Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Thunkable in 2025

As Thunkable continues to be a popular choice for building mobile applications, 2025 has brought forth a variety of open-source alternatives that cater to different needs and use cases. Here's an exploration of the top 10 Thunkable alternatives for developers and businesses seeking flexibility, privacy, and control.

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1. Appsmith

Description: An open-source low-code platform designed for rapidly building and deploying internal tools.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop UI builder.
Inline JavaScript customization.
Integration with various databases and APIs.
Pre-built widgets for common functionalities.
Version control and collaboration features.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Self-Hosted: Yes
Target Use: Internal applications
Customization: High
Integrations: Wide range of databases and APIs Learn more about Appsmith

2. Budibase

Description: An open-source, low-code platform for creating internal tools by connecting to databases, APIs, and spreadsheets.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop interface for app building.
Supports various databases, REST APIs, Docker, and Kubernetes.
Pre-built components for forms, portals, and approval apps.
Ability to create apps from data schemas and forms without code.
Apps can be rendered on various devices.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Self-Hosted: Yes
Target Use: Internal tools, portals, forms
Customization: Medium to High
Deployment: Docker and Kubernetes support Explore Budibase

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3. ToolJet

Description: An open-source, drag-and-drop platform designed for building custom internal tools.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop UI builder.
JavaScript and Python support for customization.
Integration with various databases and APIs.
Pre-built components for faster development.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Self-Hosted: Yes
Target Use: Internal tools
Customization: High
Programming Languages: JavaScript and Python Discover ToolJet

4. Saltcorn

Description: A free, open-source, low-code platform enabling users to create web and mobile applications via a drag-and-drop builder.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop builder for web and mobile app development.
Fast deployment and development.
Focus on ease of use for non-technical users.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Self-Hosted: Yes
Target Use: Web and mobile apps
Customization: Medium
Ease of Use: High for non-technical users Explore Saltcorn

5. NocoBase

Description: An open-source, self-hosted, no-code/low-code platform focused on rapid development and extensibility.
Key Features:
Data-model-driven approach.
Plugin and modular architecture for extending functionality.
Designed for building complex business systems.
Data Points:
Open Source: Yes
Self-Hosted: Yes
Target Use: Enterprise applications
Customization: High (through plugins)
Architecture: Data-model driven Learn more about NocoBase

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6. FlutterFlow

Description: A low-code app builder with a focus on visual design and extensive customization. While not fully open-source, it is a powerful alternative.
Key Features:
Visual drag-and-drop builder.
Code extensibility and visual logic builder.
Hundreds of customizable templates.
Ability to download the source code.
Data Points:
Open Source: No (Low-code)
Self-Hosted: No
Target Use: Mobile app development, freelancers, and agencies
Customization: High, with code extensibility
Templates: Extensive library Explore FlutterFlow

7. Jotform Apps

Description: A no-code platform for creating customizable apps from scratch or using templates.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop app builder.
Design options with customizable layouts.
Integrates with 30+ payment gateways.
Offers over 70 widgets.
Mobile app for iOS and Android.
Data Points:
Open Source: No (no-code)
Self-Hosted: No
Target Use: Customizable apps
Customization: High
Integrations: Over 240 software integrations Discover Jotform Apps

8. Adalo

Description: A no-code platform known for its design-centric approach to app development.
Key Features:
Visual Editor with drag-and-drop tools.
Component Marketplace.
Direct publishing to iOS and Android stores.
In-app payment tools.
Data Points:
Open Source: No (no-code)
Self-Hosted: No
Target Use: Design-focused app creators, small businesses
Customization: Medium
Publishing: Direct to app stores Explore Adalo

9. Bubble

Description: A powerful no-code platform for creating complex web applications.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop interface.
Database management capabilities.
Integration with external APIs.
Customizable workflows without code.
Data Points:
Open Source: No (no-code)
Self-Hosted: No
Target Use: Complex web applications
Customization: High
API Integrations: Extensive Discover Bubble

10. Glide

Description: A platform focused on creating simple mobile apps with an emphasis on aesthetics.
Key Features:
Template Library
No-code app building
Design focused
Data Points:
Open Source: No (no-code)
Self-Hosted: No
Target Use: Simple mobile apps
Customization: Medium
Aesthetics: High emphasis on visual appeal Explore Glide

This list provides a comprehensive overview of the top open-source and low-code/no-code platforms available in 2025, catering to various needs ranging from internal tool development to full-fledged app design. Each platform offers unique features and customization options, making it essential to choose one based on specific project requirements and capabilities.

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FAQ

1. What is Appsmith and what are its key features?

Appsmith is an open-source low-code platform for rapidly building and deploying internal tools. It features a drag-and-drop UI builder, inline JavaScript customization, and integration with various databases and APIs. It also offers pre-built widgets and version control alongside collaboration features. Learn more about Appsmith

2. What does Budibase offer to its users?

Budibase is an open-source, low-code platform designed for creating internal tools by connecting to databases, APIs, and spreadsheets. It supports a drag-and-drop interface, has Docker and Kubernetes support, and can create apps from data schemas. Discover Budibase

3. How does ToolJet help in building custom internal tools?

ToolJet is an open-source, drag-and-drop platform for building custom internal tools. It supports JavaScript and Python for customization, integrates with various databases and APIs, and includes pre-built components for rapid development. Explore ToolJet

4. Is Saltcorn a good option for non-technical users?

Yes, Saltcorn is a free, open-source, low-code platform that allows users to create web and mobile applications through a user-friendly drag-and-drop builder, making it highly accessible for non-technical users. Learn more about Saltcorn

5. What is NocoBase suitable for?

NocoBase is an open-source, self-hosted no-code/low-code platform ideal for building complex business systems due to its data-model-driven approach and plugin architecture. Discover NocoBase

6. Can I use FlutterFlow to build mobile apps?

Yes, FlutterFlow is a low-code app builder tailored for mobile app development. It includes visual drag-and-drop functionality, code extensibility options, and a vast library of customizable templates. Explore FlutterFlow

7. What are the capabilities of Jotform Apps?

Jotform Apps is a no-code platform for creating customizable apps using a drag-and-drop builder. It integrates with over 30 payment gateways, supports more than 240 software integrations, and offers a variety of design layouts and widgets. Learn more about Jotform Apps

8. Is Adalo suitable for small businesses?

Yes, Adalo's design-centric, no-code platform is well-suited for small businesses and app creators seeking a visual editor, component marketplace, and direct publishing options to iOS and Android stores. Discover Adalo

9. How can Bubble assist in developing complex web applications?

Bubble is a no-code platform designed for creating complex web applications. It includes a drag-and-drop interface, database management, extensive API integrations, and customizable workflows. Explore Bubble

10. What are Glide's strengths in app building?

Glide focuses on easy, no-code app building with a high emphasis on design and aesthetics, making it ideal for creating visually appealing simple mobile apps. Learn more about Glide

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.