While this article gives an overview of Glide, if you need help building a mobile app without coding, get started with AppMySite now.
In the fast-moving no-code space of 2025, Glide has established itself as a go-to choice for teams that want to transform spreadsheets into fully functional apps. With a focus on simplicity, accessibility, and rapid deployment, it appeals especially to startups, small businesses, and non-technical professionals building internal tools or lightweight apps.
This review explores Glideโs capabilities, advantages, limitations, and ideal use casesโand how it compares with alternatives like AppMySite for businesses looking to go beyond web apps.
What is Glide?
Glide is a no-code development platform that turns structured data into web apps. By connecting to Google Sheets, Excel, or its native Glide Tables, users can automatically generate app layouts that reflect their data structure. You can then customize screens, logic, and visuals without writing code.
Originally designed for internal tools such as CRMs, employee directories, and project dashboards, Glide has since expanded into use cases like portals, client interfaces, and data-driven dashboards. Its apps are published as progressive web apps (PWAs) that can run on mobile, desktop, or tablets through browsersโoffering flexibility but not native app store availability.
Key features of Glide
Glide has evolved considerably, combining the familiarity of spreadsheets with intuitive no-code functionality. The platformโs core strengths lie in data-driven app creation and ease of use.
Spreadsheet-powered structure
Glideโs foundation is simple: each spreadsheet row represents an entry, and columns act as data fields. This approach works best for structured data like sales records, inventory, or employee details. Businesses that already manage operations in spreadsheets find it natural to migrate to Glide.
Visual drag-and-drop builder
The builder offers a clean drag-and-drop interface to design pages and components such as lists, forms, buttons, and filters. Prebuilt templates speed up setup, making it easy to create polished interfaces even for non-designers. The layout is automatically responsive across screen sizes.
Glide Tables
For improved performance, Glide includes its own native data storage solution called Glide Tables. It helps minimize syncing delays from external spreadsheets and enhances app speed, particularly for larger datasets or real-time use cases.
User roles and permissions
Access control is a strong feature. You can define visibility rules, assign user roles, and limit access to certain sections. This is crucial for internal systems where data privacy and controlled access are required.
Logic and automation
Glide supports workflows using conditions, computed columns, and triggers. You can automate basic interactions like sending notifications, filtering data views, or triggering webhooks through integrations with Zapier, Make, or custom APIs. Although not as advanced as full coding, it provides enough flexibility for most business workflows.
Web app deployment
Apps built in Glide are web-based and shareable via links or QR codes. Users can install them as PWAs on their devices for an app-like experience. However, these apps cannot be directly published to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, which is a limitation for businesses seeking native distribution.
Where Glide excels
Glideโs biggest strength lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It allows non-technical users to move from spreadsheet data to functional software in hours instead of weeks.
Speed and simplicity
The learning curve is minimal. If you understand spreadsheets, you can build with Glide. Its visual tools and templates help teams go from concept to app quickly, which is especially useful for MVPs, prototypes, or internal process automation.
Ideal for internal tools
Glide is designed for internal business operationsโreplacing manual processes or static sheets with interactive dashboards. Itโs perfect for inventory management, sales tracking, employee onboarding, and project monitoring.
Professional design out of the box
Glide apps look polished by default, adapting automatically to different devices. Branding and color customization options are available, but even the default layouts feel professional and user-friendly.
Collaborative environment
Multiple team members can work on an app simultaneously, making it easy for business and operations teams to collaborate without developer dependency.
Areas where Glide can improve
Despite its strengths, Glide does have some trade-offs that may limit its applicability for certain projects.
No native app publishing
Glide apps are limited to web deployment. They cannot be submitted to app stores or installed natively on devices, which can be restrictive for businesses needing app store visibility or offline functionality.
Limited design flexibility
While Glideโs templates are clean, customization options are restricted to predefined layouts. Businesses or designers seeking pixel-level control might find it too rigid.
Workflow complexity ceiling
For basic automation, Glide is capable. However, for more complex conditional logic, multi-step workflows, or dynamic content management, it can quickly become challenging to manage without external integrations.
Scaling costs
While Glide offers free and entry-level plans, costs can rise as your app growsโespecially when you need more storage, users, or advanced permissions. For small teams, itโs manageable, but enterprise-scale use can become expensive.
Who Glide is best for
Glide is an excellent tool for organizations that prioritize efficiency over complexity. Itโs ideal for teams that need functional web apps quickly without deep customization or native deployment.
- Small businesses and startups: Perfect for replacing spreadsheets with dynamic dashboards or tools that improve workflow visibility.
- Internal teams: Great for CRMs, HR tools, or project trackers that stay within an organization.
- Consultants and freelancers: Enables fast delivery of client solutions without building from scratch.
- Nonprofits and educators: Offers a simple, affordable way to create internal directories or resource management systems.
Glide vs AppMySite
If your primary need is internal operations, Glideโs web-first model works well. However, if you want to launch public-facing mobile apps, Glideโs lack of native publishing becomes a limitation.
AppMySite bridges that gap. Itโs a no-code platform built to create real native Android apps and iOS appsโpublished directly to app stores. Like Glide, it requires no coding knowledge, but itโs designed for mobile-first businesses. You can convert existing websites (WordPress, WooCommerce, or Shopify) into full-fledged native apps or build apps from scratch using visual design tools.
AppMySite also supports push notifications, offline access, and real-time previews, offering both PWA and native app options. This makes it a better fit for businesses that prioritize mobile growth, customer engagement, and store visibility.
Final verdict
Glide is one of the most user-friendly no-code platforms for building data-driven web apps. Itโs fast, flexible for internal use cases, and ideal for teams that live in spreadsheets. However, itโs not built for businesses looking to launch native apps or consumer-facing experiences.
If your goal is to build an app that lives in usersโ pockets and drives real engagement, AppMySite provides a more complete solution. It lets you design, customize, and publish native apps with the same easeโwithout writing a single line of code.