What Is AppSheet? What It’s Used For, and What Are the Alternatives?

Daria Mescal

·December 4, 2024

·10 min read

What Is AppSheet? What It’s Used For, and What Are the Alternatives?

Have you ever wanted to make an app without coding? That’s what AppSheet, a no code app builder, helps you do! It’s a tool that lets you build custom apps using your data. You can use it for managing tasks, tracking items, or automating work. AppSheet makes everything simple and easy.

What makes it special? It’s one of the easiest no code app builder tools to use. You don’t need to be a tech expert—just have an idea and some data.

Tip: If you already use Google Workspace, AppSheet works perfectly with it, making things even easier.

Key Takeaways

AppSheet is a tool to make apps without coding knowledge.
It works well with Google Workspace, like Sheets and Drive.
AppSheet is great for mobile use and works offline too.
It has templates for tasks like managing projects or events.
For advanced features, try FlutterFlow or ServiceNow instead.

What Is AppSheet?

Overview of AppSheet

AppSheet is a tool from Google that helps you make apps without coding. It works with your data, whether it’s in spreadsheets, databases, or cloud storage. Think of it as a way to turn your data into the app you’ve always wanted.

What makes AppSheet special is how easy it is to use. You don’t need to be a tech expert or know coding. If you’ve used Google Sheets or Excel before, you’ll find AppSheet simple to understand. It’s great for businesses or anyone who wants to organize tasks, automate work, or manage projects better.

Key Features and Strengths

AppSheet has many features that make it popular. Here’s what it offers:

Key Features and Strengths	Description
Real-time Data Collaboration	Teams can share and update info easily and quickly.
Easy Data Management	Makes handling data simple, even for beginners.
Improved Data Security	Keeps important info safe while letting work continue.
User-friendly Interface	Easy for staff to learn, boosting their work speed.

These features are proven by real users. For example, Russell Field, CEO of (CA)nnection, said, “In a short time, we built a strong system that meets our needs and beats using a rigid, pre-made package.” Another user shared how their team quickly learned the system, showing how simple AppSheet is to use.

AppSheet also works well for mobile and offline tasks. Whether you’re tracking items in faraway places or doing surveys where there’s no internet, AppSheet keeps your app running smoothly.

Integration with Google Workspace

If you already use Google Workspace, AppSheet fits right in. It works easily with Google Sheets, Google Drive, and other Workspace tools, turning your data into useful apps.

This connection isn’t just handy—it saves time and helps you get more done. With AppSheet, you can automate tasks like updating files or sending alerts without extra effort. Cool features like QR codes and NFC support make it even more useful for things like office navigation or tracking inventory.

The best part? You don’t have to start over. AppSheet uses your current Google Workspace setup to make apps that match your needs. Whether you run a small business or work in a big company, this integration makes app building easier and improves how you work.

Practical Applications of AppSheet

Common Use Cases

AppSheet is a flexible tool for making different apps. You can use it for managing teams, tracking items, or planning events. Here are some popular ways people use AppSheet:

Data management apps: Great for organizing and tracking important details.
Project management tools: Helps teams manage tasks and meet deadlines.
Customer relationship management (CRM): Tracks customer info and builds better connections.
Event management apps: Makes planning events and handling guest lists simple.
Inventory and asset tracking: Monitors stock, orders, and equipment easily.
Educational tools: Useful for creating lessons or managing class schedules.
Expense tracking apps: Keeps budgets in check and tracks spending.
Custom dashboards: Shows data clearly and creates reports you need.

Example: Schools used AppSheet for a 'Grab and Go' system. It helped them hand out Chromebooks quickly and adjust the process as needed.

No matter your job, AppSheet helps you make tools without coding.

Benefits for Mobile-First and Offline Applications

AppSheet works great for mobile and offline tasks. If your team works in areas with no internet, this tool keeps apps running.

Here’s why AppSheet is loved for mobile and offline use:

Offline functionality: Apps still work without internet, perfect for fieldwork or warehouses.
Seamless mobile experience: Apps look good and work well on phones and tablets.
High user satisfaction: AppSheet has a 4.8 out of 5 rating on G2. Users like how easy and affordable it is.

Tool	Ratings (G2)	Reviews
AppSheet	4.8 out of 5	355
Power Apps	4.2 out of 5	180

For tasks on the go, AppSheet is reliable. Its offline features and mobile-first design make it a top choice.

Industries and Scenarios Where AppSheet Excels

AppSheet works for many industries. Its simple design helps solve different problems.

Here are some industries where AppSheet is very useful:

Healthcare: Manage patient info, appointments, or clinic supplies.
Education: Make apps for schedules, student records, or learning tools.
Retail: Track stock, sales, or improve supply chains.
Construction: Use it for projects, safety checks, or tracking tools.
Nonprofits: Plan events, manage helpers, or track donations.

AppSheet also connects well with Google Workspace. If you use Google Sheets or Drive, it’s a perfect match. Whether in healthcare, education, or retail, AppSheet helps solve real problems with ease.

Alternatives to AppSheet

Overview of Popular No Code App Builders

If AppSheet isn’t right for you, don’t worry. There are many other tools to make apps without coding. Each one has special features to help you build apps easily. Here are some popular choices:

Momen: A full-stack no-code platform for building scalable, AI-powered web apps
Jotform Apps: Free and simple to use. It works with over 30 payment systems, great for online stores.
AppMachine: Fast app builder with templates you can change. Plans start at $15/month.
Caspio: A powerful tool for big projects. It uses visual tools and starts at $45/month.
Appy Pie: Famous for chatbots and apps that work offline.
PandaSuite: Makes interactive apps easily. Plans begin at $31/month.
Adalo: Focuses on professional designs with drag-and-drop tools. Costs start at $45/month.
Quickbase: A cloud tool that connects well with other systems.
Glide: Great for apps using databases. It has a clean look.

Key Differences Between AppSheet and Alternatives

When you compare AppSheet to other tools, you’ll see differences:

Focus: AppSheet is best for mobile apps and Google Workspace. Others, like Adalo, focus on design or growth.
Pricing: AppSheet uses subscriptions. Tools like AppMachine and PandaSuite have tiered plans.
Ease of Use: AppSheet is simple, especially for spreadsheet users. Some tools, like Caspio, need more tech skills.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Platform

Here’s how AppSheet compares to other tools:

Factor	AppSheet	Competitors (Varies)
Functionality	High	Changes by platform
Ease of Use	Very easy	Depends on the tool
Scalability	Moderate	High or low
Community Support	Active forums	Varies
Pricing Model	Subscription	Tiered or usage-based

AppSheet is great for mobile and offline apps. But other tools might be better for advanced designs or bigger projects.

Choosing the Right No Code App Builder

When to Choose AppSheet

AppSheet is great for making apps using your data. It works well if your data is in spreadsheets or databases. For example, teams using Google Sheets can turn their info into apps fast.

It’s also a good choice for mobile apps that work offline. This makes it useful for fieldwork, tracking inventory, or doing surveys without internet. If your business uses Google Workspace, AppSheet connects easily with tools like Google Drive and Forms.

If you need apps for managing projects or checking data, AppSheet is simple to use. Its mobile-first design makes it a smart option for internal tasks.

When to Choose an Alternative

AppSheet isn’t always the best choice. If you need apps with advanced features, FlutterFlow might work better. FlutterFlow is great for startups or creative businesses needing apps for different devices.

For apps with complex rules or API connections, try Momen. It offers more design options and handles advanced workflows. This makes it good for both team tools and customer apps.

If your app needs to grow with your business, ServiceNow App Engine or Quickbase might be better. These tools have strong backend support for scaling.

Factors to Consider

Picking the right no-code tool depends on what you need. Here are some things to think about:

Ease of Use: Choose a tool that’s simple and easy to learn.
Templates: Look for ready-made designs that fit your project.
Integrations: Make sure it works with tools like Google Workspace or APIs.
Scalability: Check if the tool can grow with your app.
Pricing: Pick one that fits your budget and needs.
Community and Support: A helpful community and good support are important.

By thinking about these points, you can find the best tool for your needs. Whether it’s AppSheet or another option, the right choice depends on your goals.

AppSheet is a no-code app builder known for being simple and fast. You can use ready-made templates to make apps quickly and change them as needed. It works well with Google Sheets, SQL databases, and APIs for managing data. Even if you don’t know coding, you can easily build apps with it.

Compared to other tools, AppSheet is great for mobile and offline use. But some users think the interface is tricky when linking external databases. If you’re new, start with free plans or templates to learn without stress.

Tip: Use AppSheet’s free plan to explore its tools. For more advanced designs or bigger projects, try FlutterFlow or ServiceNow instead.

FAQ

What is AppSheet’s free plan, and what does it include?

AppSheet’s free plan lets you try its tools for free. You can make apps for personal projects and test features. But for advanced options like team sharing or special integrations, you’ll need a paid plan.

Can I use AppSheet if I don’t have Google Workspace?

Yes, you can! AppSheet works with Excel, SQL, and cloud storage. While it works well with Google Workspace, it’s not required to use the platform.

How secure is AppSheet for handling sensitive data?

AppSheet keeps your data safe with encryption and follows security rules. You can also set who can see or edit your app’s data to keep it private.

Do I need coding skills to use AppSheet?

Nope! AppSheet is made for people who don’t code. Its drag-and-drop tools and smart features make building apps easy. If you’ve used spreadsheets, you’ll find it simple to learn.

Can I build apps for offline use with AppSheet?

Yes! AppSheet works offline too. Your app will still run without internet, which is great for remote work or warehouses. When you’re back online, it syncs automatically.

Tip: Start with a small app idea to learn AppSheet’s tools. You’ll be amazed at how fast you can create something helpful!