Best Low-Code Platform Shortlist
These are the platforms I’ve chosen based on how easy they are to work with and the features they offer:
I've logged countless hours in the coding trenches and picked up a key nugget along the way: you don't need to write every single line of code. For developers with limited time and non-techies with a vision, low-code platforms are a game changer. But, with all the low-code options out there, picking the perfect one can be tricky.
Fear not, for I am here to cut through the clutter! In this post, I'll share insights from my experience working in the low-code landscape across large teams and projects. Follow along as I reveal my low-code platform favorites.
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Compare Software Specs Side-by-Side
Best Low-Code Platform Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Appian | From $2/user/month | Website |
| Nintex | $20,000 /year | Website |
| Mendix | From $60/month | Website |
| Caspio | From $140/month | Website |
| WaveMaker | From $500/month | Website |
| Apps Script | Free | Website |
| Power Apps | From $5/user/app/month | Website |
| Jotform Apps | From $34/month | Website |
| Salesforce Lightning | From $25/user/month | Website |
| Pega | From $35/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareHow to Choose a Low-Code Platform
With so many low-code platforms, deciding the best fit for your needs can be challenging.
As you're shortlisting, trialing, and selecting a low-code platform, consider the following:
What problem are you trying to solve - Start by defining the void that a low-code platform needs to fill. This will help you focus on the low-code platform's must-have features and functionalities.
Who will need to use it - Understanding who will use the platform will guide your decision on many fronts, from the number of licenses to the complexity of training required. Will it just be the developers, or will the whole organization need access? When that's clear, it's worth considering other factors, such as prioritizing ease of use for all or speed for your low-code platform power users.
What other tools does it need to work with - Evaluate your existing arsenal. Clarify what tools you're replacing and what tools are staying. Decide if the tools must be integrated or consider replacing multiple tools with one consolidated low-code platform.
What outcomes are important - Consider the result that the platform needs to deliver to be a success. Whether it's speeding up delivery, cutting costs, or improving user experience, set clear goals. Think about what success looks like and how you'll measure it. You could compare low-code platform features until you're blue in the face, but you could be wasting a lot of valuable time if you aren't thinking about the outcomes.
How it would work within your organization - Consider the low-code platform selection alongside your existing workflows and methods. Test what's working well and the areas causing issues. Remember, every business is different. Please don't assume that because a platform is popular, it'll work in your organization.
Overviews Of The 12 Best Low Code Platforms
In the following sections, you’ll find my favorite low-code platforms, along with their strengths, weaknesses, and the reasons I chose them. After the overviews, I’ve included the criteria I considered when making the list.
Appian offers end-to-end process automation using low-code development tools that cover areas such as process mining and data fabric.
Why I Picked Appian: During my evaluation, I took note of Appian’s case management features, specifically the exceptions for ad-hoc processes and RPAs. For example, an RPA bot could hand off processes to me, and Appian would generate a full audit trail that I could examine later and use the data to make improvements.
Appian Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that made Appian’s case management capabilities stand out to me include the ability to converge data from multiple sources and still get a decent scope of real-time analytics and reports. The automation features also allow you to manage repetitive tasks on a large scale if you’re doing case management with several stakeholders.
Integrations are pre-built for SAP, AWS, and Salesforce, and there’s an API you can use to connect your own solutions.
Pricing: From $2/user/month
Trial: Free plan available
Pros
Well-developed process automation features
Robust case management functionality
Layered security platform-wide
Cons
Difficult to work with the built-in database systems
Limited custom reporting and data visualization capabilities
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Layered security platform-wide
- Robust case management functionality
- Well-developed process automation features
Cons:
- Limited custom reporting and data visualization capabilities
- Difficult to work with the built-in database systems
Nintex offers low-code process automation tools using a drag-and-drop builder and pre-built templates.
Why I Picked Nintex: Nintex’s process automation features, available in the Nintex Automation Cloud platform, proved useful for managing complex workflows. It was comprehensive, covering processes across communication, records, and content systems at scale.
Nintex Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I kept going back to for workflow management include the integrated process mapping function that laid out all my existing workflows and allowed me to make changes with the full scope in front of me.
I was also able to use the built-in robotic process automation (RPA) features to automate repetitive tasks such as document generation and e-signatures, reducing bottlenecks in my workflows.
Integrations are pre-built for Azure AD Groups, Amazon S3, Google Translate, Openweather, Accuweather, Outlook, Slack, Smartsheet, Signiflow, and Bacon Ipsum.
Pricing: From $2,083/month (billed annually)
Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
Support team is often responsive
Robust automation features
Comprehensive onboarding process
Cons
Steep learning curve
Expensive
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive onboarding process
- Robust automation features
- Support team is often responsive
Cons:
- Expensive
- Steep learning curve
Mendix is a low-code development platform aimed at businesses, providing solutions such as enterprise application development, workflow automation, and modernization for legacy systems.
Why I Picked Mendix: A lot of the copy on Mendix’s website talks about its support for Agile frameworks, and I found that the Epics feature delivers on this promise. Epics is a built-in project management tool that allows you to organize teams with either Scrum or Kanban methods. It comes with customizable workflows that includes backlog, refinement, to-do, in-progress, testing, and done sections.
Mendix Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that I liked in Mendix include its suite of tools for collaborative development. Aside from Epics, I found myself going back to its polls for more targeted feedback. I also liked that it was built on an extensible and open platform that allowed me to integrate the tools I was already using in my agile workflows, from test automation tools to CI/CD pipelines and even legacy systems that I seemingly breathed some new life into with a connector.
Integrations are pre-built for SAP, Microsoft Azure and Teams, AWS, Salesforce, Google Cloud, and IBM Cloud. There’s also an API you can use to build your own solutions called connectors.
Pricing: From $60/month
Trial: Free plan available
Pros
Built-in project management features
Allows for truly Agile development
Open platform supports custom solutions
Cons
Not cost-effective for smaller teams
Prone to performance slowdown
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Open platform supports custom solutions
- Allows for truly Agile development
- Built-in project management features
Cons:
- Prone to performance slowdown
- Not cost-effective for smaller teams
Caspio is a low-code development platform whose primary focus is on database applications for businesses, and the company has placed a premium on customer support in more ways than one.
Why I Picked Caspio: During the entire time I was testing Caspio, there was always someone an arm’s length away for help, whether that was customer service or tech consultants. The company has several customer service lines, including local numbers for its biggest markets: the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. If you don’t feel confident when working with low-code platforms, the assistance might just be worth the asking price.
Caspio Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that made me feel comfortable working with Caspio’s (admittedly complex) platform include the comprehensive onboarding process, where they assigned me an expert team that I collaborated directly with, as well as consistent feedback, a training program, and coaching. You also get access to project consultation sessions where experts can help you flesh out your ideas before getting started, including writing a full proposal for your project.
Integrations are available through Zapier for thousands of solutions, including Gmail, Mailchimp, Google Calendar and Sheets, Unbounce, Wufoo, Twilio, Calendly, Quickbooks, and MySQL.
Pricing: From $127.50/month
Trial: Free plan available
Pros
Reliable customer support
Comprehensive onboarding process
No pay-per-user plans, making it cost-effective as you scale
Cons
Steep learning curve
Support is expensive
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No pay-per-user plans, making it cost-effective as you scale
- Comprehensive onboarding process
- Reliable customer support
Cons:
- Support is expensive
- Steep learning curve
Wavemaker offers a low-code platform for enterprise applications. Its main clientele looks to be financial institutions, but I’ve found there’s something for a lot of other groups.
Why I Picked Wavemaker: I chose Wavemaker because of its Application Platform as a Service (aPaaS) features, specifically how many tools it gave me to manage deployments both off and on-premises. Whenever I deployed an app, it automatically provisioned the environment with dependencies, databases, and several other services I needed to keep it running.
Wavemaker Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include the system-wide cloud-native design that gave me the peace of mind of knowing that my deployments were more likely to retain ideal levels of fault tolerance, scalability, resilience, and availability. My deployments also had security compliance built into them for standards such as SAML and SSL encryption.
Integrations are pre-built for GitHub, Sharepoint, Google Calendar, Quickbase, Bitbucket, and Yammer.
Pricing: From $500/month
Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
No vendor lock-in
Supports React for mobile front-end development
Easily navigable interface for beginners
Cons
Desktop version is no longer available
Not cost-effective for small businesses
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easily navigable interface for beginners
- Supports React for mobile front-end development
- No vendor lock-in
Cons:
- Not cost-effective for small businesses
- Desktop version is no longer available
Apps Script is a cloud-native low-code development platform from Google that’s designed to work across most of its products.
Why I Picked Apps Script: Apps Script works across Google Workspace and the plethora of apps within it, meaning it’s easy for anyone with a Gmail account to get started with it. For example, my first time working with it was with a simple script to calculate bulk payments in Google Sheets.
Apps Script Standout Features and Integrations:
Features in Apps Script that I think any beginner could benefit from include the macro recorder, which lets you log functions step by step and save them to run as a script, making for easy automation.
I also liked that as I typed out the code for a custom script, there were always suggestions and a sort of mini documentation like you’d find in a fully integrated development environment (IDE), so I didn’t need to keep all the syntax in my head.
Integrations are available natively with over 100 of Google’s services, including most apps in Google Workspace as well as Youtube, Chat, BigQuery, and Google Analytics.
Pricing: Free
Trial: Free plan available
Pros
Easy to get started with
Several native integrations
100% free
Cons
Relies on community support
Only works with Google products
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 100% free
- Several native integrations
- Easy to get started with
Cons:
- Only works with Google products
- Relies on community support
Power Apps is a low-code platform from Microsoft whose main focus is on applications for businesses of all sizes.
Why I Picked Power Apps: The moment I saw that Power Apps extends the functionality of Microsoft’s enterprise heavy-hitters, I knew the audience I’d be recommending it for. You can build custom solutions for Power BI, Pages, Automate, and Virtual Agents to improve business insights, websites, workflow automation, and chatbots, respectively.
Power Apps Standout Features and Integrations:
Features I like in Power Apps that enterprise users might be interested in include over 500 pre-built connectors for popular business applications that you can use to import data, all with Azure as the foundation. With the intelligent automation feature, you can generate recommendations for automated processes that work on desktops for both modern and legacy systems.
Integrations are available natively for services on the Microsoft Power Platform and are pre-built for Oracle, Twitter, Dropbox, Adobe Creative Cloud, Freshdesk, Google Drive, Box, Jira, Jotform, and Slack.
Pricing: From $5/user/app/month
Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
Hundreds of pre-built integrations
Highly scalable platform
Strong data governance features
Cons
Difficult to work with formulas in custom scripts
Slow performance at times
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong data governance features
- Highly scalable platform
- Hundreds of pre-built integrations
Cons:
- Slow performance at times
- Difficult to work with formulas in custom scripts
You probably know Jotform for its online forms, but the company also offers a low-code app builder for lightweight mobile and desktop applications.
Why I Picked Jotform Apps: Jotform made a name for itself in form building, and I found many of those features in its app builder, all with promising use cases where you need to record input from a small pool of users. One of the first things I did was create an app from a form and linked it to Google Calendar for a fully functional small-scale scheduling solution.
Jotform Apps Standout Features and Integrations:
Features I relied on a lot in the Jotform app include Jotform Tables, the free onboard database built on top of a spreadsheet that I could use to keep track of all the information coming in through all the input fields and generate reports. I also liked that it gave me the option to share my app via email or QR code, both avenues I’ve used to share many forms.
Integrations are pre-built for Google Calendar and Sheets, Paypal Business, Asana, monday.com, HubSpot, Airtable, Zoom, Trello, and Stripe.
Pricing: From $34/month (billed annually) with Jotform bronze plan
Trial: Free plan available with free Jotform plan
Pros
Easy to use
Hundreds of free templates
Free with a Jotform account
Cons
Not ideal for complex applications
Many templates have dated interfaces
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free with a Jotform account
- Hundreds of free templates
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Many templates have dated interfaces
- Not ideal for complex applications
Salesforce Lightning is a low-code product that’s part of the Salesforce Platform. It allows developers to get most of the benefits of using a premade CRM with the option to add custom functionality.
Why I Picked Salesforce Lightning: Salesforce Lightning is marketed as being mostly the same as the classic version of the CRM but one that you can “make your own.” When I tested the myLightning feature, this became apparent to me because I could change nearly everything within Salesforce, from colors to custom user content pages.
Salesforce Lightning Standout Features and Integrations:
Features that CRM teams can benefit from include the Service Console, which lets you manage several cases from one screen, with an overview that manages to include most of the detail you need at a glance. On the sales front, there’s a feature called Path that maps out the most likely routes toward closing a deal, with in-depth tracking for past and upcoming activities like meetings, emails, and calls.
Integrations are pre-built for Google Workspace, Slack, HubSpot, Mailchimp, monday.com, ZoomInfo, Docusign, Calendly, Dropbox, and LinkedIn.
Pricing: From $25/user/month
Trial: 30-day free trial
Pros
Responsive customer support
Robust CRM features
Organized record-keeping system
Cons
Slow performance at times
Steep learning curve for anyone coming from classic Salesforce
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Organized record-keeping system
- Robust CRM features
- Responsive customer support
Cons:
- Steep learning curve for anyone coming from classic Salesforce
- Slow performance at times
Pega is a platform that provides several tools for low-code enterprise development, covering areas such as decisioning and workflow automation.
Why I Picked Pega: From my time with it, Pega seems to be treating DevOps as a priority across most of its products. I used Deployment Manager to configure comprehensive CI/CD workflows for everything I built on the platform and could see it scaling well enough to serve most DevOps pipelines.
Pega Standout Features and Integrations:
Features I’d recommend in Pega for a DevOps team include the Pega API that is set up to integrate existing DevOps toolchains, so you don’t need to change your processes too drastically. PegaUnit allows you to automate unit testing and get detailed reports, supporting a consistent CI/CD workflow.
Integrations are pre-built for SAP, Docusign, Kubernetes, Docker, Cisco, Jenkins, Box, Amazon S3, and React.
Pricing: From $35/user/month
Trial: Free trial available
Pros
Supports advanced DevOps
Comprehensive case management features
Robust process automation
Cons
Difficult to set up
Sparse documentation
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust process automation
- Comprehensive case management features
- Supports advanced DevOps
Cons:
- Sparse documentation
- Difficult to set up
Selection Criteria For Low-Code Platforms
Choosing the right low-code platform involves analyzing its features. You must ensure they meet your business requirements and address common challenges. My approach involves hands-on testing and in-depth research to identify which functions matter most.
Here’s how I break down my evaluation criteria:
Core Low-Code Platform Functionality: 25% of total weighting score
Low-code platforms can include drag-and-drop interfaces, visual modeling, and component reusability. Other features may consist of cross-platform support and integration. They also include scalability, security, testing, analytics, and rapid prototyping. The solution had to support everyday use cases to be on my list of the best low-code platforms.
- Streamlining complex app development processes.
- Integrating with existing IT infrastructure.
- Modifying applications in response to changing business needs.
- Ensuring applications are accessible on many device types.
- Providing robust data security and compliance tools.
Additional Standout Features: 25% of total weighting score
- Identifying platforms that incorporate advanced AI capabilities for more innovative automation and decision-making.
- Recognizing platforms that offer unique collaborative tools for real-time co-development.
- Evaluating the presence of security features such as biometric access controls.
- Testing platforms that support blockchain technology for enhanced data verification processes.
- Look for platforms that allow more customization. They should have extensive APIs and SDKs for a more tailored solution.
Usability: 10% of total weighting score
- Valuing intuitive design that reduces learning curves and increases productivity.
- Looking for a responsive interface that performs well on both mobile and desktop.
- Appreciating clear, logical navigation paths that enhance user experience.
Onboarding: 10% of total weighting score
- Assessing the availability of comprehensive resources such as video tutorials and start-up guides.
- Checking for interactive elements like product tours and chatbots helps to ease learning.
- We are evaluating how sound support materials help new users. The goal is to maximize their platform potential.
Customer Support: 10% of total weighting score
- Comparing the availability and responsiveness of support teams across different platforms.
- Dedicated support that helps troubleshoot and optimize usage.
- Prioritizing platforms with proactive support and regular updates.
Value For Money: 10% of total weighting score
- Analyzing the cost relative to the features and scalability offered.
- Considering the financial impact of deployment and maintenance over time.
- Evaluating flexible pricing models that accommodate growth and changing needs.
Customer Reviews: 10% of total weighting score
- Reviewing feedback for insights on reliability, user satisfaction, and vendor responsiveness.
- Monitoring recurring themes in feedback that highlight strengths or weaknesses.
- Noting customer sentiment as a measure of product success and acceptance.
These criteria will guide you to a low-code platform that meets your specifications and aligns with your strategic business objectives. Careful selection ensures your chosen low-code platform supports fast, efficient, and secure app development.
Trends in Low-Code Platforms
In 2024, the landscape of low-code platforms is evolving. Developers and companies are pushing the boundaries of what they can achieve with minimal coding. The need to speed up digital transformation, simplify development, and empower non-technical users to build complex solutions is driving this surge. I reviewed recent product updates, press releases, and release logs and noticed some popular low-code platform trends.
- Integration with AI and Machine Learning: Many low-code platforms are adding AI features. These automate complex parts of app development, like writing code and performing predictive analytics. This trend reflects the growing need to incorporate intelligent decision-making within applications.
- Blockchain Integration: Adding blockchain technology is becoming more common. This lets users develop apps with better security and data integrity within a low-code environment.
- Real-time Collaboration Tools: Some platforms allow remote teams to collaborate in real-time. This reflects the ongoing need for tools that support distributed workforce models.
Understanding the clear trends in today's low-code platforms is not just beneficial, it's crucial. These platforms strive to make app development faster, more accessible, and more integrated with advanced tech. This knowledge empowers you to choose a platform that meets your current needs and prepares you for the future. It also serves as a roadmap for investing in tools that will give you a competitive edge.
What is a Low-Code Platform?
A low-code platform allows you to build software by clicking and dragging elements around rather than typing code. Think of it as the Lego set of app development. You snap together pre-built blocks to form functional apps much faster than if you were coding each line by hand. These platforms have features for designing layouts, handling data, and setting up workflows. They also let you connect apps to other services without needing to write complex code.
Low-code platforms are a relief for anyone who wants to get an app up and running quickly, whether they're coding beginners or time-strapped developers. From improving how a business tracks inventory to launching a customer survey tool, these platforms help bring ideas to life with minimal coding fuss.
Features of Low-Code Platforms
Low-code platforms provide a versatile set of features that enable users to handle a variety of programming tasks. They make building more complex systems easier for even less tech-savvy professionals.
Here's what to look for when choosing a low-code platform:
- Drag-and-Drop Interface: This feature lets you design and build an application without writing much code.
- Visual Modeling Tools: Workflow visuals and data models help you better understand and design the application.
- Templates: You can build applications faster using tested and proven pre-built elements.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: This ensures your applications work across different devices and operating systems.
- Integration Capabilities: Connectivity allows your applications to integrate with existing and third-party systems.
- Scalability: Scalable platforms can handle increasing workloads and user numbers without performance losses.
- Security Features: Robust security protocols protect your applications from unauthorized access and data breaches.
- Automated Testing Tools: Automated testing keeps your apps bug-free and running smoothly.
- Reporting and Analytics: Analytics tools help you track user interactions and system performance to improve decision-making.
- Rapid Prototyping: Creating prototypes speeds up refinement and helps you better meet user needs.
Most low-code platforms have features that can help you build efficient, reliable, and scalable applications. However, it is essential to choose a platform that offers features to meet your specific needs.
Ultimately, an excellent low-code platform should empower your team. It lets them make high-quality applications with less code, fostering innovation.
Benefits of Low-Code Platforms
In my opinion, low-code platforms have transformed the landscape of software development. They make coding accessible and streamline the process of creating complex applications.
Here are five primary advantages that low-code platforms bring to your users and organization:
1. Accelerated Development Time: Low-code platforms reduce the time required to build applications. This speed enables you to better respond to market changes and internal demands.
2. Reduced Costs Lower Development Costs: Low-code platforms minimize the need for extensive coding, reducing developers' hours on each project. This efficiency reduces labor costs and moves resources to other critical areas of development.
3. Empowers Business Users: These platforms have user-friendly interfaces that allow non-techies to code. This democratization empowers your employees to innovate more and solve business problems.
4. Enhanced Flexibility: Low-code platforms provide tools for updating and scaling applications easily as business needs evolve. This flexibility ensures that software can grow with the company.
5. Improved IT and Business Collaboration: Low-code platforms simplify the development process, allowing closer collaboration between IT and business units. This collaboration produces outcomes that align more closely with business needs.
Low-code platforms are more than just tools for creating applications. They are strategic enablers that can transform how your organization operates and competes. These low-code platforms provide a robust foundation for digital innovation and operational excellence.
Cost & Pricing for Low-Code Platforms
When exploring low-code platforms, I discovered it's important to understand the available plans and pricing options. These platforms offer a range of plans to suit various needs, from individual developers to large enterprises.
Here’s a breakdown of typical plan types, their average pricing, and the features you can expect with each. This info will help you even if you have little to no experience buying low-code platforms.
Plan Comparison Table for Low-Code Platforms
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Access to basic building tools, community support, limited app deployment capabilities |
| Basic | $10-25/user/month | Core development features, access to customer support, basic integration capabilities |
| Professional | $50-100/user/month | Advanced integrations, more deployment options, higher data limits, premium support |
| Enterprise | $250+/user/month | Full customization, unlimited apps, top-tier security, dedicated account management |
Choosing the right plan involves balancing costs against the features your project requires. Consider how each plan's scalability, support, and integration capabilities align with your current needs and future growth expectations.
People Also Ask
Still feel like you haven’t completely wrapped your head around the concept of low-code development? I’ve picked out a few commonly asked questions to help you fill in some gaps.
Will low-code platforms replace programmers?
How secure are low-code platforms?
Should I learn low-code?
Other Options
Here are a couple of low-code platforms that didn’t make the main list but that I still believe warrant a look:
- Studio Creatio
Best for scalable architecture
- Kissflow Workflow
Best flexibility features
- Kintone
Best for automating field sales
- QuickBase
Best access control features
- Zoho Creator
Best for custom CRM
- Quixy
Best audit trail features
- GeneXus
Best large language model implementation
- Oracle Application Express
Best for development on Oracle databases
- Outsystem
Best for omnichannel development
Final Thoughts
With low-code projected to grow 18.9%, now's a good time to adopt the technology. The low-code platform you build on should be geared toward your goals and available resources. Consider the scope of the app or service and choose one that performs well at that scale.
It's essential to consider your own and/or team's skill levels. However, even with moderate technical proficiency, you can harness the power of a low-code platform to save time and effort. Choose a platform that meets your needs and allows adding custom features. This empowers you to create solutions that align with your business's unique requirements.
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