Glide Review

Glide is a no-code development platform that allows users to create progressive web apps (PWAs) and mobile applications directly from Google Sheets or other data sources. Launched in 2018, Glide simplifies app creation by providing a drag-and-drop interface, pre-built templates, and seamless integrations. It caters to a wide audience, including small business owners, educators, non-profits, and hobbyists, who seek to build functional apps quickly and cost-effectively.

The platform’s core philosophy is accessibility: users can turn spreadsheets into apps in minutes, leveraging familiar tools like Google Sheets to manage data. Glide apps are responsive, meaning they work across devices, and can be shared via links, QR codes, or added to app stores for a more native experience.

Key Features of Glide

Glide’s feature set is designed to balance simplicity with functionality. Below are the standout features that make it a compelling choice for no-code app development:

1. Google Sheets Integration

Glide’s most distinctive feature is its tight integration with Google Sheets. Users can connect a spreadsheet to Glide, and the platform automatically generates an app based on the data structure. Each sheet tab can represent a different section of the app, such as a user directory, product catalog, or event schedule. Changes made in the spreadsheet are reflected in the app in real time, making data management intuitive for those already familiar with spreadsheets.

2. Drag-and-Drop Interface

The Glide editor is user-friendly, with a drag-and-drop interface that allows users to customize layouts, add components (e.g., buttons, forms, images), and configure app functionality. No coding is required, though advanced users can use Glide’s “Computed Columns” to create custom logic using spreadsheet-like formulas.

3. Templates and Customization

Glide offers a variety of templates tailored to specific use cases, such as employee directories, e-commerce stores, event planners, and fitness trackers. These templates serve as starting points, reducing setup time. Users can customize colors, fonts, and layouts to align with their brand, though customization options are somewhat limited compared to traditional development.

4. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

Glide apps are built as PWAs, which means they are accessible via web browsers and can be installed on mobile devices for a near-native app experience. PWAs are lightweight, fast, and don’t require app store approvals, making them ideal for rapid deployment.

5. Integrations

Beyond Google Sheets, Glide supports integrations with tools like Airtable, Dropbox, Zapier, and Google Analytics. These integrations expand the platform’s capabilities, enabling users to connect their apps to external services for automation, analytics, or enhanced data management.

6. User Authentication and Permissions

Glide allows developers to set up user authentication, restricting access to specific app sections based on user roles. For example, an app could have public-facing content and private areas accessible only to logged-in users. This feature is particularly useful for community apps or internal business tools.

7. Forms and Data Collection

Glide makes it easy to create forms for collecting user input, such as feedback, registrations, or orders. Form data is automatically saved to the connected spreadsheet, streamlining data management.

8. Offline Capabilities

While Glide apps primarily rely on an internet connection, they offer limited offline functionality, allowing users to access cached content when connectivity is unavailable. This is a critical feature for apps used in areas with unreliable internet.

Usability and Learning Curve

Glide’s usability is one of its strongest selling points. The platform is designed for beginners, with an intuitive interface that requires minimal technical expertise. Setting up a basic app takes as little as 10-15 minutes, thanks to the template library and Google Sheets integration. The editor is visually organized, with clear sections for design, data, and settings.

For users new to no-code platforms, Glide provides ample documentation, video tutorials, and a supportive community forum. The learning curve is gentle, especially for those familiar with spreadsheets. However, advanced features like computed columns or complex integrations (e.g., Zapier) may require some trial and error for non-technical users.

Compared to other no-code platforms like Bubble or Adalo, Glide prioritizes simplicity over flexibility. While this makes it ideal for quick prototyping or straightforward apps, users seeking highly customized or complex applications may find Glide’s capabilities limiting.

Pricing and Plans

Glide offers a tiered pricing model to accommodate different user needs. As of April 2025, the pricing structure includes:

• Free Plan: Ideal for testing or small personal projects, the free plan allows users to create public apps with basic features, limited storage (100 MB), and Glide branding. It supports up to 500 rows of data and 3 editors.
• Starter Plan ($45/month): Geared toward small businesses or individuals, this plan includes private apps, 10 GB of storage, 25,000 rows of data, and up to 5 editors. It also removes Glide branding.
• Pro Plan ($99/month): Designed for growing businesses, the Pro plan offers advanced features like custom domains, 50 GB of storage, 100,000 rows of data, and up to 10 editors. It includes premium integrations and priority support.
• Business Plan ($249/month): Tailored for larger organizations, this plan supports 250 GB of storage, unlimited rows, and up to 25 editors. It includes advanced security features and API access.
• Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): For large-scale deployments, the Enterprise plan offers custom storage, dedicated support, and tailored solutions.

Glide’s pricing is competitive within the no-code space, particularly for small businesses and startups. However, costs can escalate quickly for data-heavy apps or those requiring multiple editors. The free plan is generous for prototyping but lacks the privacy and scalability needed for professional use.

Strengths of Glide

Glide’s popularity stems from several key strengths:

1. Speed of Development: Glide’s spreadsheet-based approach and template library enable users to create functional apps in hours, not weeks.
2. Ease of Use: The platform’s intuitive interface makes it accessible to non-technical users, democratizing app development.
3. Cost-Effective: For small businesses or startups, Glide offers an affordable way to build custom apps without hiring developers.
4. Real-Time Data Sync: The seamless integration with Google Sheets ensures that app data is always up-to-date, simplifying content management.
5. Versatility: Glide supports a wide range of use cases, from internal tools to customer-facing apps, making it adaptable to various industries.

Limitations of Glide

Despite its strengths, Glide has some limitations that users should consider:

1. Limited Customization: While Glide offers decent design flexibility, it falls short of platforms like Bubble or Webflow for users needing pixel-perfect designs or complex layouts.
2. Scalability Constraints: Glide is best suited for small to medium-sized apps. Large-scale applications with thousands of users or complex backend logic may require a more robust platform.
3. Dependency on Google Sheets: While the spreadsheet integration is a strength, it can be a bottleneck for apps requiring advanced database functionality or real-time collaboration at scale.
4. Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Features like computed columns or API integrations may be challenging for beginners, requiring a deeper understanding of data structures.
5. Offline Limitations: While Glide offers some offline capabilities, they are not as robust as native apps, which could be a drawback for certain use cases.

Real-World Applications

{
  "use_cases": [
    {
      "name": "Employee Directory",
      "description": "A searchable directory for company staff, including contact details and profiles."
    },
    {
      "name": "Event Planner",
      "description": "An app for managing event schedules, RSVPs, and notifications."
    },
    {
      "name": "E-Commerce Store",
      "description": "A mobile-friendly store for selling products, integrated with payment gateways."
    },
    {
      "name": "Community App",
      "description": "A platform for community members to share updates, events, and resources."
    },
    {
      "name": "Fitness Tracker",
      "description": "An app for logging workouts, tracking progress, and sharing with coaches."
    }
  ]
}

Comparison with Competitors

Glide competes with other no-code platforms like Bubble, Adalo, AppGyver, and Airtable (with app-building extensions). Here’s how it stacks up:

• Bubble: Offers greater flexibility for complex apps but has a steeper learning curve and higher costs.
• Adalo: Similar to Glide in targeting mobile apps but offers more design customization at the expense of a slightly more complex interface.
• AppGyver: Provides advanced logic-building tools but lacks Glide’s spreadsheet simplicity.
• Airtable: While not primarily an app builder, Airtable’s app-like interfaces are less polished than Glide’s but offer robust data management.

Glide stands out for its speed, ease of use, and Google Sheets integration, making it ideal for rapid prototyping or simple apps. However, for highly customized or enterprise-grade applications, Bubble or traditional development may be more suitable.

User Feedback and Community

Glide has a strong community of users, with active forums, social media groups, and a dedicated Slack channel. Feedback from users highlights the platform’s ease of use and quick setup, with many praising its ability to deliver professional-looking apps without coding. However, some users note limitations in design flexibility and occasional performance issues with large datasets.

The Glide team is responsive, regularly updating the platform with new features based on user feedback. Recent updates (as of April 2025) include enhanced form components, improved offline support, and expanded API capabilities, demonstrating Glide’s commitment to growth.

Conclusion

Glide is a powerful, user-friendly no-code platform that excels at transforming spreadsheets into functional, attractive apps. Its integration with Google Sheets, intuitive interface, and affordable pricing make it an excellent choice for small businesses, educators, and creators looking to build apps quickly. While it may not suit every use case—particularly those requiring extensive customization or enterprise-scale performance—Glide’s strengths outweigh its limitations for most small to medium-sized projects.

Whether you’re launching a community app, an internal business tool, or a simple e-commerce platform, Glide offers a streamlined, cost-effective solution. For anyone exploring no-code development, Glide is a worthy contender that delivers on its promise of making app creation accessible to all.