Well, both yes and no. 

Yes, these tools are a boon for non-tech-savvy individuals who want to create aesthetically pleasing and functional websites—whether for blogs, small businesses, or startups. They’re affordable for businesses aiming to enhance their digital presence to drive sales and conversions.

No, because they can’t entirely replace the expertise of professional developers. Building a high-quality (or even mid-quality) website often involves plugins, domain and hosting management, UI/UX optimization, and ongoing maintenance. No one wants to face a dreaded “404 Error” on their site due to poor oversight.

So, what’s all the buzz about low-code and no-code web builders? And how can businesses make the most of them?

What is a no-code builder?

As the name suggests, no-code website builders allow users to create websites without writing a single line of code. These platforms rely on intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and design elements, making the process accessible even to those with no technical background.

• No-code platforms simplify website development, enabling users to launch professional-looking sites quickly while saving time and resources. However, creating a powerful, polished site still requires understanding web design basics and advanced practices.

While these platforms accelerate the design and development process, they don’t necessarily make it "easier." Choosing a no-code website builder for your site will give you much better results in a shorter time, but you’ll still have to burn the midnight oil to get there. They make it faster and more efficient, particularly for users who are willing to invest effort in learning the system.

What is low-code builder?

For developers with limited time and non-techies with a vision, low-code platforms are a game changer—you only need to have little to no knowledge of writing codes. It’s the same, but also very different from no-code website builders—a kind of halfway place between no-code and complete human coding.

Unlike no-code platforms, low-code solutions offer greater flexibility. They combine drag-and-drop simplicity with the ability to write custom code, enabling developers to build scalable, feature-rich websites without starting from scratch. Features like open APIs, scalable designs, and deployment options (cloud or on-premises) make low-code platforms a robust choice for more complex projects.

No or Low? Which one is the best?

Low-code and no-code platforms primarily provide the means to build apps without writing code. With a visual approach, developers don’t need to understand various types of programming languages. Both options in a Platform as a Service (PaaS) form factor also remove the overhead of setting up environments and maintaining infrastructure.

But that’s where the similarities between low-code and no-code end.

This is where they draw the lines.

• No-Code Platforms: Designed for users with no coding expertise. Best for simple websites or applications with limited functionality.
• Low-Code Platforms: Require some basic coding knowledge. Suitable for developing more complex applications or integrating with existing systems.

Choosing between the two depends on your specific needs. No-code platforms might suffice for straightforward projects but could create challenges when scaling or integrating with advanced tools. On the other hand, low-code platforms offer more flexibility and scalability but require a basic understanding of coding. 

Top 5 no-code builders for 2024

Softr: https://www.softr.io/

• A no-code app builder designed for integrating data from Airtable or Google Sheets. With Softr, you can create apps and websites step-by-step using its comprehensive and versatile toolkit.
• Pricing: Starting from $49/month
• Rating: G2: 4.8/5 (200+ reviews)

Glide: https://www.glideapps.com/ 

• Ideal for mobile app creation, Glide ensures your app's design stays up-to-date with the latest industry trends. It's a great choice for beginners or anyone looking to create a straightforward app with ease.
• Pricing: Starting from $25/month
• Rating: G2: 4.7/5 (350+ reviews)

Studio Creatio: https://www.creatio.com/studio

• Perfect for AI-powered app development, Studio Creatio features a composable architecture that facilitates configuring and deploying AI-driven use cases, especially for CRM and app development tasks.
• Pricing: From $25/user/month
• Rating: 4.9 /5

Zeroqode: https://zeroqode.com/

• Best for template-based app building, Zeroqode simplifies data management through integrations like Google Sheets. Their extensive template library caters to various needs, including e-commerce, project management, CRM, and dashboards.
• Pricing: From $25/user/month (billed annually)
• Rating: None yet

Bubble: https://bubble.io/?r=cto-bncdp

• Ideal for visual web application development, Bubble stands out for its ability to turn ideas into fully functional web apps without requiring knowledge of complex programming languages. Its emphasis on a visual-first approach solidifies its reputation as the top choice for building web applications visually.
• Pricing: From $25/user/month
• Rating: G2: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews)

Top 5 low-code builders for 2024

Zoho Creator: https://www.zoho.com/creator/

• Best for database-driven application design, Zoho seamlessly integrates with its suite of products while also connecting to external platforms like Salesforce, MailChimp, and Slack, enhancing its versatility within a business ecosystem.
• Pricing: From $10/user/month (billed annually) + $20 base fee per month
• Rating: 4.3/ 5

Xano: https://www.xano.com/l/1/

• Best for scalable backends, Xano is a no-code API builder that empowers users to create and manage APIs effortlessly. Its integration with a flexible PostgreSQL database enables handling complex data relationships and executing advanced queries—eliminating the need for a traditional SQL database administrator.
• Pricing: From $85/month (billed annually)
• Rating: 4.8 /5

Appsmith: https://www.appsmith.com/?r=cto-blcp 

• Best for rapid low-code development, Appsmith provides extensive customization options, including in-line JavaScript and reusable code blocks. It features a built-in IDE-like editor with advanced tools such as autocomplete, multi-line editing, debugging, and linting. Additionally, Appsmith supports self-hosting and role-based access control for enhanced flexibility and security.
• Pricing: From $40/month
• Rating: 4.7 / 5

Superblocks: https://www.superblocks.com/

• Best for building secure internal apps, Superblocks streamlines development cycles with drag-and-drop components, robust database and API integrations, and Git-based version control. It supports a variety of databases and APIs, including Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB, Snowflake, and Salesforce, making it a versatile choice for internal application development.
• Pricing: From $15/user/month + $49/creator/month
• Rating: 4.7 / 5

Mendix: https://www.mendix.com/?r=cto-blcp

• Best for agile development, Mendix’s Epics feature functions as an integrated project management tool, enabling teams to work seamlessly with Scrum or Kanban methodologies. It offers customizable workflows with sections like backlog, refinement, to-do, in-progress, testing, and done, ensuring efficient project organization and progress tracking.
• Pricing: From $58/user/month (5 seats included, billed annually)
• Rating: 4.4 / 5

Takeaways, 

Low-code and no-code web builders have now proved that they are valuable, especially for those non-techies who are looking to make the perfect DIY website without having to know what coding is.  

For startups and small businesses, these platforms offer a cost-effective, fast-track solution to establishing an online presence. However, investing in low-code platforms—or hiring experienced developers—remains crucial for more sophisticated projects.

Whether you’re a tech-savvy entrepreneur or a seasoned developer, embracing the strengths of these tools can help you build smarter, faster, and more impactful digital experiences.