AppSheet vs PowerApps: Which No-Code Platform Is Right for You?

At Idun Group, we asked ourselves, which technology to choose between AppSheet and PowerApps? Discover our analysis of the key differences between AppSheet and PowerApps, two leading no-code app development platforms.

Main Features 🔎

AppSheet and PowerApps are both no-code platforms that allow you to create applications without requiring deep programming skills. These platforms share the following features:

• No-Code App Creation: Allows building apps using spreadsheets as databases.
• Automations: Offers automation features to simplify workflows.
• Customization: Easily customizable according to specific user needs.
• Cross-Platform: Works on Android, iOS, and web browsers.
• Wide Range of Connectors: Provides numerous connectors to integrate various data sources.

In terms of functionality, both platforms are similar, with AppSheet having an edge by allowing apps to be deployed on the Play Store as "Stand Alone." At this stage, there is no fundamental difference in features.

Pricing & Subscription Model 💲

Cost is often a decisive factor when choosing an app development platform.

AppSheet:

• Free Plan: Free to use as long as apps are not deployed, with no prerequisites.
• Paid Plans: Pricing is based on the number of users and additional features, ranging from $5 to $10 per user per month.
• Special Plans: Offers packages for small businesses and custom solutions for large enterprises.
• Integrated License: Core license included in Google Workspace subscription at no additional cost.

PowerApps:

• Free Plan: Includes limited features and requires a Microsoft Developer account.
• Subscriptions: Multiple subscription plans available, ranging from $12 (if over 2,000 licenses) to $40 per user per month.
• Integrated License: Licenses can be obtained via Microsoft 365 or Dynamics 365 subscriptions, which can be advantageous for businesses already using these services.
• Product & Add-Ons: Offers complementary solutions for more advanced use. Note that Power Automate handles logic, requiring an additional subscription. You can also subscribe to the Power Platform suite for an extra cost.

Both platforms offer freemium options, but AppSheet’s pricing is clearer and more accessible with a single pricing model covering all features. On the other hand, PowerApps requires additional investments to fully exploit the technology.

Ease of Use 🤳

Since these tools are no-code, ease of use is crucial for users without deep technical skills.

AppSheet:

• Intuitive Interface: AppSheet’s interface is designed with drag-and-drop functionality and input aids, making it easy to learn and create apps.
• Guides and Tutorials: Offers many tutorials and comprehensive documentation for beginners and experts alike.
• Community: An active AppSheet-centered community ready to assist and share tips.
• Templates: A wide range of templates offered by Google and third-party users to facilitate app creation.
• Environment: One environment for deployment and version management with one-click operation.

PowerApps:

• Familiar Interface: The user interface is consistent with other Microsoft products, which may be familiar to Microsoft 365 users.
• Guides and Tutorials: Access to a large library of training resources and Microsoft Learn documentation.
• Pre-Designed Templates: Offers two predefined app types for a quick start.
• Community: A community for each tool (PowerApps, Power Automate, etc.) to help with specific questions.
• Environment: Multiple environments, allowing the management of several versions of the same app.

Conclusion

Choosing between AppSheet and PowerApps depends on your specific needs. If you need an app with a highly customized user interface and have solid IT skills, PowerApps is for you. If you prefer a simple, fast, and easy-to-deploy solution and don’t have much IT knowledge, AppSheet is the best option.

Also, consider what your business uses: PowerApps is ideal if you're already in the Microsoft ecosystem, while AppSheet is the perfect solution if you work in Google’s environment.

AppSheet is ideal for users looking for a simple and quick-to-integrate solution, while PowerApps is perfect for those already working within the Microsoft ecosystem and requiring deeper integration.

At Idun Group, we opted for Google AppSheet and have become experts. Using and learning AppSheet, which aligns perfectly with Google’s philosophy of making complex solutions accessible in a simple way, was a decisive factor in our choice.

Would you like to learn more about AppSheet or see how the platform can meet your needs?

‍

Contact us!

‍