Superblocks alternatives: 5 best tools for building internal apps

With the increased popularity of ​​low-code development, more and more companies are seeking faster, cheaper ways to output custom apps without sacrificing quality. The market is hugely varied, so different vendors target specific types of user personas, use cases, and team sizes. 

This often makes it tricky for companies to determine which one suits the best. And what's harder - switch to a new tool when not being fully satisfied with the current solution, like Superblocks. Even with its dominance in this sector, Superblocks lacks flexibility, some advanced features and has limited customization.

So, whether you are looking for an easier interface, higher customization options, or the ability to expand the tool's functionality, there are several excellent alternatives. Let's explore five best ones.

UI Bakery

As a low-code platform specifically designed to build internal apps, tools, dashboards and admin panels, UI Bakery suits non-developers and developers alike. Its drag-and-drop interface ensures visualization and ease of use for everyone. 

UI Bakery's functionality can be quickly expanded through its rich integration list, which includes REST APIs, databases, and GraphQL. The platform's best feature is its high customization level, which ensures that users can create tools tailored to their specific business needs. 

Users may want to start using UI Bakery with ready templates designed for almost every purpose.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop interface that ensures fast visual development
• A vast range of pre-built templates for almost any use case
• Numerous integrations with REST APIs and databases
• Customizable elements to ensure the app fits specific needs
• Role-based access control for secure management

Pros:

• Intuitive interface suitable for both technical and non-technical users
• Strong customization options
• Supports a wide range of integrations
• Fast deployment and iteration

Cons:

• It may require some learning curve for advanced customizations
• Limited offline support

Retool

The second option worth trying is Retool. This one is also a pretty popular platform for quickly building internal tools.Like any other tool in this list, Retool is powered by integration capabilities with data sources and APIs and design interfaces using a drag-and-drop editor. Retool is known for its ability to deploy applications within minutes. Chosen by tech teams for its flexibility and extensive customization options, this platform best suits complex applications.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop editor for UI design
• Integrations include SQL, NoSQL, and third-party APIs
• Advanced JavaScript support for custom logic
• Built-in components like tables, forms, and charts

Pros:

• High customization level with support for advanced scripting
• Extensive library of pre-built elements
• Best for complex, data-driven applications

Cons:

• Does not suit non-tech users
• Pricing can be high for small teams

Appsmith

Appsmith, as an open-source solution, allows both small teams and large enterprises to build custom internal tools for free. It has a drag-and-drop interface and a wide range of pre-built widgets but users can also choose a paid plan to add more advanced functionality for complex applications. Favored by tech users, Appsmith also has a wide community support and can be self-hosted.

Key features:

• Open-source and self-hosted 
• Drag-and-drop interface powered by pre-built widgets
• Supports integration with databases, APIs, and custom queries
• Extensive customization through JavaScript

Pros:

• Offers community support
• Free and open-source with self-hosting options

Cons:

• Requires technical knowledge to set up and customize
• Limited support for non-technical users

Jet Admin

Jet Admin is a no-code/low-code platform that will be a perfect choice for teams of different sizes. Designed for building internal tools and admin panels, Jet Admin offers a sleek and easy to understand interface, making it easy to develop dashboards, manage data, and automate workflows. In terms of integrations, Jet Admin connects to a vast range of data sources and APIs, so users can build dynamic apps without extensive coding knowledge.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop functionality for easy development
• Integration with databases, APIs, and third-party services
• Offers customizable elements and layouts
• Powered by real-time data updates and tools for team collaboration

Pros:

• Non-tech friendly
• Strong automation and workflow capabilities
• Has some great integration options

Cons:

• Limited customization when compared to developer-focused tools 
• Pricing tends be high for larger teams

Forest Admin

Forest Admin platform makes it easy to build internal tools by connecting to your data sources and working through a visual drag-and-drop editor for custom apps. It's often chosen by teams seeking complex tools in a short time without having too deep tech expertise. Favored by its flexibility and high security, Forest Admin is closing our list of best alternatives for Superblocks.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop interface for visual development
• Integrations with databases, APIs, and other data sources
• Real-time data visualization and management
• Audit logs and advanced security features

Pros:

• Easy to set up and get started
• Flexible and customizable
• Integrations with well-known databases

Cons:

• It can be complex for non-technical users
• Higher cost for larger teams

Wrapping up

While Superblocks is a powerful tool for building internal applications, these five alternatives offer diverse features that might better suit your specific needs. UI Bakery stands out for its user-friendly design and strong customization options, making it an excellent choice for teams looking to build internal tools with minimal hassle. 

Retool and Appsmith offer powerful alternatives for more technically inclined users, while Jet Admin and Forest Admin provide intuitive interfaces for teams looking for quick deployment and automation capabilities. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice will depend on your team's specific requirements and technical expertise.

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