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The 12 Best Low-Code Platforms with Relational Databases

December 11, 2024
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Did you know Blaze.tech tops the list of low-code platforms with relational databases due to its robust customization options? Discover similar top solutions like OutSystems and Mendix, known for scalability and complexity handling.

Let’s explore the top low-code development platforms with relational databases and find the perfect solution for your needs.

The 12 Best Low-Code Platforms with Relational Databases: At a Glance

  1. Blaze.tech: Best Overall for Customization
  2. OutSystems: Best for Scalability
  3. Mendix: Best for Complex Applications
  4. Quickbase: Best for Data Automation
  5. Caspio: Best for Compliance
  6. Airtable: Best for Collaboration
  7. Zoho Creator: Best for Zoho Ecosystem Users
  8. Xano: Best for Backend Development
  9. Knack: Best for Simple Apps
  10. Appian: Best for Enterprise Integration
  11. Betty Blocks: Best for Citizen Developers
  12. Ninox: Best for Team Collaboration

Why Choose a Low-Code Platform with Relational Databases?

Relational databases are the key to keeping your app’s data organized and easy to work with. They store information in structured tables that are connected, so you can quickly access exactly what you need.

For example, if you’re running an online store, a relational database links customer profiles, order histories, and inventory. Want to check if a returning customer’s favorite product is still in stock? It’s all there in a few clicks.

Whether you’re managing a project, tracking inventory, or analyzing sales, a relational database helps your app do the job right.

Here’s why they matter for low-code development:

  • Keeps data neat and organized: Relational databases organize information into easy-to-navigate tables. This means no more scrambling through messy spreadsheets or disconnected systems.
  • Better querying: With SQL-based querying, you can quickly find exactly what you need. Whether it's a sales report or a customer’s purchase history, answers are just a query away.
  • Scalability for growth: As your app and user base expand, relational databases grow with you. They’re designed to handle more data and higher traffic without breaking a sweat.
  • Integration-friendly: Need to connect your app to other tools, like payment systems or CRM platforms? Relational databases make it seamless to integrate with external systems and APIs.

How We Selected These Platforms

Our goal was to find platforms that are powerful yet approachable, letting you focus on building great apps instead of wrestling with clunky systems or hidden fees.

Here’s what mattered most in our selection process:

  • Built-in relational databases: Each platform here includes solid relational database support, so you can keep your data structured and accessible without extra hassle.
  • User-friendly: Whether you’re a seasoned coder or someone who doesn’t know HTML from their API, these platforms offer intuitive interfaces that anyone can use.
  • Smooth connections: Apps don’t live in isolation, so we prioritized platforms that easily integrate with other tools, databases, and APIs to keep workflows seamless.
  • Room to grow: You shouldn’t feel boxed in. These platforms let you tweak and tailor applications to meet your unique needs, whether simple or complex.
  • Transparent pricing: Nobody likes surprise costs. We chose platforms with clear pricing options that work for startups, small teams, and large enterprises alike.

12 Low-Code Platforms with Relational Databases

1. Blaze.tech – Best Overall for Customization

Blaze.tech makes it easy to build apps that can handle complex data. It’s a low-code platform designed for people who want powerful features without needing to know how to code.

Unique features

  • The drag-and-drop builder makes creating apps feel simple and intuitive, even for beginners.
  • Built-in support for relational databases helps you keep data organized and connected, making it easier to work with structured information.
  • You can run SQL queries directly in the platform, giving you extra control over how you access and analyze your data.
  • It meets strict security standards like SOC 2 and HIPAA, making it a safe choice for industries that handle sensitive information.

Strengths

  • Blaze offers plenty of ways to customize your apps so they work exactly how you need them to.
  • Blaze’s security infrastructure comes built in, so it requires no additional configuration. This makes it a solid option for businesses in healthcare, finance, and other fields where data protection is critical.
  • Depending on your plan, Blaze comes with the support of an implementation team to build out the first version of your app, which means faster development cycles.

Use cases

  • Healthcare teams can use Blaze to create secure systems for managing patient data and ensure they meet HIPAA standards.
  • Financial businesses can set up applications for tracking client data, managing reports, or streamlining daily operations.
  • Logistics companies can use Blaze to build custom tools to organize supply chains and track shipments in real time.

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.

The Bottom Line

Blaze combines enterprise-grade security and flexibility, making it a great choice for creating scalable, customer-facing apps, particularly in compliance-heavy industries.

2. OutSystems – Best for Scalability

OutSystems is a low-code platform designed to simplify app development, making it accessible for businesses, even those without extensive engineering resources. Its features make it a strong choice for enterprises managing large datasets.

Unique features

  • AI-powered tools simplify app development by automating repetitive tasks, reducing the time needed for coding and deployment.
  • Built-in relational database capabilities provide a structured way to store and retrieve data, with SQL support for precise querying.
  • Scaling features allow applications to handle higher traffic or larger datasets without requiring significant infrastructure changes.

Strengths

  • OutSystems is designed to support enterprise-scale applications, making it ideal for organizations managing complex operations and high user volumes.
  • The platform speeds up development timelines by automating key processes, allowing teams to roll out apps faster.
  • With strong integration capabilities, OutSystems connects seamlessly to external systems, enabling businesses to build solutions that work across their entire ecosystem.

Use cases

  • Large companies can use OutSystems to develop enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems that centralize operations like finance, HR, and supply chain management.
  • Customer service teams can build scalable CRM platforms that adapt to growing client bases and data requirements.
  • E-commerce businesses can rely on OutSystems to create platforms that process thousands of transactions daily without performance slowdowns.

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.

The Bottom Line

OutSystems is a good choice for enterprises building large-scale, adaptable applications. Its AI tools, strong database support, and integration capabilities make it a powerful option for handling business growth.

3. Mendix – Best for Complex Applications

Mendix is a low-code platform built to handle sophisticated, data-driven applications. Its combination of relational database tools and flexible development options makes it a strong choice for businesses tackling intricate workflows and large-scale projects.

Unique features

  • Mendix's ecosystem includes powerful tools for managing relational databases and a strong community for support.
  • The platform’s scalable architecture ensures your applications perform reliably, even as their complexity or user base grows.
  • Visual workflows streamline the development process, allowing teams to manage and automate complex logic without needing extensive coding expertise.

Strengths

  • Mendix provides a collaborative environment where business and IT teams can work together to build applications that meet specific needs.
  • Developers can switch between low-code and traditional coding methods, offering flexibility for projects that require advanced customization.

Use cases

  • Enterprises can build advanced data analytics applications to process and visualize complex datasets efficiently.
  • Supply chain teams can create systems that manage multiple data sources, enabling better tracking and coordination of operations.
  • Organizations with unique operational challenges can develop custom business applications tailored to their exact requirements.

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.

The Bottom Line

Mendix is ideal for businesses looking to build applications that require flexibility, scalability, and collaboration between teams.

4. Quickbase – Best for Data Automation

Quickbase is a low-code platform designed to help businesses simplify their operations by automating workflows and managing relational data with ease. It’s especially useful for teams looking to streamline repetitive tasks and reduce manual effort.

Unique features

  • Customizable tables make it easy to organize and structure relational data in a way that fits your specific needs.
  • Automated workflows help reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, improving overall productivity.
  • The platform’s intuitive app-building tools enable non-technical users to create and manage applications without needing extensive training.

Strengths

  • Quickbase focuses heavily on automation, helping teams eliminate manual errors and save time on routine processes.
  • Real-time reporting dashboards provide clear, actionable insights into operational data, making it easier to make informed decisions.
  • Its user-friendly interface empowers non-technical teams to build apps independently, reducing reliance on IT departments.

Use cases

  • Project management teams can use Quickbase to track milestones, manage timelines, and automate progress updates.
  • Operations teams can automate tasks like data entry and report generation, streamlining day-to-day workflows.
  • Customer support departments can build applications that handle ticket management and automate responses, improving efficiency.

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.

The Bottom Line

Quickbase is a strong choice for businesses aiming to improve operational efficiency by automating workflows and simplifying data-heavy processes.

5. Caspio – Best for Compliance

Caspio is a low-code platform designed for businesses that need secure, compliant applications to handle sensitive data. Its focus on regulatory standards makes it a standout for industries like healthcare and finance.

Unique features

  • Caspio empowers users to create apps without coding, ensuring ease for non-tech users.
  • Built-in compliance tools ensure applications meet standards like HIPAA, making it easier to handle sensitive information securely.
  • The drag-and-drop app builder simplifies the development process, allowing users to design functional applications quickly.

Strengths

  • Caspio prioritizes security and compliance, making it an excellent fit for businesses in regulated industries.
  • The platform can scale as businesses grow, accommodating larger datasets and more users over time.
  • Its user-friendly design tools are accessible for non-technical users, reducing the need for dedicated IT resources.

Use cases

  • Healthcare providers can create secure patient management systems that adhere to HIPAA regulations.
  • Financial institutions can develop applications for managing client data, transactions, and compliance reporting.
  • Regulatory reporting tools can be built to ensure companies meet industry standards while keeping operations efficient.

Pricing

  • Starter Plan ($100/month): Ideal for smaller projects or businesses just starting with database-driven applications, offering basic features for app building and data management.
  • Professional Plan ($300/month): Adds advanced capabilities such as API integration and workflow automation, making it a good choice for teams needing more functionality.
  • Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): Tailored for larger organizations with extensive data management needs, providing enhanced security features and additional support options.

The Bottom Line

Caspio is a strong choice for businesses requiring compliance-focused database solutions, offering security, scalability, and ease of use in one platform.

6. Airtable – Best for Collaboration

Airtable combines the power of relational databases with user-friendly collaboration features, making it a favorite for teams that need to work closely on structured data.

Unique features

  • Airtable makes it easy to link relational tables, allowing teams to manage and organize data effectively without overcomplication.
  • Real-time collaboration tools let team members update records, share information, and track changes instantly, no matter where they’re located.
  • Prebuilt templates help users jumpstart their projects, offering ready-made solutions for common workflows like content planning and project tracking.

Strengths

  • Airtable is highly versatile, making it suitable for tasks ranging from project management to inventory tracking.
  • Its simple, intuitive interface ensures both technical and non-technical users can quickly learn and adopt the platform.
  • A strong community of users provides additional templates, resources, and advice, helping teams get the most out of the platform.

Use cases

  • Marketing teams can use Airtable to manage content calendars, streamline production workflows, and track campaign progress.
  • Event planners can organize attendee lists, schedules, and logistics in one collaborative space.
  • Small businesses can manage product inventories with real-time updates, ensuring stock levels are always accurate.

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.

The Bottom Line

Airtable is perfect for small teams that need a collaborative, easy-to-use database tool, providing the flexibility and tools to stay organized and productive.

7. Zoho Creator – Best for Zoho Ecosystem Users

Zoho Creator is a low-code platform designed to work seamlessly within the Zoho ecosystem to improve workflows and scale your business.

Unique features

  • Zoho Creator integrates effortlessly with other Zoho applications, such as Zoho CRM and Zoho Projects, creating a smooth and efficient workflow.
  • It supports database linking, allowing data to flow seamlessly between different applications and making it easy to manage interconnected datasets.
  • A library of prebuilt templates helps users quickly set up applications tailored to common business needs.

Strengths

  • The platform’s intuitive interface makes it accessible for non-technical users, enabling teams to create and manage applications with ease.
  • Customization options allow businesses to design applications that align perfectly with their specific operational goals.
  • With both free and affordable paid plans, Zoho Creator offers a cost-effective solution for companies of varying sizes.

Use cases

  • Teams using Zoho Projects can integrate Zoho Creator to track tasks, manage timelines, and optimize project workflows.
  • Businesses relying on Zoho CRM can enhance customer data management and streamline interaction tracking with customized tools.
  • Retail businesses can manage stock levels and monitor inventory across locations, integrating these tools into their existing Zoho environment.

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.

The Bottom Line

Zoho Creator is a smart choice for businesses already invested in Zoho tools, providing seamless integration and customizable features that enhance efficiency across operations.

8. Xano – Best for Backend Development

Xano is designed for developers who need a powerful, flexible backend to support their applications. Its API-first approach and advanced database tools make it an excellent choice for complex, data-driven projects.

Unique features

  • API-first development simplifies the creation of robust APIs, enabling fast and efficient backend functionality for any application.
  • Scalable database tools ensure that relational databases can grow alongside the demands of your application.
  • Real-time data syncing keeps applications updated with the latest information, which is critical for dynamic, data-heavy systems.

Strengths

  • Xano caters specifically to developers, offering advanced query options and the ability to customize backend logic for intricate workflows.
  • Its flexibility allows teams to design and modify backend processes in detail, supporting the unique requirements of complex applications.
  • With seamless integration options, Xano connects easily to various front-end frameworks and external services, making it highly adaptable.

Use cases

  • Developers creating mobile apps can use Xano to build reliable backends for managing user data and delivering a smooth app experience.
  • E-commerce businesses can rely on Xano for backends that handle high transaction volumes and inventory management with ease.
  • Organizations managing intricate datasets can develop data systems that support advanced processing and analysis capabilities.

Pricing

  • 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.

The Bottom Line

Xano is a top choice for developers building scalable backends, offering tools to efficiently manage complex data and power sophisticated applications.

9. Knack – Best for Simple Apps

Knack makes it easy for anyone to create functional apps, even without technical expertise. Its focus on simplicity and quick deployment makes it a great choice for small businesses and individuals.

Unique features

  • The intuitive data structure builder lets users create relational databases without needing to know how to code.
  • Custom workflows allow businesses to tailor processes and automate tasks to suit their specific needs.
  • Prebuilt templates help users get started quickly, offering ready-made solutions for common app requirements.

Strengths

  • Knack’s user-friendly design makes it accessible to non-technical users, empowering small teams to build apps without relying on IT support.
  • Applications can be deployed quickly, providing fast solutions for businesses with immediate needs.
  • With pricing starting at $39 per month, Knack is an affordable option for teams on a budget.

Use cases

  • Event organizers can build apps to manage registrations, schedules, and logistics, streamlining their processes.
  • Small businesses can create client management systems to track customer interactions and relationships efficiently.
  • Retailers and small operations can use Knack to design simple inventory tracking systems that monitor stock levels effectively.

Pricing

  • A free trial is available for new users to explore its features before committing.
  • Starter Plan: $39/month for up to 20,000 records.
  • Pro Plan: $79/month for up to 50,000 records.
  • Corporate Plan: $179/month for up to 125,000 records.

The Bottom Line

Knack is ideal for users seeking a straightforward, budget-friendly platform to quickly build and deploy functional apps tailored to their needs.

10. Appian – Best for Enterprise Integration

Appian is a powerful low-code platform tailored for large organizations that need seamless integration of workflows, data, and automation. Its enterprise-focused features make it a go-to choice for businesses with complex operational demands.

Unique features

  • Built-in process automation tools help streamline workflows, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency.
  • SQL integration enables users to perform advanced data queries and manage complex datasets effectively.
  • AI-driven insights provide organizations with analytics to optimize workflows and enhance decision-making.

Strengths

  • Appian is designed for enterprise use, excelling at integrating workflows across large-scale operations.
  • Customizable dashboards offer real-time insights into business processes, empowering teams to monitor and manage operations more effectively.
  • The platform’s scalability ensures it can handle growing datasets and increasing user demands, making it suitable for long-term enterprise use.

Use cases

  • Enterprises can build integrated business applications that unify processes and data management across departments.
  • Finance and healthcare organizations can develop regulatory compliance solutions to meet strict industry requirements while managing complex workflows.
  • Customer service teams can automate service processes, improving response times and delivering a better overall experience for customers.

Pricing

Appian offers custom pricing based on the size and complexity of your business needs. Contact their team for detailed information and tailored options.

The Bottom Line

Appian is a strong choice for enterprises seeking a platform that combines process automation, data integration, and scalability to manage complex business operations efficiently.

11. Betty Blocks – Best for Citizen Developers

Betty Blocks is a low-code platform tailored for non-technical users, making it easier for citizen developers to build functional applications without needing coding expertise. Its intuitive design and flexibility empower teams to create custom solutions quickly.

Unique features

  • A visual app-building interface allows users to drag and drop components, simplifying the app development process.
  • Workflow automation tools help streamline tasks and processes, saving time and effort without requiring programming knowledge.
  • External API connectivity expands the platform’s functionality, enabling seamless integration with other tools and systems.

Strengths

  • Betty Blocks is specifically designed for non-technical users, making it accessible for teams without dedicated developers.
  • The platform offers flexibility, supporting a wide range of applications from simple workflows to more complex business solutions.
  • Applications can be developed and deployed quickly, making it ideal for businesses needing fast, custom-built tools.

Use cases

  • Companies can create internal tools for managing HR processes, tracking projects, or improving day-to-day operations.
  • Teams needing custom reporting can build solutions that consolidate data from multiple sources without extensive coding.
  • Event planners can design applications to manage event registrations, schedules, and attendee communication efficiently.

Pricing

Betty Blocks offers tailored pricing based on business needs. Contact their team to discuss your requirements and receive a customized quote.

The Bottom Line

Betty Blocks is an excellent platform for non-technical teams, providing the tools needed to build and manage custom applications quickly and effectively.

12. Ninox – Best for Team Collaboration

Ninox is a cloud-based platform that simplifies team collaboration by combining relational database functionality with tools designed to enhance communication and shared workflows. It’s particularly well-suited for distributed teams and small businesses.

Unique features

  • Relational links between data tables allow teams to organize and manage information seamlessly.
  • Built-in collaboration tools enable distributed teams to work together effectively, promoting real-time updates and shared decision-making.
  • Custom app-building options let users tailor applications to meet their team’s specific needs, ensuring greater usability and efficiency.

Strengths

  • The intuitive interface makes it easy for team members to use, regardless of their technical background.
  • Real-time collaboration features ensure team members can update, share, and access information instantly.
  • With pricing starting at $11 per user per month, Ninox is an affordable option for small teams and startups looking for cost-effective solutions.

Use cases

  • Teams managing projects can use Ninox to centralize progress tracking, share updates, and keep everyone on the same page.
  • Organizations needing shared data management tools can create systems for collaborative tracking and processing across departments.
  • Small businesses can build CRM systems to manage client relationships and track customer interactions collaboratively.

Pricing

  • Starter ($11/user/month): Perfect for individuals needing basic features like unlimited workspaces, API integrations, and low-code automations, along with 1GB of storage per user.
  • Professional ($22/user/month): Designed for small teams, with added features like custom roles, Gantt views, PDF generation, and 2GB storage per user, plus enhanced support.
  • Enterprise (Starting at $33/user/month): Ideal for larger organizations, offering a private cloud environment, advanced security policies, SQL integration, and 5GB of storage per user, along with premium support.

The Bottom Line

Ninox is an excellent choice for teams looking for a collaborative platform that combines database functionality with easy-to-use tools for efficient data management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are relational databases important for low-code platforms?

Relational databases keep your app’s data structured and easy to work with. They organize information into connected tables, so you can quickly retrieve what you need.

For example, instead of digging through a jumble of unorganized data, you can instantly pull up a customer’s order history or create a clear sales report.

Which platform is best for small teams?

Airtable is a strong choice for small teams. It offers an easy-to-use interface and collaboration features, making it simple for everyone to access, update, and organize shared data without technical knowledge.

Can I integrate external databases with these platforms?

Yes, many platforms like Blaze.tech and OutSystems support external database integrations. This means you can link your app to other tools and systems you already use, creating a seamless flow of information.

Next Steps

Here’s the final bit of advice for you: When choosing a low-code platform, it’s essential to find one that aligns with your data management needs and can scale with your business.

Blaze is an excellent option for secure, customizable database applications, offering the tools and support needed to build and grow confidently.

A unique feature of Blaze is its dedicated implementation team, which helps you create the first version of your app. This hands-on support streamlines the process, significantly reducing the learning curve and time to deployment — perfect for teams without extensive technical resources.

If you’re searching for a powerful and scalable low-code platform, Blaze offers everything you need to simplify app creation and manage relational data effectively. Schedule a free demo today to explore how Blaze’s capabilities can address your specific needs.

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