15 Best Builder.ai alternatives for building an app for your online store

In a world where AI eCommerce personalization can make or break your online store's success, choosing the right app-building platform is crucial. Builder.ai has been a popular choice, but it's not one-size-fits-all. Knowing your options, whether you're aiming to launch a new store or enhance an existing one, is key. This article will explore the best Builder.ai alternatives to help you build an app that meets your unique needs.

One excellent option is Instant's Shopify product page builder. It empowers you to create engaging product pages without needing to be a developer, aligning with your goal of enhancing customer experience and driving sales.

Table of Contents

• 15 Best Builder.ai alternatives for building an app for your online store

• Why look for a Builder.ai alternative?

• Choosing the Builder.ai alternative to build your online store

• Why build an app for your online store?

• Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify product page build

15 Best Builder.ai alternatives for building an app for your online store

1. Instant: Shopify product page builder

Instant is a user-friendly tool that transforms how you build your Shopify store. It allows eCommerce teams and agencies to create fully customizable and advanced pages without any coding knowledge. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can quickly design and publish high-converting:

• Landing pages

• Blog posts

• Product pages

• Sections

Taking control of your store's success

This maintains complete control over their store's design. Instant also offers seamless integration with Figma and other eCommerce tools, making it a versatile choice for enhancing online store performance and increasing conversions. Try Instant's Shopify product page builder today!

2. AppMachine: User-friendly mobile app builder

AppMachine is a cloud-based app builder designed to create native iOS and Android apps with ease. Its drag-and-drop interface simplifies the process, allowing users to connect data directly from spreadsheets, streamlining app creation for simplicity-focused eCommerce businesses. AppMachine offers real-time app testing, integration with data sources like Excel, and various templates for customization, and is best suited for straightforward app designs.

3. BuildFire: Scalable no-code app builder

BuildFire is a no-code app builder ideal for eCommerce businesses seeking a customizable mobile app. Known for its click-and-edit interface, BuildFire provides extensive templates and seamless social media integrations. The platform supports third-party plugins, enabling connections with popular platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. Key features include an intuitive interface, a plugin marketplace, and scalable options for growing businesses.

4. Twinr: Quick website-to-app transformation

Twinr offers an ultra-simplified app-building experience, perfect for quickly transforming a mobile-friendly website into a complete app. It supports platforms like:

• Shopify

• WooCommerce

• WordPress

Allowing instant edits without republishing. Key features include fast app creation, real-time preview mode, push notifications, cart integration, and app launch on both Android and iOS.

5. FlutterFlow: Advanced low-code app design

FlutterFlow is a robust, low-code app builder with advanced design capabilities for web and mobile apps. It offers a drag-and-drop interface with high-level design flexibility, nearly pixel-perfect control, access to app source code, extensive tutorials, and community support. FlutterFlow is ideal for users with some coding knowledge seeking complete creative control over their app's design.

6. bubble: versatile no-code platform

Bubble.io is a no-code platform that enables the creation of multi-user responsive apps using a visual programming language. It's great for eCommerce businesses requiring complex, functional apps without coding. Bubble offers a drag-and-drop interface with responsive design, an extensive plugin library, and flexible pricing based on workload units.

7. Appy Pie: Beginner-friendly app builder

Appy Pie is a no-code app builder that allows users to create native apps for web and mobile. It offers a straightforward design process and an easy-to-use interface, making app building accessible for beginners. Key features include customizable templates, real-time preview options, support for native Android and iOS publishing, and affordable pricing for Android apps.

8. Andromo: Monetizable mobile app builder

Andromo is a no-code mobile app builder focused on eCommerce and content-based apps. It allows users to create and monetize apps through ads. Andromo provides pre-built templates tailored to eCommerce and content apps, a straightforward drag-and-drop interface, eCommerce integration support, and a 14-day free trial with credit card setup.

9. Thunkable: Flexible app design platform

Thunkable offers a high degree of customization for building native apps, which is perfect for those who want design flexibility. It starts with a blank canvas, allowing users to build apps from scratch using drag-and-drop components. Thunkable focuses on front-end and back-end design, offering a large community with tutorials and use cases for creative control over app functionality and appearance.

10. Quixy: Workflow-oriented app builder

Quixy is a robust no-code app builder aimed at creating customized workflow applications. It provides a drag-and-drop interface and advanced features like QR code scanning and facial recognition. Quixy offers templates for standard business processes, making it easier to automate tasks while keeping apps in line with brand aesthetics.

11. Bravo Studio: Figma integration for app design

Bravo Studio is a no-code tool designed for Figma users, enabling the conversion of Figma designs into pixel-perfect mobile apps. It offers seamless integration with Figma, pixel-perfect control over UI components, affordable pricing, and a helpful support team. However, additional backend tools may be necessary for advanced features.

12. Mowico: eCommerce-focused app builder

Mowico is a no-code app developer with drag-and-drop mechanisms for creating mobile applications. It supports multiple e-commerce platforms such as WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce, and PrestaShop. Mowico offers integrations with third-party tools and is ideal for builders looking for a DIY approach to creating applications on platforms without Shopify.

13. GoodBarber: Comprehensive eCommerce app creator

GoodBarber is a no-code app builder that enables users to create apps for Android and iOS using a simple drag-and-drop interface. It provides features for managing the customer-facing side of an online store, one-click checkout, push notifications, and a web interface for back-end management, such as orders, shipping, and taxes.

14. Jotform: Free eCommerce app builder

Jotform offers a free e-commerce app builder that allows users to create apps without coding knowledge. It provides customizable templates for inserting product lists and collecting payments securely with integrated forms. Jotform is ideal for online businesses seeking a quick, simple, and efficient method to launch a custom e-commerce app.

15. Selldone: Empowering eCommerce app builder

Selldone empowers e-commerce businesses by turning visions into fully functional mobile apps. It features a no-code design interface, multichannel integration, customizable design elements, built-in analytics, and payment gateway integration. Selldone offers tools to elevate user experiences and drive business growth in mobile e-commerce.

Why look for a Builder.ai alternative?

When considering a Builder.ai alternative, the level of control and flexibility you want is often crucial. Builder.ai's managed approach means you describe your app idea, and the team takes over from there. While this removes the hassle for non-tech users, those who love hands-on building might feel restricted. If you’re itching to:

• Tweak

• Adjust

• Experiment

A platform offering more autonomy might be the way to go.

Budget Constraints and Cost Considerations

Builder.ai doesn't offer a free plan for ongoing use. While they provide a free prototype to help visualize your idea, you're looking at a commitment to a paid plan from there. Starting costs at $200 per month can be a stretch for smaller budgets. If you're seeking a more cost-effective way to get started, you might find other platforms more suited to your financial needs.

Limited tech stack options

Builder.ai simplifies things by sticking to React Native for the front end and Ruby on Rails for the back end. While this streamlines development, it also means you're out of luck if you want to use different tech like Swift or Kotlin. This can be a dealbreaker for developers wishing to explore or stick with a preferred tech stack.

Collaboration vs. Independence

Builder.ai's process involves regular collaboration with product managers. This means you'll need to provide feedback on design, make decisions on features, and stay engaged throughout development. Some appreciate this guided approach, but you should explore other tools if you prefer working independently and at your own pace.

A no-code solution for building custom Shopify pages

Instant is a user-friendly tool that transforms how you build your Shopify store. It allows eCommerce teams and agencies to create fully customizable and advanced pages without any coding knowledge. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can quickly design and publish high-converting:

• Landing pages

• Blog posts

• Product pages

• Sections

Taking control of your store's success

This maintains complete control over their store's design. Instant also offers seamless integration with Figma and other eCommerce tools, making it a versatile choice for enhancing online store performance and increasing conversions. Try Instant's Shopify product page builder today!

Choosing the Builder.ai alternative to build your online store

Choosing the right alternative to Builder.ai involves assessing what truly matters for your brand and audience. Do you need a no-code platform, or would a custom solution be more suitable? Platforms like Thunkable or Bubble offer intuitive interfaces, while custom solutions provide flexibility and scalability. Examine your needs and budget to make an informed decision. 

Streamlining user registration

First impressions matter. A clunky registration process can turn users away. Simplify onboarding by minimizing data entry and offering social login options. This helps users quickly access your app's features and fosters a seamless start to their journey.

Prioritizing secure payment options

Trust is built through security. Implement renowned payment gateways like PayPal or Stripe to reassure users. The more secure the transaction, the more likely users will complete their purchases and return for future transactions.

Utilizing in-app notifications to boost engagement

Notifications are your secret weapon. They can re-engage users and drive conversions. Use them strategically to alert customers about deals or order updates. These gentle nudges keep your brand at the forefront of your mind and encourage action.

Enhancing product catalogs with rich details

The more information, the better. Users want to know precisely what they’re getting, so provide detailed descriptions, pricing, and imagery. A comprehensive catalog builds confidence and can be the difference between a user browsing and a user buying.

Offering real-time delivery tracking

Keep customers informed. Accurate tracking lets them feel in control and reassures them that their purchase is coming. It’s a slight touch that can significantly enhance the post-purchase experience.

Providing stellar customer support

Good support transforms a bad experience into a loyal customer. Offer multiple channels like:

• Chat

• Email

• Phone support

Quick responses and solutions build trust and make users feel valued.

Why build an app for your online store?

Mobile apps are evolving so fast in the online retail sector. Recent studies suggest that smartphone owners worldwide have surpassed three billion. Many people browse the internet and shop online through their mobile devices. Online retailers leverage this trend to reach more customers, boost their sales, and improve their customer experience by developing a mobile app for their e-commerce brand.   

Why you need a mobile app for your online store

Here are some benefits of developing a mobile app for your eCommerce store. Keep reading, and you will find out why online retailers need a mobile app and a responsive website and how it can help them grow their businesses. 

Why you need an app for your online store

Smartphones have changed how we shop, with over three billion users worldwide. Many use their devices for online shopping, and businesses are jumping on this trend. Apps aren’t just another platform; they’re a game-changer. Let’s explore how a mobile app can help your online store thrive.

Personalized shopping: A must-have

Today’s shoppers want more than just products; they want personalization. 63% of consumers expect it. Apps make this easy by tracking purchases and behaviors and offering tailored recommendations. Unlike websites, apps save users’ info, streamlining future purchases.

Convenience at your fingertips

Apps offer a seamless shopping experience. No more typing URLs or waiting for pages to load. With one tap, users can access your store anytime, anywhere. Just look at Amazon: apps account for 48% of visits and 85% of mobile time. Consumers prefer apps for shopping.

Building trust and loyalty

Apps are not just a tool but a direct line to your customers. Features like push notifications let you send offers and updates to their screens. These messages have higher open rates than emails, making them an effective way to boost engagement and sales.

Reduce cart abandonment

Cart abandonment is a significant issue for online retailers, often caused by complicated checkouts. Apps simplify the process, reducing friction and increasing conversions. Users can complete their purchases with just a few clicks, making apps more efficient than websites. Apps easily integrate with payment methods like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Boost sales and loyalty

With benefits like:

• Push notifications

• Simple checkouts

• Personalized experiences

It’s no wonder apps increase sales and loyalty. Without a mobile app, retailers risk losing customers to competitors who offer a superior experience.

Optimize your Shopify store for conversions without breaking the bank with Instant's Shopify product page build

Imagine transforming your eCommerce store without needing a web development degree. Instant offers a solution that empowers Shopify users with its intuitive drag-and-drop interface. You can craft personalized landing pages, product pages, and blog posts, all while maintaining control over your store’s aesthetic. This isn’t just about convenience. It’s about elevating performance and driving conversions. Instant’s seamless integration with Figma and other eCommerce tools means you can take your design game to a new level. Whether part of a small team or a more prominent agency, this tool offers a flexible way to enhance your online presence without the coding headache.

Alternatives to Builder.ai: Why Instant stands out

When seeking a Builder.ai alternative, Instant should top your list. While Builder.ai is renowned for its no-code platform, Instant caters explicitly to the eCommerce niche. This specialization means it has features tailored to Shopify users, enabling them to craft high-converting pages efficiently. Instant’s user-centric design prioritizes ease of use, empowering those with little technical expertise to create stunning eCommerce experiences. Its integrations with Figma and other tools make it a versatile option for those seeking a Builder.ai alternative in the eCommerce space.