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Top 10 Low-Code Platform Comparisons and Reviews

December 12, 2024
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Searching for a low-code platform to streamline app development? From Blaze.tech’s unmatched customization to OutSystems’ enterprise-ready features and Mendix’s seamless integrations, there’s something here for everyone — whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or part of a growing team.

Read on to learn more about: 

  • Overview of the top low-code platforms
  • How we chose this list and what to look for
  • Detailed reviews of the top 10 low-code platforms
  • Tips for choosing the right platform based on your needs

Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s dive in.

The 10 Best Low-Code Platforms Compared: At a Glance

  1. Blaze.tech: Best Overall for Customization
  2. OutSystems: Best for Enterprise Solutions
  3. Mendix: Best for Advanced Integration
  4. Quickbase: Best for Data Automation
  5. Zoho Creator: Best for Zoho Ecosystem Users
  6. Airtable: Best for Collaboration
  7. Betty Blocks: Best for Citizen Developers
  8. Xano: Best for Backend Development
  9. Appian: Best for Process Automation
  10. Knack: Best for Simple Apps

Why Choose a Low-Code Platform?

Building applications from scratch can feel like scaling a mountain, especially if coding isn’t your forte. That’s where low-code platforms make sense — they flatten the learning curve and make app development accessible for everyone. Here’s why they’re worth considering:

1. Faster Development

Think weeks instead of months. Low-code platforms slash development time by up to 50%, thanks to drag-and-drop builders, pre-made templates, and streamlined workflows. Whether you’re racing against a tight deadline or simply eager to launch your idea, these tools keep you moving forward.

2. Lower Costs

Hiring a full development team isn’t cheap. With low-code platforms, you can build robust applications without the hefty price tag. By empowering your existing team — technical or not — you’ll save money while still achieving high-quality results.

3. Ease of Use

You don’t need to be a coding wizard to create something amazing. Low-code platforms are designed with simplicity in mind, featuring intuitive interfaces that let non-technical users bring their ideas to life. That means less time scratching your head and more time getting things done.

4. Scalability

As your business grows, your apps need to keep up. The best low-code platforms are built to scale, handling everything from small projects to enterprise-level systems. Need to add more features, users, or data? No problem — they’ve got you covered.

Low-code isn’t just a trend –– it’s a smarter, faster, and more cost-effective way to build apps that work for you. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, launch a new product, or solve a unique business challenge, a low-code platform makes it all possible.

How We Chose These Low-Code Platforms

Selecting a low-code platform can be overwhelming, with so many options. We evaluated platforms based on ease of use, flexibility, integrations, security, scalability, and real business needs, ensuring accessibility for all users.

Ease of Use

Low-code platforms should simplify app development for both technical and non-technical users. The platforms on this list prioritize simplicity, with straightforward tools that let anyone start creating without extensive training

Flexibility and Customization

The platforms featured here are designed to handle diverse business needs across industries like healthcare, finance, retail, and education. They allow for tailored workflows, niche features, and scalable solutions to grow alongside your business.

Powerful Integrations

These platforms offer robust API access and prebuilt connectors for tools like CRMs, cloud storage, and databases. They simplify integration, enabling efficient workflows and a cohesive tech stack to enhance productivity.

Compliance and Security

Compliance and security are crucial for industries handling sensitive data. Platforms in this guide meet standards like SOC 2 and HIPAA, protecting your business from vulnerabilities and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Community and Support

Strong support systems are essential. These platforms provide responsive customer service, active user communities, and self-guided learning resources like tutorials and FAQs to help users overcome challenges and maximize functionality.

Pricing and Value

The platforms offer transparent pricing and scalable plans to fit different budgets. They deliver value through functionality, usability, and tools that grow with your business, ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Other Factors We Considered

  • Templates and Plugins: Extensive libraries of templates and plugins enable quick starts and faster development.
  • Rapid Deployment: These platforms accelerate development, allowing quicker feedback and iterations.
  • Scalability: Flexible solutions that support business growth, whether for MVPs or enterprise-level systems.

Top 10 Low-Code Platform Comparisons and Reviews

1. Blaze.tech

Blaze.tech combines low-code simplicity with advanced customization and compliance features. Its drag-and-drop interface allows non-technical users to create powerful apps, while its scalability makes it ideal for growing businesses.

Key Features

  • AI integration: Blaze includes AI-powered tools that help users build apps with ease. By entering simple text-based prompts, you can set up workflows, database queries, and user interfaces without needing coding skills.
  • Compliance and security: The platform is SOC 2 certified and HIPAA compliant, ensuring that sensitive data is securely managed and meets strict regulatory requirements. This makes it an excellent option for industries like healthcare and finance.
  • Real-time data syncing: Blaze enables apps to sync data instantly across all connected systems. This feature ensures that your operations run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Extensive template library: The platform provides a wide range of ready-made templates for common use cases such as patient portals, CRM systems, and inventory management. These templates save time and help you start building quickly.
  • Enterprise scalability: Blaze is built to handle complex workflows and processes, including multi-step automations and API integrations. It is designed to scale as your business grows, making it suitable for organizations with expanding needs.

Best for

Blaze is best for businesses that operate in highly regulated industries like healthcare and finance. It’s also an excellent choice for organizations looking to automate internal processes and boost productivity without needing a team of developers.

Pricing

Blaze offers flexible pricing options tailored to business needs:

  • Internal Plan ($400/month): Ideal for internal use, featuring unlimited apps, users, and data storage, along with strong security measures. However, external users are not included.
  • Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): Designed for companies with more complex requirements, this plan adds external user access, custom APIs, and advanced user management. It is perfect for organizations that need HIPAA compliance and public-facing apps.

2. OutSystems

OutSystems offers enterprise-grade solutions with advanced scalability and integration capabilities. It excels at creating applications for large-scale organizations with complex workflows.

Key Features

  • Multi-platform development: OutSystems allows you to create apps for both web and mobile platforms using a single codebase. This ensures consistency across devices and simplifies development.
  • AI-powered tools: The platform includes AI-powered features that assist with coding, automating workflows, and catching errors during development. These tools help speed up the process and improve efficiency.
  • Scalability: OutSystems is designed to handle high volumes of users and large workloads without compromising performance. This makes it a strong option for businesses with growing demands.
  • Drag-and-drop interface: With an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can design workflows, connect databases, and build complex applications without extensive technical knowledge.
  • Built-in security: The platform incorporates security at every stage of the development process. It includes automatic updates to keep applications protected from emerging threats.

Best for

OutSystems is ideal for large enterprises that need scalable applications with advanced workflows. It’s particularly well-suited for organizations that want to create multi-platform apps quickly and adapt to changing business requirements.

Pricing

OutSystems provides custom pricing tailored to enterprise needs. Interested businesses can reach out to discuss solutions and receive a quote based on their specific requirements.

3. Mendix

Mendix supports advanced integrations and customization for data-heavy applications. It offers visual workflows and templates for faster app creation.

Key Features

  • AI-assisted development: Mendix provides AI tools that guide users through the app-building process. These tools offer suggestions for creating workflows, integrating machine learning models, and setting up app features efficiently.
  • Cloud-native architecture: The platform’s cloud-native design ensures that applications can be deployed on any cloud platform, and its auto-scaling capabilities make it easy to handle increased usage.
  • Collaboration tools: Mendix includes built-in project management features that make it easy for business and IT teams to work together. These tools are designed to support Agile development practices and keep teams aligned.
  • Customizable components: For businesses with more advanced needs, Mendix allows users to build custom components using Java or JavaScript. These components can be reused across applications, saving time and effort.
  • Integrated tools: Mendix enables users to create dashboards and reports directly within the platform, making it easier to analyze data and gain insights without needing additional tools.

Best for

Mendix is a great choice for enterprises that need to develop data-heavy applications with advanced integrations. It’s also ideal for teams that require collaborative tools to bring business and IT professionals together during the app development process.

Pricing

  • Mendix offers a Free Plan for testing and experimentation.
  • The Basic Plan starts at €52.50/month, which is ideal for small teams building simple apps.
  • The Standard Plan starts at €900/month and is suited for larger teams with complex needs.
  • For mission-critical systems, the Premium Plan is available with custom pricing and enterprise-grade features.

4. Quickbase

Quickbase focuses on automating workflows and simplifying data-heavy tasks. Its database-driven platform is ideal for teams handling operational data.

Key Features

  • Application building tools: Quickbase provides an easy-to-use visual interface where users can drag and drop elements to create custom applications. This makes it possible to build apps without any coding knowledge.
  • Database management capabilities: The platform allows users to create and manage relational databases. You can define relationships between tables and organize data effectively for complex workflows.
  • Workflow automation: Quickbase enables users to automate processes by setting up rules and triggers. This helps streamline operations by automatically generating tasks, sending notifications, or updating records.
  • Reporting dashboards: The platform offers customizable dashboards that provide clear, visual insights into key metrics and data. Users can track performance, monitor progress, and make informed decisions easily.
  • Real-time collaboration: Quickbase supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple team members to access and update information simultaneously. This ensures teams stay on the same page.

Best for

Quickbase is an excellent choice for teams that need to manage operational workflows and organize data effectively. It’s ideal for businesses that want flexibility in building applications that can evolve as their needs change.

Pricing

  • Free Trial (30 days): This trial plan allows you to explore Quickbase’s core features, including AI-assisted building, app templates, and customizable dashboards.
  • Team (Starts at $35/user/month): The team plan offers AI-assisted app building, personalized dashboards, and workflow automation.
  • Business (Starts at $55/user/month): The business plan includes all team features plus advanced tools like single sign-on (SSO) and SCIM provisioning.
  • Enterprise (Custom Pricing): The enterprise plan is customized for large organizations and includes all Team and Business features, along with advanced encryption, on-premises connectivity, and data warehouse integrations.

5. Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator is a no-code/low-code platform that integrates seamlessly with Zoho’s suite of tools, making it ideal for businesses already using Zoho applications.

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop interface: Zoho Creator allows users to build apps quickly with its straightforward drag-and-drop design tools. This feature simplifies app creation for users with little to no coding experience.
  • Custom workflow automation: The platform includes scripting capabilities (Deluge) that let users set up automated workflows tailored to specific business needs.
  • Unified database architecture: All applications built on Zoho Creator share a unified database. This setup ensures smooth data flow and simplifies data management across apps.
  • Integration capabilities: Zoho Creator integrates seamlessly with Zoho’s suite of tools, as well as third-party applications like Salesforce and QuickBooks. This makes it a strong choice for businesses already using Zoho products.
  • Mobile app support: The platform lets users build apps that are optimized for mobile devices, ensuring a consistent experience across all screens.

Best for

Zoho Creator is best for businesses that are already using Zoho’s ecosystem of tools and need a platform for quick, custom app development. It’s also a good option for organizations looking for mobile-friendly applications that are easy to deploy.

Pricing

  • Standard ($8/user/month): The Standard plan is perfect for individuals or small teams, offering essential tools to create and manage your first apps with ease.
  • Professional ($20/user/month): The Professional plan is designed for teams and departments. It provides advanced features to create more robust applications and streamline workflows.
  • Enterprise ($25/user/month): The Enterprise plan offers comprehensive solutions for larger organizations, giving access to core software features that support extensive operational needs.
  • Flex (Custom Pricing): The Flex plan is tailored to meet unique business requirements, allowing organizations to request a personalized solution for their specific needs.

6. Airtable

Airtable combines relational database features with collaboration tools, making it perfect for small teams managing data-driven projects.

Key Features

  • Relational database functionality: Airtable combines the power of databases with the simplicity of spreadsheets. Users can create structured databases that allow for complex relationships between records, making it easy to organize and retrieve data.
  • Collaboration tools: Teams can work together seamlessly in shared workspaces, with the ability to edit and update data in real time. This feature improves communication and productivity across projects.
  • API integrations: Airtable offers extensive integration options, allowing users to connect the platform with other software tools for automation and streamlined workflows.
  • Customizable views and dashboards: Users can choose from different view options, including grid, calendar, and gallery, to tailor the platform to their project’s needs. Custom dashboards make it easy to track progress and monitor key data points.

Best For

Airtable is best suited for small teams or startups that need an easy-to-use platform to manage data and collaborate effectively. It’s also ideal for organizations that want flexibility in organizing projects and tasks while maintaining clear communication.

Pricing

  • Free: Best for individuals or very small teams, offering unlimited bases, 1,000 records per base, up to 5 editors, and 1 GB of attachments per base.
  • Team ($20 per seat/month): Great for teams needing up to 50,000 records per base, 25,000 automation runs, 20 GB of attachments, and standard sync integrations.
  • Business ($45 per seat/month): Designed for teams requiring advanced features, including 125,000 records per base, 100,000 automation runs, and premium sync integrations.
  • Enterprise (Custom pricing): Tailored for larger organizations with 500,000 records per base, enhanced admin controls, and on-premises sync integrations.

7. Betty Blocks

Betty Blocks empowers citizen developers to create apps without coding expertise, focusing on workflow automation and integration.

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop builder: Betty Blocks provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that allows non-technical users to build custom applications with ease. This feature empowers teams to create functional apps without writing code.
  • External API support: The platform supports integration with external APIs, enabling users to connect their apps with other systems and services to enhance functionality.
  • Workflow automation: Betty Blocks makes it simple to automate repetitive tasks and processes, improving efficiency and reducing manual workloads across teams.

Best For

Betty Blocks is perfect for teams with little to no coding experience who need customized applications. It’s particularly suited for organizations that want to empower employees across different departments to participate in app development.

Pricing

Pricing is available upon request, with options tailored to the size and needs of your organization.

8. Xano

Xano offers backend-focused low-code development with relational database support, advanced API tools, and scalability for complex backend systems.

Key Features

  • API-first development approach: Xano focuses on back-end development, providing tools to create APIs quickly and efficiently without requiring extensive coding knowledge.
  • Scalable backend tools: The platform is designed to handle complex backend operations and relational databases, ensuring seamless performance as your application grows.
  • Advanced customization options: Developers can use Xano’s tools to create tailored solutions for specific backend requirements, including custom endpoints and database queries.

Best For

Xano is best for developers and teams that need a robust backend infrastructure for their applications. It’s an excellent choice for projects where front-end development is handled separately and scalability is a priority.

Pricing

Xano offers flexible pricing tiers to suit individuals, teams, and agencies:

  • Build (Free): Perfect for individuals experimenting with Xano or building personal apps. Includes 1 workspace, 100,000 total records, a no-code API builder, rate-limited API, and live weekly office hours.
  • Launch ($85/month): Designed for individuals taking apps to production. Includes everything in the Build tier plus 3 workspaces, no record or rate limits, background tasks, and branching/merging for projects.
  • Scale 1x ($199/month): Ideal for teams scaling apps with advanced performance and security needs. Includes everything in the Launch tier plus increased API and database CPU (3x compared to Launch), a load balancer, and 5 workspaces.

9. Appian

Appian is a process automation-focused platform with robust database tools and AI-powered workflow optimization, ideal for enterprise-level needs.

Key Features

  • AI-powered workflow automation: Appian simplifies complex workflows with AI-driven tools, automating repetitive tasks and enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Enterprise integrations: The platform supports seamless integration with existing enterprise systems, ensuring smooth data flow and interoperability across platforms.
  • Scalable solutions for large enterprises: Appian is built to handle enterprise-level needs, offering tools that support high data volumes and large user bases.

Best For

Appian is ideal for large enterprises that need to streamline operations with process automation. It’s a great fit for organizations focused on improving efficiency and managing complex workflows at scale.

Pricing

You’ll need to contact Appian for pricing details. However, the website does provide information on the specific features available in each tier.

10. Knack

Knack is a simple, user-friendly platform for building data-driven apps quickly and efficiently, with tools tailored for non-technical users.

Key Features

  • Customizable forms: Knack allows users to build custom forms tailored to their specific needs, making data collection flexible and straightforward.
  • Data import/export: The platform supports easy data import from spreadsheets and other sources, as well as export options for reporting or analysis.
  • User roles and permissions: Knack provides tools to manage user access by assigning roles and permissions, ensuring that sensitive data is only available to authorized personnel.
  • Workflow automation: Users can automate repetitive tasks, such as sending notifications or updating records, based on specific triggers within the app.
  • Mobile access and real-time updates: Knack apps are fully responsive, allowing users to access and update data from any device. Changes are reflected instantly across the system.

Best For

Knack is a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses that need simple, customizable apps to manage data-driven projects. It’s also ideal for teams looking for a platform that supports multiple users without additional per-user costs.

Pricing

Knack offers tiered pricing plans based on the number of records and storage capacity:

  • A free trial is available for new users to explore its features before committing.
  • Starter Plan: $59/month for up to 20,000 records.
  • Pro Plan: $119/month for up to 50,000 records.
  • Corporate Plan: $269/month for up to 125,000 records.

How to Choose the Right Low-Code Platform

Picking the right low-code platform doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are a few key steps to make the process easier:

  1. Assess your needs: Think about what your business really requires. Are you building simple custom apps, or do you need something scalable for a growing team? If backend support is crucial, focus on platforms that specialize in that area.
  2. Evaluate pricing: Start by setting a budget. Some platforms are affordable for small businesses, while others are built for enterprises with bigger budgets. Make sure the pricing fits your needs without stretching your resources too thin.
  3. Prioritize usability: A platform might have great features, but if it’s too complicated for your team to use, it won’t help much. Look for tools with clear, user-friendly interfaces that anyone on your team can pick up quickly.
  4. Check for compliance: If your business handles sensitive data or operates in a regulated industry, compliance isn’t optional. Make sure the platform meets relevant standards like SOC 2 or HIPAA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a low-code platform?

A low-code platform is a tool that lets you build apps with minimal coding. Instead of writing code from scratch, you can use drag-and-drop features and pre-built templates to create workflows, manage data, and design interfaces.

Is low-code suitable for enterprises?

Absolutely. Many low-code platforms, like Blaze, OutSystems and Mendix, are built with enterprises in mind. They’re designed to handle complex workflows, large user bases, and high levels of customization while maintaining strong performance and security.

Next Steps

We hope this low-code platform comparison guide helps you choose the right platform. Whether you require robust data management, scalability for a growing business, or strict compliance for sensitive industries, Blaze offers a solution that fits.

Blaze combines ease of use with enterprise-grade features, providing a secure and flexible platform for building custom web and mobile applications. With its intuitive visual development tools, you can create apps tailored to your business goals without relying on technical expertise.

One of Blaze’s key advantages is its implementation support team. Our team works with you to build the first version of your app, reducing the learning curve and helping you launch faster. This hands-on assistance is ideal for businesses looking to deploy custom solutions quickly and efficiently.

Take the time to evaluate platforms based on your project’s specific requirements. For businesses that prioritize security and customization, Blaze is an excellent option.

Schedule a Free Demo Today.

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