Top 12 AI App Builders to Watch in 2025

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The ability to create custom AI applications is no longer limited to developers with extensive coding experience. A new wave of ai app builders has democratized AI development, enabling a broader range of creators to build functional software. For coaches, consultants, and edupreneurs, this shift allows you to package your unique expertise and intellectual property into scalable digital products, such as AI-powered coaching tools, interactive learning modules, or specialized "AI Skills."

This accessibility presents a challenge: with a rapidly expanding market, choosing the right tool is critical. An ill-fitting platform can lead to wasted time, budget overruns, and a final product that falls short of your vision. For a detailed comparison of available platforms, including many AI-powered options, consider exploring this list of the 12 Best AI App Builder Tools for 2025.

This guide provides a practical, in-depth comparison of 12 leading AI app builders. We go beyond surface-level feature lists to analyze each platform’s:

Core Capabilities: What can it actually build?

Ideal User: Is it for a non-technical founder or a development team?

Best-For Scenarios: Specific use cases where the platform excels.

Technical Limitations: What are the trade-offs and potential roadblocks?

Our goal is to provide the data needed to select the right platform to bring your idea to life. Each entry includes direct links and screenshots to help you evaluate the options effectively, whether you're launching your first no-code AI assistant or deploying a complex internal enterprise tool.

1. Diya Reads

Diya Reads (from Agent 37) is one of the ai app builders designed for experts looking to productize their knowledge. It offers a streamlined, no-code pathway for coaches, authors, and consultants to transform static content like PDFs, documents, or videos into interactive, revenue-generating AI coaches. The platform’s core strength lies in its commercial focus, providing the tools to not just build an AI agent, but to launch a scalable digital product.

An AI coach named Missy, built with the Diya Reads platform, is shown in a chat interface on a laptop screen, demonstrating its conversational capabilities for storytelling advice.

The platform stands out by integrating monetization directly into the creation workflow. Users can connect their Stripe account to implement subscription or usage-based pricing models for their AI agents. This commercial-first approach is complemented by robust analytics, allowing creators to track conversations, user retention, and conversion metrics to refine their offerings and maximize revenue.

Key Strengths & Use Cases

Diya Reads' "Skills" model is a key differentiator. This feature allows creators to build modular, reusable AI capabilities that can be sold in a marketplace, creating an additional revenue stream. For example, a marketing consultant could create a "Headline Writing Assistant" Skill, while a business coach could offer a "Business Plan Outline" Skill.

This architecture is ideal for packaging repeatable workflows or niche coaching services into on-demand digital assets. The platform also emphasizes privacy and control. All uploaded content and user chats remain private and are not used to train foundational AI models, a crucial commitment for experts entrusting their proprietary knowledge to the system.

Platform Details

Best For: Coaches, consultants, authors, and training firms aiming to scale their expertise into a monetizable AI product.

Pricing: Custom subscription and revenue-share options are available. Pricing is not public; a 15-minute introductory call is required to determine the best plan for your use case.

Key Feature: Built-in Stripe integration for subscriptions and usage-based payments, paired with a marketplace for monetizing reusable AI "Skills".

Limitation: The lack of public pricing tiers may be a hurdle for those who prefer to compare costs upfront without a sales call.

2. OpenAI — ChatGPT (GPTs builder)

OpenAI’s GPT builder offers a fast path from idea to a functional AI agent. It is one of the most accessible ai app builders available, allowing you to create custom, instruction-driven chatbots called "GPTs" through a conversational interface. Users provide natural language instructions to configure the agent's behavior, knowledge base, and capabilities.

The platform's primary feature is its simplicity combined with "Actions" that connect your GPT to external APIs. For example, an edupreneur could create a GPT that answers student questions based on a proprietary knowledge base (uploaded documents) and also connects to a calendar API to schedule tutoring sessions. This turns a simple chatbot into a functional, automated assistant.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Creating conversational AI coaches, role-playing scenarios for training, or lead-qualification bots that leverage your specific intellectual property.

Limitations: The user interface is locked into the standard chat format, offering minimal customization beyond the conversation itself. It's not suitable for building standalone web or mobile apps with unique branding or complex UI elements.

Access: Building and publishing GPTs requires a paid ChatGPT Plus, Team, or Enterprise subscription. Once published to the GPT Store, other paid subscribers can discover and use your creation.

The low barrier to entry and the potential for discoverability through the GPT Store are its main advantages. A specialized AI tool can be built and deployed in under an hour.

3. Google Cloud — Vertex AI Agent Builder

For businesses already invested in the Google Cloud ecosystem, Vertex AI Agent Builder offers an enterprise-grade path from prototype to production. This platform stands out among ai app builders by providing a managed environment designed for creating sophisticated, scalable AI agents. It integrates directly with Google's infrastructure, offering advanced tooling for orchestration, governance, and observability.

Google Cloud — Vertex AI Agent Builder

Unlike simpler no-code tools, Vertex AI is built for performance and reliability. A consulting firm could use it to build an internal agent that connects to Google Drive, BigQuery, and external SaaS tools via its 100+ enterprise connectors. This allows for the creation of complex agents that can analyze proprietary data and automate internal processes with enterprise-level security. For those diving into such specialized tools, exploring the ultimate guide to agentic workflows can be beneficial for designing effective AI automation.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Technically-inclined consultants or agencies needing to build production-ready AI agents with deep integrations into enterprise data sources and Google Cloud services.

Limitations: It presents a steeper learning curve than pure no-code platforms and requires some familiarity with cloud environments. The primary value is unlocked when you are already using or planning to migrate to Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

Access: The platform operates on a usage-based pricing model with a monthly free tier, making it accessible for initial development. Costs scale as your agent's usage and complexity grow, aligning with a production environment's demands.

Vertex AI Agent Builder is a practical choice for creating AI systems that are deeply embedded in business operations and data infrastructure.

4. Microsoft Power Apps (with Copilot)

For businesses embedded in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Power Apps provides a low-code platform to build data-driven applications. As one of the more enterprise-focused ai app builders, it excels at creating internal tools that connect seamlessly with services like SharePoint, Dynamics 365, and Dataverse, enhanced with AI capabilities through its integrated Copilot and AI Builder.

Microsoft Power Apps (with Copilot)

The platform's strength is its ability to transform business processes. For example, a consulting firm could build a custom project management app that uses Copilot to summarize progress notes, forecast deadlines based on historical data, and automate client report generation. The AI Builder component allows you to add specific AI models for tasks like form processing or object detection directly into your app's workflow.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Creating internal business tools, data dashboards, and automated workflows for organizations heavily reliant on Microsoft services.

Limitations: Its value is maximized within the Microsoft ecosystem, and the licensing structure can be complex and costly for small teams or solo entrepreneurs not already subscribed to premium Microsoft plans.

Access: Power Apps is available through various Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 subscriptions. A free Developer Plan allows individuals to build and test unlimited apps in a dedicated environment before committing to a paid license.

Power Apps is a logical choice for creating AI-powered solutions that require enterprise-grade security, governance, and deep integration with existing corporate data sources.

5. Bubble

For entrepreneurs and consultants who need to build a fully-featured, custom web application powered by AI, Bubble is a dominant force in the no-code space. While not an AI-native platform, its integrated AI features make it one of the most powerful ai app builders for creating sophisticated software, such as a complete SaaS product or a complex internal tool, without writing code. You can describe the app you want, and Bubble’s AI will generate the initial pages, database structure, and core workflows.

Bubble’s standout capability is its flexibility. Unlike template-driven builders, it gives you granular control over every element, from the user interface to the backend logic and database. An edupreneur could use it to build a bespoke student portal that not only delivers course content but also uses AI (via API integrations) to generate personalized learning paths and quizzes, all within a uniquely branded environment.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Building complex, scalable web applications, SaaS products, internal tools, and client portals where full control over design and functionality is critical.

Limitations: The platform has a steeper learning curve compared to simpler builders due to its depth. Its pricing is based on "Workload Units" (WU), which requires careful monitoring to manage costs as your app's usage grows. It's designed for web apps, not native mobile apps.

Access: Bubble offers a free plan to learn the platform. Paid plans are required to launch a live app, starting with a free trial and then tiered pricing based on workload capacity and features.

The platform's main value is its ability to take you from a simple AI-generated prototype to a production-ready, enterprise-grade application on a single platform.

6. Glide

For coaches and consultants needing to build internal tools or client portals from existing data, Glide is a no-code solution that excels at turning spreadsheets and databases into functional apps quickly. As one of the most operationally-focused ai app builders, it uses AI to generate app layouts, UI components, and even transform your data directly within the platform.

The platform's key feature is its AI-powered workflow editor. A consultant could build a client progress-tracking portal that uses AI to summarize weekly check-in notes, suggest next steps, and automate email updates based on project milestones stored in an Airtable base. This transforms a simple data-viewer into an action-oriented business tool without writing any code. Glide also provides extensive training resources to help new users master its AI features quickly.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Creating data-driven internal tools, client dashboards, or simple resource directories where the primary function is to view and manipulate data from sources like Google Sheets or SQL databases.

Limitations: While powerful for internal and operational apps (CRUD-style), Glide is less suited for building highly custom, consumer-facing applications with unique user interfaces or complex branding requirements.

Access: Glide offers a free tier for individuals to start building. Paid plans unlock more features, data sources, users, and AI capabilities. Advanced AI features like Glide Agent may have a phased rollout.

Glide's strength is its ability to get a professional-looking, data-connected app running in minutes, making it ideal for streamlining internal processes or providing structured information to clients.

7. Softr

For professionals who manage client portals, internal tools, or membership sites, Softr transforms existing business data into secure, AI-powered applications. It excels at layering a user-friendly front-end onto data sources like Airtable or Google Sheets, making it one of the most practical ai app builders for creating data-driven tools. You can rapidly build portals where users can interact with their data through an embedded AI assistant that respects their individual permissions.

The platform’s standout feature is its permission-aware AI. A consultant could build a client portal where each client can only chat with an AI about their own project data, ensuring complete privacy. Furthermore, its visual workflow builder allows you to automate data enrichment or classification using AI models from OpenAI or Anthropic without writing any code, streamlining backend processes significantly.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Building secure client portals, internal business intelligence dashboards, or membership sites with a natural language interface for querying data.

Limitations: While powerful for data-centric applications, it offers less creative freedom for designing highly custom front-end user experiences compared to more design-focused builders. Some AI features are still being rolled out across all supported data sources.

Access: Softr offers a free plan to start building. Access to AI features, advanced permissions, and custom branding requires a paid subscription, starting with the Professional tier.

Softr's practical strength lies in its ability to quickly create secure, functional, and AI-enhanced business applications directly from the data sources you already use.

8. Retool (including Retool AI and Agents)

For consultants and training firms needing to build sophisticated, data-heavy internal tools or client portals, Retool offers an enterprise-grade platform. It excels at creating operational applications like dashboards, admin panels, and CRMs by connecting directly to databases (SQL) and APIs. With the addition of Retool AI, it has become one of the most powerful ai app builders for creating secure, AI-powered business applications.

Retool (including Retool AI and Agents)

The platform’s key capability is combining a drag-and-drop UI builder with robust, code-based "escape hatches" for full customization. A consulting firm could build an AI-powered project management dashboard that uses Retool AI to summarize daily progress reports from a database, analyze client feedback from an API, and suggest resource allocation adjustments, all within a secure, permission-controlled environment.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Developing secure internal dashboards, AI-driven client portals, or operational apps that require complex data integrations and strict user permissions.

Limitations: Its core focus on internal and operational tools makes it less ideal for building public-facing, consumer-grade web apps. The pricing model and feature set are geared more toward business operations than mass-market products.

Access: Retool offers various pricing tiers, including a free plan for development. Paid plans provide more resources like AI credits and Agent hours, plus enterprise features like versioning, staging environments, and audit logs.

Retool’s main advantage is its balance of no-code speed with pro-code power, all wrapped in a secure, governable framework perfect for handling sensitive business or client data.

9. Hugging Face Spaces

For developers and edupreneurs who want to quickly deploy and share interactive AI models, Hugging Face Spaces is an essential platform. It's less of a no-code builder and more of a specialized hosting environment for AI applications built with frameworks like Gradio and Streamlit. It removes the friction of server management, allowing you to go from a code repository to a live, shareable web demo in minutes.

Hugging Face Spaces

The platform's unique value is its deep integration with the broader Hugging Face ecosystem, which is the central hub for open-source AI models and datasets. A consultant could, for instance, fine-tune a specialized language model, package it into a Streamlit app that showcases its capabilities, and host it on Spaces for potential clients to interact with. This makes it one of the most powerful ai app builders for creating public-facing prototypes and proofs-of-concept.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Showcasing custom AI models, creating interactive educational tools, or building portfolio pieces that demonstrate technical expertise.

Limitations: It requires coding knowledge (Python is most common). Costs can become unpredictable for apps with high traffic, as billing is based on instance hours, especially for powerful GPUs. It lacks the enterprise-grade governance of major cloud providers.

Access: Free CPU-based hosting is available for public projects. Paid tiers offer private spaces, more powerful CPU and GPU hardware (billed per hour), and organizational features like SSO for team collaboration.

Spaces excels at bridging the gap between a trained model and a usable application. The community aspect also provides visibility, allowing your work to be discovered by a global audience of AI enthusiasts and professionals.

10. FlutterFlow

For consultants and edupreneurs aiming to build a truly native mobile app with integrated AI capabilities, FlutterFlow stands out. It's a low-code platform that translates your visual designs into clean, exportable Flutter code. This makes it one of the most powerful ai app builders for creating high-performance, cross-platform iOS and Android applications that you fully own.

The platform's key advantage is its "code-first" low-code approach. You get the speed of drag-and-drop development for your UI, but with the freedom to integrate custom logic and connect to any AI API, like OpenAI or Gemini. An executive coach, for example, could build a dedicated mobile app offering video lessons, a community forum, and an AI-powered "practice partner" for rehearsing pitches, all within a single branded experience.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Creating polished, native mobile-first apps that require custom branding, complex user interfaces, and direct integration with specific AI models.

Limitations: There is a steeper learning curve compared to no-code platforms, and a basic understanding of app development concepts is beneficial. The seat-based pricing can also become costly for larger teams.

Access: A free plan is available for basic projects. To deploy to the App Store/Play Store and access advanced features like GitHub integration or code download, you'll need a paid Standard, Pro, or Teams subscription.

FlutterFlow uniquely bridges the gap between no-code simplicity and the power of custom development. It's a practical choice when you need to build a professional, standalone AI app without writing every line of code from scratch.

11. Thunkable (AI App Builder)

For educators and aspiring app creators who need to build native mobile apps without touching a line of code, Thunkable is an excellent entry point. It stands out by integrating AI helpers directly into its visual, block-based development environment. This makes it one of the more supportive ai app builders for true beginners who want to publish directly to the iOS and Android app stores.

Thunkable (AI App Builder)

Thunkable's approach involves using AI not just for app logic but for the entire creation process. You can describe the app you want to build, and its AI will generate a project foundation with layouts and basic functionality. Additionally, an in-product AI chatbot and debugger help you solve problems as they arise, significantly lowering the learning curve for app development.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Creating simple mobile-first applications, educational tools for students, or interactive prototypes for a coaching app concept without prior coding experience.

Limitations: The reliance on a visual, block-based system can be restrictive for highly complex or performance-intensive applications. AI features operate on a token system, so heavy usage on lower-tier plans can be limited.

Access: Thunkable offers a free tier for getting started, with paid plans (starting from Starter at $25/month) providing more projects, private storage, publishing capabilities, and a larger allowance of AI tokens.

Thunkable’s main advantage is its focus on making native mobile app creation accessible. It's an ideal platform for an edupreneur looking to build a companion app for their course or a consultant wanting to prototype a unique client tool.

12. Builder.ai

For coaches or consultants who want a custom app without the hands-on development work, Builder.ai offers a service-plus-platform model. Unlike DIY ai app builders, this platform acts more like an assembly line, using AI to scope your project and provide a fixed-price quote based on pre-built features. You describe your app idea, and their system, combined with a human team, manages the entire build process for you.

The standout feature is its managed, turnkey delivery. An edupreneur could use Builder.ai to create a comprehensive coaching app with features like video modules, a community forum, and integrated payment processing without writing a line of code or managing developers. The AI-powered quoting process provides cost clarity upfront, and the service includes post-launch support and maintenance, making it a fully outsourced solution.

Key Features & Considerations

Best For: Non-technical founders, consultants, and agencies who want a completely managed, custom app built to their specifications with a guaranteed price and timeline.

Limitations: This is not a self-service platform, so you lose the direct, hands-on control offered by DIY builders. The custom-quote pricing model is typically a larger upfront investment compared to monthly subscription-based tools.

Access: The process starts with a free consultation and AI-assisted quote. Pricing is project-based and fixed before development begins, with options for prototypes, MVPs, and full-scale iOS, Android, and web applications.

Builder.ai is the choice if your goal is a high-quality, bespoke application and you prefer to invest in a team to execute your vision rather than building it yourself.

Top 12 AI App Builders Comparison

Core features	UX/Quality (★)	Target audience ()
Diya Reads	No‑code AI coaches & modular Skills; auto‑index PDFs/docs/videos; voice & chat; prompts/guardrails; single‑snippet embed	★★★★☆
OpenAI — ChatGPT (GPTs builder)	No‑code GPT builder; knowledge uploads, tools, web browsing; GPT Store	★★★★☆
Google Cloud — Vertex AI Agent Builder	ADK/Agent Engine; sessions/memory; 100+ connectors; observability & governance	★★★★☆
Microsoft Power Apps (with Copilot)	No‑code UI & data modeling; 700+ connectors; Copilot/AI Builder; Dataverse	★★★☆☆
Bubble	Visual web app builder; built‑in DB, workflows, plugins, templates	★★★☆☆
Glide	Sheets→apps conversion; AI app generation; workflow editor; templates	★★★★☆
Softr	Portal builder over Airtable/SQL/Sheets; Ask AI assistant; DB agents	★★★☆☆
Retool (incl. Retool AI & Agents)	Drag‑drop UIs + SQL/REST/GraphQL connectors; AI credits & managed Agents	★★★★☆
Hugging Face Spaces	Host Gradio/Streamlit/Next.js apps; free CPU + pay‑as‑you‑go GPUs; community	★★★☆☆
FlutterFlow	Drag‑drop Flutter UI builder; code export; AI assists; app store deploy	★★★☆☆
Thunkable (AI App Builder)	Blocks editor; AI project generation; in‑builder chatbot & debugger; tokened AI	★★★☆☆
Builder.ai	Managed scoping & build; AI quoting; pay‑per‑feature fixed proposals; maintenance	★★★☆☆

Choosing Your Platform and Launching Your First AI App

The path from idea to functional AI application has never been more accessible. The landscape of AI app builders is varied, offering solutions for everyone from non-technical coaches and edupreneurs to developers seeking to accelerate their workflow. The need for a full-stack development team to launch a simple AI-powered tool is no longer a given.

The tools detailed in this guide, from the hyper-specific Diya Reads to the enterprise-grade Google Vertex AI, share a common goal: to lower the barrier to entry for creating intelligent applications. Your primary task is now strategically selecting the right tool for your specific vision and business model.

Synthesizing Your Options: A Practical Decision Framework

Choosing the right platform becomes clearer when you anchor your decision in your core objectives. Here is a breakdown of the key takeaways to guide your selection.

For Content Monetization (Coaches & Edupreneurs): If your goal is to transform your existing content (books, courses, podcasts) into an interactive, revenue-generating AI coach, a purpose-built platform like Diya Reads is the most direct route. It abstracts away technical complexities, allowing you to focus on curating your expertise.

For Custom Web & Mobile Apps: When you need a fully bespoke application with unique user flows, databases, and third-party integrations, platforms like Bubble and FlutterFlow offer unparalleled flexibility. These are true "build anything" environments that come with a steeper learning curve.

For Internal Business Tools & Workflows: To automate internal processes, build dashboards, or create custom admin panels, Retool and Microsoft Power Apps are designed for this exact purpose. They excel at connecting to internal data sources and streamlining operations.

For Simple, Data-Driven Apps: For creating data-driven apps from a spreadsheet or database with minimal setup, Glide and Softr are exceptional choices. They are ideal for building client portals, directories, and internal resource hubs quickly.

Key Factors for Your Final Decision

Before you commit to a platform, evaluate it against these critical implementation factors:

Scope vs. Scalability: Start with a clear definition of your Minimum Viable Product (MVP). What is the one core problem your AI app must solve? Choose a tool that allows you to build that MVP quickly. Don’t select a complex platform like Bubble if a simpler tool like Diya Reads or Glide can achieve your initial goal faster.

Technical Comfort Zone: Be realistic about your own skills and the time you're willing to invest in learning. No-code platforms like Diya Reads or Glide are designed for non-technical users, while low-code tools like Retool or Bubble require a more logical, systems-thinking mindset.

Data and IP Control: Understand how each platform handles your data. For coaches and consultants, your intellectual property is your most valuable asset. Platforms like Diya Reads are built around protecting and monetizing that IP, while others might have different data residency and usage policies.

Total Cost of Ownership: Look beyond the monthly subscription fee. Consider costs related to AI model usage (e.g., API calls to OpenAI), data storage, and the number of users. Factor in the value of your own time; a slightly more expensive platform that saves you dozens of hours is often a better investment.

Your Launchpad for AI Innovation

The most important takeaway is that the perfect tool is the one that empowers you to launch. The world of AI app builders has democratized technology, placing the power of artificial intelligence directly into the hands of creators, experts, and entrepreneurs. Your insights, specialized knowledge, and connection with your audience are the ingredients that will make your AI application valuable. These platforms are simply the vessels.

Start small, focus on solving a genuine problem for your audience, and iterate based on their feedback. The technology is ready. Your expertise is the key. Now is the time to build.

Ready to transform your expert content into a monetizable AI coach without writing a single line of code? Diya Reads is one of the specialized ai app builders designed specifically for creators and consultants to launch powerful AI skills from their existing materials in minutes. Explore Diya Reads and build your first AI assistant today.