-code app development has removed the traditional barriers to creation. The tools are available, many of them for free, and your idea is ready. The final step is to begin building.

Ready to skip the learning curve and build your app directly from a text prompt? The CatDoes free plan lets you generate a fully functional application, complete with an automated backend, using the power of AI. See your idea come to life in minutes at CatDoes.