In 2025, the best low-code tools to build apps are becoming the go-to solution for creating powerful business apps quickly and without extensive programming. Among the most popular options are Microsoft Power Apps and Google AppSheet — two giants offering powerful features but targeting slightly different audiences and use cases.
In this article, we’ll compare Power Apps and AppSheet, walk you through step-by-step instructions for building apps on both, and help you decide which one suits your needs best.
What Are Low-Code App Builders?
Low-code platforms allow users to develop apps using drag-and-drop tools, pre-built components, and simplified logic, often without writing any code. They’re perfect for:
- Business process automation
- Data-driven mobile apps
- Internal tools and dashboards
How to Create an App in Microsoft Power Apps
Power Apps is a Microsoft product designed for business users to automate workflows and build apps that integrate with the Microsoft ecosystem (Excel, SharePoint, Teams, Dataverse).
Steps to Build a Mobile App in Power Apps:
- Visit https://make.powerapps.com
- Sign in using your Microsoft 365 account.
- Click “Create” > “Blank app” > “Phone layout”
- Add data sources (Excel, SharePoint, or Dataverse).
- Use the drag-and-drop canvas to add forms, buttons, galleries.
- Configure actions using Power Fx (a low-code formula language).
- Preview the app using the “Play” button.
- Click “Publish” > “Share” to deploy the app internally (no APK option).
✅ Pros of Power Apps:
- Deep integration with Microsoft tools.
- Good for enterprise-level workflows and data.
- Includes AI Builder and automation via Power Automate.
❌ Cons of Power Apps:
- No native APK generation (can’t publish to Play Store).
- Limited customization compared to full-code tools.
- Requires Microsoft 365 or Azure environment for most features.
🛠️ How to Create an App in Google AppSheet
- Go to https://www.appsheet.com
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Click “New App” > “Start from your own data”
- Select a Google Sheet, Excel file, or database.
- AppSheet auto-generates a UI from your data.
- Customize layouts, views, and behaviors using visual tools.
- Add logic with expressions (e.g., show_if, valid_if).
- Test the app using mobile emulator or AppSheet app.
- Click “Deploy” > Export APK for Android or share via link.
✅ Pros of Google AppSheet:
- APK export supported (publishable to Play Store).
- Works offline by default.
- Easy integration with Google Workspace (Sheets, Drive, Forms).
- Free tier for personal use and prototyping.
❌ Cons of Google AppSheet:
- Limited UI design flexibility.
- Less control over branding in free plan.
- Advanced features need understanding of AppSheet expressions.
⚖️ Final Comparison: Power Apps vs AppSheet
| Feature | Power Apps | AppSheet |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Microsoft ecosystem | Google Workspace |
| Ideal For | Enterprises, internal tools | SMEs, field apps, mobile users |
| APK Support | ❌ Not available | ✅ Available (Android APK export) |
| Offline Mode | Partially supported | Full offline support |
| UI Flexibility | High (custom layout + formulas) | Moderate (predefined views) |
| Learning Curve | Moderate (Power Fx, UI logic) | Easy for beginners |
| Pricing | Paid (with trial) | Free and paid plans |
| Automation Support | Power Automate, AI Builder | Google Apps Script, built-in workflows |
📝 Conclusion
Both Power Apps and AppSheet are excellent low-code platforms in 2025, each with its own strengths.
- Choose Power Apps if you’re working within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, need tight integration with enterprise tools, and are building internal business apps.
- Go with AppSheet if you’re in the Google environment, need APK export, or want to build simple apps quickly with offline access.