Glide is a no-code platform that turns spreadsheets and databases, including Google Sheets and SQL sources, into functional web and mobile apps without writing code. Users connect a data source, then use Glide's visual builder to design app layouts, forms, and workflows that read from and write back to the underlying data automatically. Apps built with Glide are mobile-responsive by default and can also run on Glide's own built-in database when an external spreadsheet is not needed. Pricing is credit-based across Free, Solo, Team, and Enterprise tiers, and the platform is aimed at small businesses and internal-tools teams who want to turn existing operational data into a usable app fast, without a native app-store publishing path.
Rowy is a low-code backend platform built on Google Cloud and Firebase that lets teams manage a live database through a spreadsheet-style grid while developers write real backend logic in the same environment. It supports over 30 field types, derivative fields that recalculate automatically, and action fields that trigger Node.js functions with any npm package. The platform is aimed at teams building on Firebase or Google Cloud who want to move faster: developers get a visual layer for cloud functions and webhooks, while non-technical teammates get a familiar spreadsheet interface with role-based access controls. Rowy is open source, with extensions for Slack, SendGrid, and WhatsApp, and works alongside frontend stacks like React, Vue, Flutter, and Svelte.
- Extremely fast to turn an existing spreadsheet into a usable app
- No coding knowledge required to build functional business tools
- Mobile-friendly apps out of the box
- Built-in database option removes the need for external spreadsheets
- Open source with a large public GitHub community
- Spreadsheet interface lowers the barrier for non-developers
- Deep Firebase and Google Cloud integration
- Generous free tier for a single project
- Credit-based usage model can make costs unpredictable as apps scale
- No native path to publish apps in the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Team plan's included user allotment can be limiting for growing organizations
- Tied closely to the Firebase/GCP ecosystem, less useful outside it
- Business-tier features like data version control require custom pricing
- Learning curve for teams unfamiliar with Firestore data modeling
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Glide
View all →
Alternatives to Rowy
View all →
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataRowy is best for teams needing deep Firebase/GCP integration and open‑source control, while Glide excels at turning any spreadsheet into a quick, no‑code mobile app.
Key differences
- •Rowy integrates natively with Firebase, Cloud Functions, and Google Cloud services; Glide works with Google Sheets, Excel, and generic SQL sources.
- •Rowy offers a spreadsheet UI that also supports custom Node.js actions and field‑level permissions; Glide provides a visual app builder with ready‑made mobile layouts.
- •Rowy is open source and can be self‑hosted; Glide is a closed SaaS product.
- •Rowy’s pricing is freemium with generous free tier for a single project; Glide uses a credit‑based model that can become unpredictable as usage grows.
- •Rowy targets developers and product teams building on GCP; Glide targets small businesses and non‑technical users needing rapid app creation.
Pricing & value
Glide’s freemium credit model can become costly at scale, but Rowy’s free tier is limited to one project; both start free.
Ease of use / learning curve
Glide’s visual no‑code builder is aimed at non‑technical users, whereas Rowy requires Firestore data modeling knowledge.
Features & depth
Rowy provides custom Node.js actions, field‑level permissions, and open‑source extensibility not offered by Glide.
Integrations & ecosystem
Rowy connects directly to Firebase, Slack, SendGrid, Twilio, WhatsApp; Glide only supports Google Sheets, Excel, and generic SQL.
Collaboration
Both offer role‑based permissions (Rowy field‑level, Glide team dashboards) but differ in granularity.
Scalability
Rowy leverages Firebase/Google Cloud scalability; Glide’s credit‑based usage can limit large‑scale deployments.
Support
Glide provides dedicated success managers for Enterprise; Rowy offers community and email support, priority only for Business tier.
Security & privacy
Rowy is open source, allowing self‑hosting and code audit; Glide is closed source SaaS.
Migration / lock‑in
Rowy’s open‑source nature lets teams self‑host or move code; Glide locks users into its platform and credit model.
Choose Glide if…
Non‑technical teams needing to quickly turn spreadsheets into mobile‑friendly apps without coding.
Choose Rowy if…
Developers building on Firebase/GCP who need custom backend logic and open‑source control.
Common questions
Can I self‑host the platform?
Rowy is open source and can be self‑hosted; Glide is a closed SaaS platform, not self‑hostable.
What data sources are supported?
Rowy works with Firestore, Postgres, and BigQuery; Glide supports Google Sheets, Excel, and generic SQL databases.
How does pricing change as usage grows?
Rowy’s free tier covers one project; additional features need Business pricing. Glide uses a credit‑based model that can become unpredictable with higher app usage.