Looking for a no-code platform? We’ve spent months testing these tools, so you don't have to download 15 different trials.

This isn't your typical roundup that repeats marketing materials. We’ve covered exactly what each platform does best and who it's actually for.

After extensive testing, three platforms consistently stood out from the rest. Blaze.tech leads with built-in HIPAA compliance and security features that regulated industries need. Bubble wins for pixel-perfect design control, and Appian excels at complex process automation.

Read on to learn more about:

• Detailed reviews of 15 leading platforms
• Pricing breakdowns
• Best-fit scenarios
• An overview of no code / low code platforms

Let's dive into the reviews, starting with a list of our top picks for 2024.

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TL;DR: Top 15 No Code/Low Code Platforms Ranked by Specialty

1. Blaze.tech: Security and compliance-focused, especially strong for healthcare and finance
2. OutSystems: Enterprise-grade apps with emphasis on scalability
3. Appian: Process automation powerhouse for large organizations
4. Microsoft Power Apps: Native integration with Microsoft ecosystem
5. Quickbase: Complex data relationships and project tracking
6. Mendix: Bridges business and technical teams with dual development paths
7. Betty Blocks: Visual tools with JavaScript customization options
8. Caspio: Database-driven applications and secure data processing
9. Salesforce Lightning: Native Salesforce CRM enhancement and automation
10. Google AppSheet: Turns Google Sheets data into functional apps
11. Bubble: Web and progressive web apps with powerful logic builder
12. Zoho Creator: Business process automation within the Zoho ecosystem
13. Backendless: Developer-focused with full-stack control
14. Adalo: Straightforward mobile app creation and publishing
15. Retool: Internal tools and dashboards for technical teams
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Why Combine No-Code and Low-Code?

No-code and low-code platforms are designed to simplify app development, but they do so in different ways. No-code platforms are ideal for beginners, allowing you to build apps through visual tools without any coding.

Low-code platforms, on the other hand, require some coding but offer deeper customization. Combining them means you get the simplicity of no-code with the flexibility of low-code.

Why Use Both?

The short answer: It’s a more innovative way to build without getting stuck in a one-size-fits-all solution.

• Faster development: No-code platforms handle simple features quickly, while low-code tools let developers add custom functionality. This speeds up the development process, especially when building apps with complex requirements.
  
• Collaborative work: Non-technical teams can create core app features with no-code tools, while developers focus on customizing advanced features with low-code. This teamwork allows businesses to build better apps faster.
  
• Cost-effective customization: Hiring developers for every app feature can be expensive. With no-code and low-code solutions, businesses can build the basics themselves and bring in developers only when custom features are needed, saving time and money.
  
• Long-term flexibility: Your app’s needs can change over time. Starting with a no-code platform is great for launching quickly. Later, low-code tools let developers expand features, keeping the app relevant as the business grows.
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How We Selected the Best Platforms

We focused on platforms that balance ease of use with powerful features, making app development accessible and scalable. 

Here’s what mattered most during our selection process:

• Ease of use: Building an app should be straightforward, even if you’re not a developer. We chose platforms with simple drag-and-drop interfaces that let anyone create functional apps without writing code.
  
• Flexibility: Businesses need tools that adapt to different projects. We selected platforms that support everything from simple task managers to full-scale enterprise solutions, offering plenty of customization options along the way.
  
• Integration options: Apps are better when they integrate well with other tools. To streamline workflows, we focused on platforms that easily connect with popular business apps, APIs, and services.
  
• Security and compliance: Data security is essential. We prioritized platforms with built-in security features like data encryption, access control, and compliance certifications for industries with strict regulations.
  
• Scalability: As businesses grow, so should their apps. We chose platforms that can handle more users, data, and advanced features without sacrificing performance.
  
• Value for money: Good features should be affordable. We included platforms with transparent pricing and a potent mix of free and premium plans, ensuring businesses get what they need without overspending.
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The 15 Best No-Code/Low-Code Platforms in 2024

1. Blaze.tech 

Blaze is a no-code app development platform designed for compliance-heavy industries like healthcare, finance, and logistics. While many platforms treat compliance as an afterthought, Blaze makes it the foundation. With built-in SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance, it’s a top choice for businesses dealing with sensitive data.

Blaze empowers teams — whether technical or not — to build powerful, scalable apps without a development team.

What truly sets Blaze apart is its dedicated implementation team, providing expert guidance throughout the development process — a huge win for businesses navigating complex regulations.

Key Features

• Compliance first: SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance are out of the box, so no extra setup is needed.
  
• AI-powered insights: Built-in AI for data processing, predictive analytics, and workflow automation.
  
• Custom workflows: Drag-and-drop tools for creating intricate workflows and automating repetitive tasks.
  
• Seamless integrations: Easily connects with popular business systems for streamlined operations.
  
• Scalable deployment: Flexible enough to adapt as your business grows or regulations change.

Best For

Blaze.tech is perfect for businesses in highly regulated sectors like healthcare, finance, and logistics that need secure, user-friendly applications. It’s ideal for companies creating both internal tools and customer-facing apps where data protection is mission-critical.

Pricing

Blaze offers an Internal Plan at $400/month with unlimited apps and users for internal use. For companies needing external access and custom features, they provide Enterprise plans with custom pricing. You can check out the pricing page for current rates.

The Bottom Line

Blaze delivers where it counts — security, scalability, and expert support. If your business handles sensitive data and needs enterprise-grade compliance without the complexity, it’s the best no-code platform to pick.

2. OutSystems

OutSystems helps large organizations build complex applications that work on both web and mobile. It's particularly good at handling growth — when you need to add features or support more users, you won't have to rebuild everything from scratch.

Key Features

• Enterprise security: Keep your data safe with robust security features and real-time performance tracking.
  
• Cross-platform development: Build apps that work seamlessly on both web browsers and mobile devices.
  
• AI assistance: Get smart suggestions that help catch and prevent development issues before they happen.
  
• Built-in scalability features for high-traffic applications: Seamlessly handles increased user loads.‍
• Advanced testing and debugging tools: Streamlines the development and deployment process.

Best For

OutSystems is ideal for organizations with their own development teams who need to build and maintain complex, enterprise-level applications.

Pricing

OutSystems offers a free version for testing. Their Developer Cloud package has a paid plan starting at $36,300 per year. Enterprise pricing is available for larger deployments.

The Bottom Line

OutSystems is a solid choice for large organizations that need enterprise-grade features and can handle the investment. While it's pricier than more straightforward options, you get what you pay for in terms of power and scalability.

3. Appian

Appian excels at automating complex business processes at scale. Large organizations use it to streamline operations like loan processing, claims management, and supply chain workflows. It's powerful at handling processes that involve multiple departments and compliance requirements.

Key Features

• Smart automation: Monitors and manages complex workflows across your organization automatically.
  
• Process insights: Shows you exactly where bottlenecks occur and how to optimize your operations.
  
• Compliance tracking: Maintains detailed audit trails and ensures regulatory requirements are met at each step.

Best For

Appian works great for larger companies in finance, insurance, and supply chain that need serious automation. Just keep in mind that smaller businesses might find it more powerful (and expensive) than they need.

Pricing

Appian uses custom pricing based on your specific needs. You'll need to contact them directly for a quote, but expect enterprise-level pricing that reflects the platform's advanced capabilities.

The Bottom Line

Appian is a heavyweight in the automation space. While it might be too much for smaller companies, larger organizations that need robust process automation will find it worth the investment.

4. Microsoft Power Apps

Microsoft Power Apps is built specifically for businesses using Microsoft tools. It integrates natively with Teams, SharePoint, and Dynamics 365, allowing you to create applications that seamlessly integrate with your existing Microsoft workspace.

Key Features

• AI capabilities: Smart AI models are used to handle things like reading text from images and automating form processing.
  
• Two building approaches: Pick between canvas apps (total design control) or model-driven apps (built around your data structure).
  
• Excel-like formulas: Write business logic using Power Fx. If you know Excel formulas, you'll feel right at home.

Best For

Power Apps makes the most sense if you already use Microsoft products. However, if you are not part of the Microsoft ecosystem, you might find the platform limiting.

Pricing

Power Apps starts with a free developer plan for testing, with premium plans at $20 per user monthly (or $12 per user monthly with over 2,000 users). Larger organizations can opt for custom enterprise pricing with advanced features.

The Bottom Line

Power Apps is a natural choice if Microsoft tools run your business. Just keep in mind that it works best within the Microsoft ecosystem –– trying to connect with outside tools can get complicated.

5. Quickbase

Quickbase specializes in managing complex data relationships and project tracking. Its relational database lets you connect and organize information in ways that make sense for your business, handling everything from inventory management to customer relationships.

Key Features

• Smart data linking: Creates meaningful connections between different types of business data, making it easy to spot patterns and relationships.
  
• Field-level security: Control exactly who can see or edit specific pieces of information, right down to individual data fields.
  
• Adaptive forms: Forms and workflows that change based on what users input, making data collection more accurate.‍
• Real-time updates: Automatically alerts your team when important data changes, keeping everyone in sync.

Best For

Quickbase works best for organizations that handle lots of interconnected data and need to track complex projects. It's particularly useful for operations, supply chain, and customer management teams.

Pricing

Plans start at $35 per user monthly for teams, with business plans at $55 per user monthly, including advanced security. Enterprise plans are available for larger organizations needing custom solutions.

The Bottom Line

Quickbase is powerful for managing complex data relationships and workflows. While smaller teams might find it more than they need, it's excellent for organizations dealing with sophisticated data management challenges.

6. Mendix

Mendix brings something unique to enterprise development — two different ways to work. 

Business teams and professional developers can work on the same projects simultaneously, each using tools that match their skills. It's particularly useful for organizations where business and IT teams need to collaborate closely.

Key Features

• Team flexibility: Business teams can use visual tools while developers write code, and all work on the same project.
  
• Cross-platform consistency: Build once and deploy to both web and mobile, keeping your applications consistent everywhere.
  
• Professional tooling: Includes everything developers expect: version control, CI/CD pipelines, and collaborative feedback systems.
  
• AI support: Catches potential problems early and suggests performance improvements as you build.

Best for

Mendix fits well in larger organizations where business teams and developers need to work together on complex applications. It's especially valuable when you need to maintain professional development standards while still moving quickly.

Pricing

Mendix offers a free plan for testing, with paid plans starting at $75 monthly. Department-wide deployments start at $998 monthly, with custom enterprise pricing available for larger implementations.

The Bottom Line

Mendix bridges the gap between business and IT teams effectively. While it might be more than smaller projects need, it's an excellent choice for enterprises building serious applications that require ongoing collaboration between technical and non-technical teams.

7. Betty Blocks

Betty Blocks approaches enterprise development differently by prioritizing visual tools while keeping the door open for advanced customization. It uses pre-built components that make complex business processes manageable while still allowing JavaScript customization when needed.

Key features

• Smart building blocks: Pre-made components handle common business processes, cutting down development time significantly.
  
• Visual process designer: Map out complex business workflows visually, making it easier to spot and fix process issues.
  
• Flexible permissions: Control exactly what each team member can access and modify within your applications.
  
• Developer-friendly: Extends functionality with JavaScript when you need more than the visual tools can provide.

Best for

Betty Blocks works well for organizations that want their business teams to handle most app development while keeping the option for technical customization. It's particularly useful for companies looking to reduce reliance on developers for basic business applications.

Pricing

Plans start at $1,000 monthly for basic business use, with more comprehensive options starting at $1,500. Custom solutions for larger organizations begin at $3,250 monthly.

The Bottom Line

Betty Blocks offers a balanced approach between simplicity and customization. While the pricing might be steep for small teams, it's effective for organizations wanting to distribute app development responsibilities across different teams.

8. Caspio

Caspio specializes in database-driven applications and data processing. It's particularly good at handling large volumes of data and creating sophisticated reporting systems, making it popular in healthcare, research, and regulatory environments.

Key features

• Data management tools: Build custom databases and relational structures without coding.
  
• Report generation: Builds custom reports and interactive dashboards that make data analysis straightforward.
  
• Security focus: Protects sensitive data with features like custom password policies and role-based access controls.
  
• Professional deployment: Hosts applications on your own domain with SSL security, giving them a polished, professional look.

Best for

Caspio excels in organizations dealing with large-scale data management, especially in regulated industries like healthcare and research. It's particularly useful when you need to collect, process, and analyze data securely.

Pricing

Plans start at $100 monthly for basic data applications, with professional features at $300 monthly. Enterprise solutions begin at $2,250 monthly for organizations with complex data requirements.

The Bottom Line

Caspio is a robust choice for data-heavy applications and secure information management.

9. Salesforce Lightning

Salesforce Lightning extends your Salesforce CRM with custom applications and automation. If you're using Salesforce, you can enhance it with exactly the features your team needs while keeping everything in one place.

Key Features

• Build custom components: Design app features that fit perfectly into Salesforce, keeping your tools organized and branded.
  
• Automate workflows: Use Flow Builder to set up automatic processes for things like handling customer requests or updating sales data.
  
• Mobile-ready apps: Your apps will work on phones, tablets, and desktops without extra design work.

Best For

Lightning makes sense if Salesforce is already running your sales and customer processes. If you're not using Salesforce CRM, you'll probably want to look elsewhere.

Pricing

Lightning starts at $25 per user monthly for basic features, with more advanced options at $100 per user monthly. Enterprise-level customization is available with custom pricing.

The Bottom Line

Lightning is an excellent choice for expanding your Salesforce capabilities. But remember –– its value really depends on how invested you are in the Salesforce ecosystem.

10. Google AppSheet

Google AppSheet turns your Google Sheets data into functional applications. It works directly with Google Workspace, making it especially useful if your team already keeps data in Google Sheets, Forms, or other Google tools.

Key Features

• Automated workflows: AppSheet supports automated notifications, data updates, and approvals, helping teams manage projects efficiently.
  
• Customizable interface: Users can adjust data views, user roles, and formatting to create apps that fit specific business needs.
  
• Mobile-ready design: Apps built with AppSheet automatically adapt to phones and tablets, making them accessible from anywhere.

Best For

AppSheet is ideal for teams who live in Google Workspace and need to turn their spreadsheet data into something more interactive. It's particularly useful for small to medium-sized teams managing projects, inventory, or field operations.

Pricing

Plans start at $5 per user monthly, with a core plan at $10 offering automation features. Enterprise pricing is available for larger deployments needing advanced security.

The Bottom Line

AppSheet is a practical, budget-friendly choice for Google Workspace users who need more than spreadsheets but don't want to leave their Google ecosystem.

11. Bubble

Bubble.io is a no-code platform for building custom web applications and progressive web apps (PWAs). It’s popular with startups, small businesses, and developers looking to create apps without writing code. With a visual editor and robust customization options, Bubble supports a wide range of projects, from MVPs to fully functional business tools.

Key Features

• Logic builder: Creates complex business rules using a visual "if-then" system that's more powerful than typical automation tools.
  
• All-in-one hosting: Includes hosting and database management, so you don't need to deal with external services.
  
• Extensive marketplace: Offers a huge library of community-built plugins that add features like payment processing or social media integration.
  
• API flexibility: Connects easily with popular services like Stripe, Google Maps, and social media platforms.

Best For

Bubble works particularly well for startups and businesses creating customer-facing web applications. It's especially good for marketplaces, social platforms, and internal tools that need to scale.

Pricing

Starting at $32 monthly for basic projects, with plans scaling up to $399 for growing teams. A free plan is available for testing, and custom enterprise options are available for larger deployments.

The Bottom Line

Bubble is powerful for web applications and offers impressive scalability. While it takes time to master, it's worth considering if you're building a complex web-based product that needs room to grow.

12. Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator, part of the larger Zoho business suite, specializes in operational and customer management applications. It's particularly strong at connecting with other Zoho tools and automating business processes across your organization.

Key Features

• Works everywhere: Your apps run smoothly on web browsers, iPhones, and Android devices without extra configuration.
  
• Process automation: Maps out and automates complex business workflows, including multi-step approval processes.
  
• Deep connections: Links with over 600 business tools through Zapier, with especially tight integration to other Zoho products.
  
• Business insights: Creates real-time dashboards and reports that help you spot trends and make better decisions.

Best For

Creator makes the most sense if you're already using other Zoho products or need a platform that's strong in business process automation. It's especially useful for teams looking to automate operations and customer management.

Pricing

Plans range from $12 to $37 per user monthly, with custom pricing available for larger deployments. Each tier adds more automation and analytics capabilities.

The Bottom Line

Creator is a solid choice if you're in the Zoho ecosystem or need strong process automation. Just be aware that working with non-Zoho tools might require extra effort.

13. Backendless

Backendless takes a developer-first approach to app development. It gives you control over the entire stack –– frontend, backend, and database –– all in one platform. Think of it as a complete development environment rather than just an app builder.

Key Features

• Full backend control: Manage your own server-side logic, APIs, and database structures with precise control.
  
• Frontend flexibility: Design interfaces that connect directly to your backend services without extra configuration.
  
• Direct publishing: Push your apps straight to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store without external tools.
  
• Ready-to-use features: Jump-start projects with pre-built components for common features like user authentication and file storage.

Best For

Backendless is built for developers who want more control than typical platforms offer. It's especially useful for teams building data-heavy applications or those needing specific backend configurations.

Pricing

Basic plan starts at $15 monthly, including generous allowances for notifications and data storage. Additional features are available as modular add-ons between $10-50 monthly.

The Bottom Line

Backendless gives developers serious control over their applications. While it's more technical than other platforms, that complexity brings real flexibility for those who need it.

14. Adalo

Adalo specializes in mobile app creation with a focus on simplicity and quick launches. The platform is built specifically for turning business ideas into published mobile apps without getting bogged down in technical details.

Key Features

• Component library: Includes ready-made pieces for common mobile features like user profiles, shopping carts, and booking systems.
  
• Direct publishing: Handles the technical work of publishing to both Apple and Google app stores, managing the process for you.
  
• Payment ready: Integrates with Stripe and other payment systems, letting you start processing payments immediately.
  
• Business templates: Offers pre-built starting points for specific industries and use cases, saving initial setup time.

Best For

Adalo is ideal for small businesses and entrepreneurs who need a custom mobile app for their customers. It's particularly good for service businesses, retail shops, and anyone needing a simple client portal.

Pricing

One straightforward plan at $45 monthly includes everything needed to build and publish mobile apps.

The Bottom Line

Adalo keeps mobile app creation simple and affordable. While it may not handle complex applications, it's perfect for straightforward business apps that need to get to market quickly.

15. Retool

Retool is built specifically for developers creating internal business applications. It combines visual tools with the ability to write custom code, making it particularly good for teams that need to build internal dashboards and tools quickly.

Key Features

• Database flexibility: Connects to practically any SQL database or API, letting you work with your existing data sources.
  
• AI assistance: Helps write JavaScript and SQL queries, speeding up common development tasks.
  
• Developer-friendly: Lets you drop into code whenever you need more control, especially useful for complex queries or custom logic.
  
• Security first: Includes enterprise features like SSO and detailed audit logs, though it's not HIPAA compliant.

Best For

Retool is ideal for technical teams building internal tools and dashboards. It's especially useful when you need to connect multiple data sources or create admin panels quickly.

Pricing

Free for up to 5 users, with team plans starting at $10 per builder and $5 per end-user monthly. Business plans with advanced security start at $50 per builder monthly.

The Bottom Line

Retool hits a sweet spot for developer teams who need to build internal tools quickly. While it requires technical knowledge, it significantly speeds up the development of admin panels and business tools.
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FAQ

What’s the difference between no-code and low-code?

No-code platforms let you build apps without writing any code, making them ideal for non-technical users. Low-code platforms require some coding, offering more customization for developers while still speeding up the development process.

Which platform is best for large enterprises?

Blaze.tech is a top choice for enterprises needing secure, scalable apps with built-in compliance features. Other strong options include OutSystems, Appian, and Salesforce Lightning, known for handling complex enterprise requirements.

Can I start with no-code and transition to low-code?

Yes! Many platforms like Zoho Creator, Bubble.io, and Betty Blocks let you start with no-code features and expand into low-code as your app grows. This flexibility is perfect for businesses scaling their operations.
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Next Steps with Blaze

Finding the right no-code solution can be daunting without technical expertise. Blaze offers a no-code solution that simplifies this process, allowing you to build tailored applications quickly and efficiently.
Blaze's dedicated implementation team significantly reduces the learning curve by providing expert guidance throughout the development process, allowing businesses to deploy apps rapidly even without deep in-house technical resources.

Blaze's key features include:

• Comprehensive component library: Access pre-built widgets for maps, layouts, and more, speeding up development.
  
• Compliance ready: Protect your data with features like automatic audit logs, two-factor authentication, and HIPAA compliance built into the platform from the start.
  
• Extensive integration capabilities: Connect seamlessly with existing systems using out-of-the-box or custom REST API integrations.

To see how Blaze can address your specific needs for no-code, low-code platforms, we recommend trying a free demo. This will give you a firsthand look at how Blaze's features and flexibility can benefit your project.

Schedule a Free Demo Today.