9 Best Low-code & No-code Platforms For Building Applications

A low-code/no-code platform is a development environment that enables users to create applications with little to no coding skills. These platforms accelerate application development, reduce costs, and streamline workflows, helping businesses scale and innovate faster. 

With rising demand, the global market for low-code platforms is expected to reach $45.5 billion by 2025 (Global Forecast Low-Code Platform Market Report). In this article, we will cover key evaluation criteria, highlight 9 top platforms, and offer best practices to help you make an informed decision for your project.

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9 Popular Low-code/ No-code Platforms For Developers

Here’s a comparative table of the top low-code & no-code platforms based on their types, key features, costs, and key use cases:

Now let's come to the detailed description of each platform below.

Mendix

Mendix is an enterprise-grade low-code platform designed for building scalable, customized applications with minimal coding to accelerate digital transformation. Its corporate scalability and multi-cloud deployment stand out, making it ideal for large organizations needing complex, scalable solutions. With support for DevOps and agile development, Mendix serves as an end-to-end development platform. However, remember that while it significantly reduces the amount of coding required, complex logic or customizations may still necessitate some coding.

Unique Features:

• Visual Development: Speeds up app creation with a drag-and-drop interface, enabling contributions from both developers and non-technical users.
• AI-assisted Development: Uses AI to assist developers in building apps faster by providing recommendations for logic, actions, and more.
• API Integrations: Simplifies connections with enterprise systems, enabling complex, integrated solutions.
• Multi-cloud Deployment: Allows apps to be deployed across private, public, or on-premise clouds.

Personal Review: I found Mendix to be highly flexible, especially with its multi-cloud deployment, offering seamless integration across AWS, Azure, and on-premises environments. While there is a steep learning curve for managing complex workflows, once familiar with the platform, it greatly streamlines the development process.

OutSystems

OutSystems is a powerful low-code platform known for its speed, flexibility, and support for custom code. It excels in handling large-scale applications and offers seamless deployment across both web and mobile. Leveraging AI-powered automation, OutSystems enables developers to create scalable and high-performance apps efficiently.

Unique Features:

• Full-stack Development: Developers can control both back-end and front-end development, easily building complex applications with a unified platform.
• End-to-end Lifecycle Management: OutSystems offers full application lifecycle management, from development and deployment to monitoring and updating applications.
• Built-in Security Features: Features like role-based access control, compliance certifications (e.g., ISO, GDPR), and secure app management make OutSystems a go-to for enterprises that prioritize data security.
• OutSystems Forge: Enables developers to browse, download, and install various assets created by the OutSystems community and official OutSystems partners.
• Native App Development: Supports full-featured native mobile app creation with access to device-specific capabilities, offline functionality, reusable mobile components, and cross-platform deployment from a single codebase.

Personal Review: OutSystems impressed me with its real-time monitoring tools, which were invaluable in optimizing app performance as our client’s user base grew. Although the interface can feel a bit cluttered for beginners, especially when using custom code support, the platform is still highly effective for enterprise-level projects that need speed and flexibility.

Microsoft Power Apps

Microsoft Power Apps is a low-code/no-code platform designed to integrate seamlessly with Microsoft products like Microsoft 365, Azure, or Dynamics 365. It enables rapid app development and deployment without the need for additional external integrations, providing a streamlined approach for organizations operating within this ecosystem.

Unique Features:

• AI Builder: Allows users to add AI functionalities like form processing and sentiment analysis to apps without requiring in-depth knowledge of AI.
• Pre-built Templates: Kickstart the development process by providing customizable templates for common business applications, saving setup time.
• Cross-platform Compatibility: Ensures that apps can be built once and deployed across web and mobile platforms.
• Common Data Service (Dataverse): Offers a centralized data model for storing, managing, and sharing data across all Microsoft services, ensuring data consistency, security, and scalability.
• Robust automation with Power Automate: Power Apps offers tight integration with Microsoft Power Automate for building automated workflows and processes across different systems.

Personal Review: I’ve used this platform for developing internal tools that needed to integrate with Azure and Dynamics 365, and the seamless integration was a massive time-saver. However, the drag-and-drop builder, while great for simple solutions, can feel limiting for more complex apps that require extensive customization.

Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator is a budget-friendly no-code platform, ideal for small businesses and individuals looking for quick workflow automation without high costs or complex learning curves. It’s well-suited for those needing simple applications without the advanced features or scalability of platforms like Mendix or OutSystems.

Unique Features:

• Deluge Script: Provides flexibility in building custom logic and workflows beyond simple drag-and-drop options.
• Zoho Ecosystem Integration: Easily connects with other Zoho products like Zoho CRM, Books, and Inventory.
• Multi-Language Support: Allows users to build apps in several languages, ideal for global enterprises aiming to localize their apps easily.
• Offline Access: Enables users to continue working without internet access, with changes syncing once reconnected. 
• Native Mobile Capabilities: Optimizes user interfaces and interactions specifically for mobile devices without needing extensive customization.
• Customizable Multi-Step Approval Workflows: Facilitates complex approval processes, making it suitable for businesses with multi-layered decision-making or compliance requirements.

Personal Review: Zoho Creator is excellent for building simple applications quickly. However, as project complexity grows, I found that Zoho Creator's limited scalability and feature set could be restrictive. For smaller businesses or simple automation, it’s a great choice, but larger enterprises may find it lacking for advanced needs.

Pega

Pega is a low-code platform specializing in business process management (BPM) and AI-driven decision-making, making it ideal for industries like finance and healthcare that require complex process automation. Compared to other platforms, Pega offers powerful tools to automate intricate workflows and business processes across large organizations, especially in highly regulated industries.

Unique Features:

• AI-driven Decision-making and Automation: Provides real-time decision-making capabilities, enabling dynamic, data-driven responses during customer interactions.
• Robust Business Process Management (BPM): Facilitates the design, automation, and optimization of complex business workflows.
• Pega Infinity: A comprehensive digital transformation suite that combines automation, case management, customer engagement, and workflow optimization within a single platform.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Integration: Enables businesses to automate routine tasks across legacy systems and applications without modifying the underlying infrastructure, enhancing productivity with minimal disruption. 
• Federated Data Access: Allows apps to access data directly from external sources without needing to store it within Pega, reducing redundancy and improving data consistency.
• Next-Best-Action Recommendations: Utilizes real-time data and AI to suggest optimal actions during customer interactions, enhancing decision-making and improving customer engagement.

Personal Review: Pega shines in environments that require complex process automation. However, the platform comes with a steep learning curve, especially for developers new to BPM. Pega may not be the best choice for simpler app development but is unparalleled for enterprises needing highly regulated, intricate workflows.

>> Read more: Key Benefits of Healthcare Automation Systems

Salesforce Lightning

Salesforce Lightning is a low-code platform within the Salesforce ecosystem, designed for building custom CRM applications and automating workflows. It provides rapid app development for Salesforce-reliant businesses, integrating seamlessly with Salesforce’s CRM environment, making it a top solution for CRM-focused applications.

Unique Features:

• AppExchange Marketplace: Offer over 5,000 pre-built third-party applications, components, and integrations, allowing users to expand app functionality quickly without extensive custom development.
• Trailhead Learning Platform: Salesforce's free learning platform for users to quickly learn and master Salesforce technologies, from basic CRM functionalities to advanced app-building techniques.
• Omni-Channel Routing: Automatically assigns work items (e.g. customer service requests) to the right agent based on skill sets, availability, and current workload.
• Multi-Tenant Architecture: Allows for real-time upgrades and scalability without service interruptions or downtime.
• Salesforce Shield: Provide advanced security and compliance features, making Salesforce Lightning truthful for industries with strict regulatory requirements.

Personal Review: Having worked extensively with Salesforce, I found its pre-built CRM components and deep integration within the Salesforce environment significantly accelerate development. The downside is its limited flexibility for non-CRM apps, making it less versatile than OutSystems or Mendix. However, for businesses focused on CRM needs, Salesforce Lightning is the top choice.

>> Read more: 10 Popular CRM Software Development Companies in Vietnam

ServiceNow App Engine

ServiceNow App Engine is a low-code platform designed to help enterprises streamline workflows, particularly in IT service management (ITSM), HR, and customer service. It excels in automating complex internal processes, making it a top choice for organizations with high operational needs.

Unique Features:

• ServiceNow's Platform Integration: Facilitates seamless communication between custom apps and other ServiceNow tools for a unified workflow.
• Real-time Data Management: Helps developers build apps capable of managing large volumes of data in real-time.
• Predictive Intelligence: Uses machine learning algorithms to proactively identify and resolve IT incidents before they impact users..
• Virtual Agent: Automates user interactions through a virtual agent powered by Natural Language Understanding, improving response times.
• Developer Controls and Governance: Ensures compliance and governance while enabling non-developers to build and deploy applications securely.
• Multi-Instance Cloud Infrastructure: Provides greater control, security, and customization, making it ideal for enterprises with high compliance or performance needs.

Personal Review: In my experience with ServiceNow App Engine, it stands out in automating workflows for ITSM and HR ticketing systems. However, the platform’s pricing can be a barrier for smaller organizations. Nonetheless, if your goal is to automate IT and HR processes at scale, this platform is among the best in the industry.

WaveMaker

WaveMaker is an open-source low-code platform designed for building scalable web and mobile applications. It allows for deeper customization than typical low-code tools, focusing on API-driven and cloud-native applications.

Unique Features:

• Cloud-native Architecture: Designed for cloud environments such as AWS and Azure, simplifying scaling and management.
• Two-Way API Generation: Supports both REST and SOAP APIs, making it easy to integrate app data and logic with external systems.
• Microservices Architecture: Allows developers to break down applications into modular, independent services development. 
• Hybrid & Native App Support: Enables businesses to provide flexibility for different mobile app deployment strategies.
• IDEs Support: Allows developers to leverage familiar tools for advanced coding and debugging.
• DevOps Capabilities: Enables CI/CD pipelines for faster development cycles.

Personal Review: WaveMaker offers complete control over both front-end and back-end development, ideal for developers seeking high customization and scalability. However, its open-source nature demands a higher level of technical knowledge compared to other platforms like Power Apps or Zoho Creator. It's a strong choice for developers who value control and scalability, but it may be overly complicated for simpler apps.

Airtable

Airtable is a no-code platform that combines the simplicity of spreadsheets with the power of a relational database. It is designed to manage data, automate workflows, and collaborate more effectively, offering flexible views and customization options. Therefore, Airtable is perfect for teams looking for a highly customizable, collaborative platform without requiring technical expertise. 

Unique Features:

• Spreadsheet-like Interface: Uses a familiar, spreadsheet-style layout, making it easy for non-developers to organize and transform data into dynamic applications.
• Multiple View Options: Provides various ways to visualize data (e.g., calendar, Kanban, gallery views), adapting to different workflows and business needs.
• Real-time Collaboration: Enables team members to comment directly on records, fostering better communication and project management.
• Dashboard Apps: Visualize and analyze data directly within Airtable without needing external analytics tools, perfect for teams seeking quick insights on collected data.
• Custom Permissions for Shared Access: Set custom access levels for different users, providing control over who can view, edit, or manage certain parts of a base.

Personal Review: I used Airtable primarily for project management and team collaboration. Its spreadsheet-like interface makes it incredibly easy for non-developers to manage data. However, Airtable lacks the advanced functionality needed for complex business logic or custom workflows. I’d recommend Airtable for small teams looking to organize their data efficiently, but it’s not a good fit for more technical applications that require deep integrations or advanced scalability.

Key Criteria To Evaluate A Good Low-code & No-code Platform

​​When evaluating low-code and no-code platforms, consider these key criteria to ensure the platform meets your organization’s needs:

• Ease of Use & Learning Curve: Prioritize platforms with intuitive interfaces, detailed documentation, and active user communities. These features help non-technical users and citizen developers create applications with ease.
• Integration Capabilities: Easily integrate with your existing systems, databases, and third-party applications via APIs 
• Customization and Flexibility: Allow for custom coding or advanced features when needed, important for businesses with complex workflows or specific requirements.
• Scalability: Make sure the platform can handle increasing data, users, and complexity as your business grows, without sacrificing performance.
• Security & Compliance: Ensure the platform follows industry security standards and compliance regulations relevant to your sector, especially when dealing with sensitive information.
• Collaboration & Workflow Management: The platform should support collaboration between technical and non-technical teams, ensuring smooth teamwork and development processes.
• Mobile Support: Look for platforms supporting web and mobile development, ensuring your applications work seamlessly across all devices.
• Cost & Pricing Model: Evaluate the pricing structure based on your business needs. Also, consider if the platform offers a free trial or tier for small teams.
• Automation Capabilities: Seek platforms that simplify process automation, allowing both technical and non-technical users to optimize workflows.

Conclusion

Low-code and no-code platforms are transforming the way businesses approach software development. These platforms empower organizations to accelerate their digital transformation, improve operational efficiency, and adapt to evolving market demands. Adopting these platforms is no longer just an option but a strategic necessity for companies looking to stay competitive in the fast-paced digital economy.

However, to bring the best quality to your project and product, it is still best to work with experienced software development companies. Their expertise and professional support will let you focus on other important aspects of your project.

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