10 Best OutSystems Alternatives for App Development in 2024
Are you looking to build custom apps for your business? OutSystems is probably on your radar. It's a popular platform that helps companies create their software without coding. While it's great at what it does — it might not be the perfect fit for everyone.
That's why we put together this guide for OutSystems competitors. Maybe you're looking for something more budget-friendly, or you need better support to get your project off the ground. Whatever your reason, there are some excellent alternatives to OutSystems out there.
Why Consider OutSystems Competitors?
OutSystems is a low-code development platform that enables organizations to build, deploy, and manage enterprise-grade applications. The platform stands out for its comprehensive approach to software development, offering visual development tools, single-click deployment capabilities, and cross-platform compatibility across iOS, Android, and web browsers.
Through its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, OutSystems simplifies complex tasks like backend and front-end system integration and data aggregation, freeing developers from the task of full-stack coding.
While it offers robust features for digital transformation and has earned a reputation for reliable support and broad functionality, many businesses are exploring alternatives for various reasons.
Here’s an overview:
- High pricing: The platform's enterprise pricing structure can be prohibitively expensive for small to medium-sized businesses, often requiring significant upfront investment and long-term commitments.
- Steep learning curve: Some organizations find that OutSystems' learning curve is steeper than expected, requiring specialized training and technical expertise that may strain resources and slow down development timelines.
- Templates aren’t healthcare-focused: Businesses in highly regulated industries like healthcare or finance may need more specialized industry-specific templates that aren't readily available in OutSystems' ecosystem.
- Not ideal for MVPs: Organizations prioritizing rapid prototyping and MVP development may seek platforms with simpler architectures and faster time-to-market capabilities than OutSystems' enterprise-focused approach.
Top 10 OutSystems Alternatives
1. Blaze.tech
Blaze.tech is a no-code platform designed to help businesses quickly build custom apps, with a strong focus on security and compliance. It’s ideal for industries where protecting data is a priority, offering easy-to-use tools that make app development fast and accessible.
Unlike OutSystems' approach, Blaze.tech stands out by providing a dedicated implementation team that works alongside your business to build and deploy your first application — a level of hands-on support unmatched in the no-code space.
This comprehensive support is backed by extensive healthcare and finance industry expertise, with Blaze's team bringing deep domain knowledge and proven experience from hundreds of successful deployments in regulated industries.
Ideal users
- Businesses in healthcare, finance, and other compliance-heavy industries.
- Companies that need to build apps fast without compromising security.
- Organizations looking for seamless integration with existing tools.
Key features
- Easy drag-and-drop interface for quick app development
- SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance for organizations that need enterprise-grade security like finance and healthcare
- Integrates smoothly with third-party apps
- Custom workflows for scheduling and notifications
- Built-in security features like audit logs and two-factor authentication
Pricing
Blaze offers a free version for basic use, while paid plans start at $400/month for internal apps with unlimited users and data. For businesses with advanced needs, including external user access and HIPAA compliance, custom enterprise pricing is available.
The bottom line: Blaze.tech is the top pick for industries that need a secure, fast, and easy-to-use platform, especially where compliance is important.
The combination of hands-on support, industry expertise, and modern architecture makes Blaze the ideal choice for organizations looking for a truly partner-driven approach to no-code development.
2. Mendix
Mendix is a low-code platform that helps businesses create apps quickly. It’s great for teams where both non-technical users and developers need to work together. Mendix also includes tools that speed up the app development process with features like AI-assisted suggestions.
Key features
- AI-assisted tools that suggest optimizations and catch potential issues during app development.
- Allows deployment of apps across cloud platforms and mobile devices for greater flexibility.
- Real-time collaboration features enable teams to build and manage apps together seamlessly.
- Includes a library of reusable components and templates to speed up development and maintain consistency.
Ideal users
- Teams of both developers and non-technical users working together
- Large businesses that need complex applications
- Companies looking to streamline digital transformation
Pricing
Mendix offers a Free Plan (€0/month) 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.
3. Salesforce
Salesforce Lightning is built for companies that already use Salesforce. It allows users to create custom CRM apps that integrate smoothly with their existing Salesforce data. The platform offers tools for automating tasks and creating customer-focused apps without needing to code.
Key features
- Seamless integration with Salesforce data and tools
- Drag-and-drop tools for building custom apps easily
- Pre-built templates for faster app creation
- Automation tools to streamline business processes
- Built-in AI tools for insights and predictions
Ideal users
- Businesses already using Salesforce that want to expand their functionality.
- Teams looking to automate customer relationship processes.
- Companies need custom apps integrated with their CRM system.
Pricing
Salesforce offers a Platform Starter plan at €25/user/month, which is ideal for teams building custom apps to improve sales, service, and marketing. The Platform Plus plan, at €100/user/month, extends functionality across the organization for larger-scale app development. For enterprise-grade needs, Lightning Platform Unlimited provides comprehensive solutions with custom pricing that is available on request.
4. Caspio
Caspio is a platform focused on building data-driven web applications without coding. It allows users to create powerful database apps, manage large datasets, and automate workflows using a point-and-click interface.
Key features
- Visual app builder with powerful database capabilities.
- Customizable search interfaces, reports, and dashboards.
- Strong security with custom authentication options and user management.
- Easily integrates with external services through APIs and webhooks.
Ideal users
- Organizations handling large datasets and needing data-driven web apps
- Teams looking for database management without coding
Pricing
Caspio’s Starter Plan begins at $100/month, which is ideal for smaller projects. The Professional Plan at $300/month adds advanced features like API integration and automation. For larger organizations, custom pricing is available for the Enterprise Plan with more extensive data management and security features.
5. Quickbase
Quickbase is a flexible, low-code platform designed for building custom business apps and automating workflows. It excels in handling complex data relationships and provides strong security and compliance options, making it ideal for industries with strict regulatory requirements.
Key features
- Visual development environment for creating apps and automating workflows.
- Advanced reporting and analytics capabilities.
- Granular role-based access control for secure data management.
- Pre-built templates for faster development of business applications.
Ideal users
- Medium to large businesses needing complex data management and automation.
- Teams looking to replace spreadsheets with more robust solutions.
Pricing
Quickbase offers a free plan with basic functionality. Its Team Plan starts at $35/user/month, which includes core app-building features. The Business Plan starts at $55/user/month, adding enhanced security and control features. Custom pricing is available for enterprise-level solutions.
6. Bubble
Bubble is a powerful no-code platform for building web applications, offering extensive customization through its visual programming interface. It allows users to create dynamic web apps with database management, responsive design, and user authentication.
Key features
- Visual programming interface for building fully functional web applications.
- Responsive design capabilities to ensure apps work across all devices.
- Built-in user authentication and payment processing features.
- Extensive plugin marketplace for added functionality and integrations.
Ideal users
- Entrepreneurs and startups building MVPs or complex web apps.
- Small to medium-sized businesses that need custom web applications.
Pricing
Bubble offers a Free Plan for basic development. Paid plans start at $32/month for launching live apps, while the Growth Plan at $134/month supports more advanced features and scaling for larger teams.
7. Betty Blocks
Betty Blocks is a no-code platform that empowers both non-technical users and professional developers to create custom applications. While its templates are more limited than other no-code platforms, it focuses on making app development accessible while still offering basic functionality.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop interface for building apps without code.
- Customizable components using JavaScript for advanced functionality.
- Visual process modeler for creating workflows and automations.
- Strong collaboration tools for team-based development.
Ideal users
- Businesses that want to enable non-developers (citizen developers) to build apps.
- Organizations that need flexibility for simple internal tools.
Pricing
Betty Blocks’ pricing starts at €1,500/month for small teams. For larger projects or advanced features, custom plans start at €3,250/month.
8. Appian
Appian is a low-code platform that focuses on automating complex workflows and creating enterprise-grade applications. It combines business process management (BPM), robotic process automation (RPA), and AI tools to help companies streamline their operations.
Key features
- Visual development environment for building complex workflows.
- Built-in RPA and AI tools for automation and data insights.
- Scalable architecture designed for enterprise applications.
- Strong focus on security and compliance for regulated industries.
Ideal users
- Public sector organizations looking to improve citizen services with software.
- Organizations where IT and business teams need to work together on application development.
- Banks and insurance companies looking to automate compliance, risk management, and customer onboarding.
Pricing
Appian offers three tiers: The Standard Tier includes essential app-building tools, AI Copilot, and basic RPA with up to 5 bots. The Advanced Tier adds case management and up to 25 bots, while the Premium Tier provides unlimited bots and advanced AI features. You’ll need to contact Appian for specific pricing details.
9. Unqork
Unqork is a no-code platform designed to bring IT and business teams together for digital transformation, particularly in industries like insurance, finance, and healthcare. It allows users to build complex applications without coding while ensuring high security and compliance standards.
Key features
- Visual interface for creating applications without coding.
- Pre-built components tailored for insurance, finance, and healthcare.
- Advanced security and compliance features for regulated industries.
- Supports integration with existing systems for seamless workflows.
Ideal users
- Large enterprises in finance, healthcare, and other regulated industries.
- Organizations that need to build complex, secure applications without code.
For Unqork’s pricing information, you’ll need to contact their sales team.
10. Zoho Creator
Zoho Creator is a low-code platform that allows businesses to build custom applications, automate workflows, and manage data. It integrates seamlessly with the Zoho ecosystem, making it a strong choice for companies already using Zoho products.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop app builder for both web and mobile apps.
- Pre-built templates and workflows for quick deployment.
- Integration with over 600 services, including Zoho apps and third-party tools.
- Customizable reports and dashboards for real-time data analysis.
Ideal users
- Small to medium-sized businesses looking to automate workflows.
- Organizations that already using other Zoho products for their business needs.
Pricing
Zoho Creator’s Standard Plan starts at €5.76/user/month, offering essential tools for small teams. The Professional Plan starts at €14.40/user/month, with more advanced features for larger teams, and Enterprise Plans are available with custom pricing for larger organizations.
How to Choose the Best OutSystems Competitor for Your Business
When selecting the ideal OutSystems competitor, consider these key decision factors to ensure the best fit for your organization:
Industry and Compliance Requirements
- Regulated industries like healthcare and finance should prioritize platforms with built-in compliance features (HIPAA, SOC 2) and proven industry expertise.
- Government agencies should look for FedRAMP certification and public sector experience.
- Retail and e-commerce businesses might prioritize platforms with strong payment processing and inventory management capabilities.
Implementation Support and Resources
- Consider whether you need a hands-on implementation team to guide your first project.
- Evaluate the platform's training resources, documentation, and community support.
- Assess the availability and quality of technical support.
Technical Requirements
- Integration needs: All of the existing systems your new applications connect with
- Deployment preferences: Cloud, on-premises, or hybrid requirements
- Scalability requirements: Expected user base and data volume growth
- Security requirements: Authentication methods, encryption standards, and access controls
Decision Guidelines Based on Company Size
- Small Business (1-50 employees): Focus on platforms with straightforward pricing and quick startup. Prioritize ease of use over advanced features and consider solutions with good template libraries.
- Medium Business (51-500 employees): Look for balanced platforms offering both simplicity and customization. Ensure robust integration capabilities with existing systems and consider platforms with strong workflow automation features.
- Enterprise (500+ employees): Prioritize platforms with enterprise-grade security and compliance. Look for advanced customization capabilities and ensure the platform can handle complex workflows and high user volumes.
The best choice often depends on finding the right balance between these factors while staying within budget constraints. For organizations prioritizing security, compliance, and hands-on support, Blaze’s comprehensive approach and implementation team make it an especially strong choice.
Next Steps with Blaze
We hope this review of OutSystems competitors helps you make an informed decision about building an app for your business.Blaze is ideal for healthcare organizations, large enterprises, and startups seeking a secure, scalable, and user-friendly platform for developing internal and customer-facing applications — no coding skills are required.
Some key advantages of Blaze:
- Enterprise-grade security: Blaze.tech delivers superior security and compliance out of the box, with built-in SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance, making it ideal for regulated industries.
- Scalable architecture: The platform's modern, cloud-native architecture ensures your applications can grow seamlessly from hundreds to millions of users while maintaining peak performance.
- Unmatched support model: Unlike other no-code platforms, Blaze.tech provides a dedicated implementation team that accelerates your development timeline by helping build your first application.
- Industry expertise: With deep experience in healthcare and finance solutions, Blaze.tech understands the unique challenges of regulated industries and provides proven patterns for success.
These advantages make Blaze.tech the standout choice for organizations seeking a secure, scalable, and supported alternative to OutSystems.