Chat-based AI software engineer that builds full-stack web apps and sites from prompts.
Glide vs Softr
Features, pricing, strengths and trade-offs — and which one fits your situation.
The verdict
Glide is best for turning spreadsheets and business data into internal apps without code, while Softr is best for client portals and internal business apps built on existing data sources. Both Glide and Softr offer a free plan, so you can try each before paying.
Which should you choose?
Choose Glide if…
- You need turning spreadsheets and business data into internal apps without code
- You're one of: operations teams, small businesses running on spreadsheets, internal tool builders without developers
- Very quick to turn an existing spreadsheet into a usable app
Choose Softr if…
- You need client portals and internal business apps built on existing data sources
- You're one of: operations teams, agencies building client portals, small businesses using airtable or google sheets
- Strong fit for portals with logins and per-user data
At a glance
| Glide | Softr | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Turning spreadsheets and business data into internal apps without code | Client portals and internal business apps built on existing data sources |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | From $25/mo | From $19/mo |
| Learning curve | Low | Low |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Ideal for | Operations teams, Small businesses running on spreadsheets, Internal tool builders without developers | Operations teams, Agencies building client portals, Small businesses using Airtable or Google Sheets |
Feature comparison
| Glide | Softr | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | No-code app builder | No-code app builder |
| Inline code completion | No | No |
| Multi-file agent | No | No |
| Builds full apps from prompts | Limited | Limited |
| Hosting / deploy included | Yes | Yes |
| Backend / database | Yes | Yes |
| GitHub integration | No | No |
| Choice of AI models | No | No |
| Export / own the code | No | No |
Security & enterprise
| Glide | Softr | |
|---|---|---|
| Business / enterprise plan | Yes | Yes |
| SSO (SAML / OIDC) | Enterprise add-on | Enterprise plan |
| SCIM user provisioning | — | Enterprise plan |
| SOC 2 | Type II | Type II |
| ISO 27001 | — | — |
| HIPAA (BAA available) | — | — |
| GDPR DPA | — | — |
| Data residency options | No | US, EU (Germany) |
| No training on your data | — | — |
| Audit logs | — | Enterprise plan |
| Admin controls | Yes | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud | Cloud |
From each vendor's security documentation. "—" = not confirmed. What to ask vendors · Compare all tools
What each tool does
Glide
Glide is a no-code platform for building business apps on top of data from Google Sheets, Excel, Airtable, SQL databases and its own Glide Tables. Apps are assembled from prebuilt components and run as web apps and progressive web apps, with workflows and AI features for tasks like extracting or summarising data. It is used mainly by operations teams and small businesses for internal tools, portals and field apps.
Key features- Apps built from Google Sheets, Excel, Airtable, SQL and Glide Tables
- AI-assisted app generation from uploaded data
- Component-based visual editor and templates
- Workflows and automations
- Role-based access controls and row-level security
- Progressive web apps that work on phones and desktop
Softr
Softr is a no-code platform for building business apps such as client portals, internal tools and directories on top of Airtable, Google Sheets, Notion, SQL databases or its own Softr Databases. Its AI Co-Builder generates a first version of the database, interface, permissions and workflows from a description, which is then refined in a block-based visual editor. It is used by operations teams, agencies and small businesses.
Key features- AI Co-Builder that generates database, interface and permissions
- Native Softr Databases plus Airtable, Notion, Google Sheets, PostgreSQL, MySQL and Supabase
- Block-based visual editor with templates
- User groups and granular role-based permissions
- Workflows for multi-step automations
- Progressive web app support for mobile use
Pricing
Glide
Free plan ($0, limited credits); Basic $25/mo, Plus $50/mo, Pro $125/mo
Softr
Free plan; Basic $19/mo, Professional $99/mo
Prices last checked September 2026. Plans change often — confirm on each vendor's site.
Pros and cons
Glide
Strengths- Very quick to turn an existing spreadsheet into a usable app
- Clean, consistent default design
- Strong data connectivity for business sources
- Has a free plan
- No code export on any plan
- Apps are PWAs and cannot be listed in the App Store or Google Play
- Logic is limited to what the visual rule builder can express
- Usage-based pricing can grow with user and update counts
Not ideal for: Anyone building a consumer app for app store distribution or who needs custom code should use a native app builder or a code-generating tool instead.
Softr
Strengths- Strong fit for portals with logins and per-user data
- Connects to many existing business data sources
- Authentication and permissions built in
- Has a free plan
- No code export; apps run only on Softr
- AI generator is mainly for the first version, with further changes done manually
- Pre-built blocks limit custom design
- No native App Store or Google Play apps; mobile is PWA only
Not ideal for: Teams that want to own source code or build consumer products with custom design should use a code-generating builder instead.
Integrations
Glide
Softr
FAQ
What is the main difference between Glide and Softr?
Glide is built for turning spreadsheets and business data into internal apps without code; Softr is built for client portals and internal business apps built on existing data sources.
Is Glide or Softr cheaper?
Glide starts from $25/mo and Softr starts from $19/mo (as of September 2026). On entry price, Softr is cheaper — but compare what each plan includes, since limits differ. Always confirm current pricing on each vendor's site.
Do Glide and Softr have free plans?
Both Glide and Softr offer a free plan, so you can try each before paying.
Which is easier to use, Glide or Softr?
Both have a low learning curve.
What are good alternatives to Glide and Softr?
Other coding & apps tools worth comparing include Lovable, Base44 and v0.