Software development has been the bottleneck of the business world, costing thousands of dollars and man-hours to develop the perfect user experience. The high price tag has been a significant barrier for smaller startups, while the long turnaround times are a nuisance for larger businesses.

Luckily, the best low-code development platforms are here to revolutionize the way development is done. They allow businesses to quickly design, develop and deploy applications without having to write complex code from scratch at speeds never before seen.

Low code development platforms are intuitive software solutions that enable developers and non-developers alike to create powerful applications – from websites and e-commerce stores to internal tools and custom solutions – with minimal coding knowledge or technical resources. 

With the help of a drag-and-drop interface, automated testing services, pre-built blocks, integration capabilities, and cloud hosting options, low-code development platforms offer businesses of all sizes the ability to rapidly develop fully functional software applications without sacrificing quality or functionality.

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best overall

Mendix

Full Review

  • Web & Mobile Creation
  • For Professional Developers
  • High-security Features
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CRM Platform

Zoho Creator

Full Review

  • Great for Zoho CRM Users
  • Build with Artificial Intelligence
  • Used for Business Apps
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Business solutions

KissFlow

Full Review

  • App Development
  • Workflow Automation
  • Easiest Platform To Use
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What Is The Best Low Code Platform?

These low-code development platform solutions can be used to create fantastic web, mobile, and enterprise applications by developers quickly without having to jump through the traditional hoops of software development.

If you don’t have extensive coding knowledge, then check out a no-code platform that doesn’t require any coding skills at all. 

Best Low Code Development Platforms

1. Mendix

Enterprise App Development

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt the genuine struggle of communicating back and forth between the design and IT teams? Translating the vision of the graphic and design teams over to the technical teams can be highly challenging- or at least it was before Mendix.

Mendix is a low-code platform that allows developers to create applications quickly and efficiently, allowing for faster production of applications and less time spent in the testing phase.

The Tech Breakdown: Mendix was built with Git, has Cloud-native deployment, and Open Source JavaScript (React and React Native). Integrate any APIs, third-party platforms (Google, Salesforce, etc.), and AI models into your app.

Here’s what Mendix can do for your team:

  • Create a web and mobile experience within the same platform.
  • Connects with all major third-party data sources such as Salesforce, Microsoft, Amazon, and all the other big names your company may be using.
  • Their interface is very user-friendly, and they make it easy for developers to customize the code within the framework.
  • Collaboration is streamlined, where you can backlog work, comments, feedback, and DevOps.
  • Hits all of the security concerns, such as ISO and HIPAA.

Mendix Pricing

Pricing is highly dependent on the needs of your team, including what you decide to do for Cloud, Servers, or if you need a dedicated database.

Mendix Verdict

Mendix is one of the leading low-code development platforms for a reason- it offers everything for major enterprises so that your development team can operate efficiently and cost-effectively.

Try Mendix Here

2. OutSystems

Full Stack Development

OutSystems is a leading low-code platform that helps businesses rapidly develop, deploy and manage powerful applications, from customer loyalty apps to internal employee apps.

They’re also staying at the top of their tech game by releasing AIFusion, a platform to help integrate your machine learning and artificial intelligence needs.

As with their competitors, they include all the usual features: drag-and-drop functionality, third-party integrations, and collaboration between the back and front-end staff.

Here are a few other noteworthy things they specialize in:

  • They’re popular thanks to their “full-stack development” features, which allow all developers to come together to deploy a project effortlessly.
  • Used across various industries such as banking, finance, health, and education. It is not recommended for animation/gaming uses.
  • The employee dashboard is very user-friendly, and easy to onboard new team members thanks to their performance management system.

OutSystems’ Pricing

While they give “standard” pricing, the truth of the matter is that you need to get a customized quote to decide what functions you’ll specifically need for your business. Expect to pay $1,000 plus per month.

OutSystems Verdict

Outsystems is another great low-code platform to consider if you’re looking for high-level enterprise applications, while looking for a full-stack low-code platform to get behind.

Try OutSystems Here

3. Appian

Process Automation

Appian helps you create a professional user interface for your business app in much less time than traditional avenues. Named Gatner’s “Voice of the Customer” choice for large and midsize enterprises, users love the experience when creating mobile apps that Appian offers.

For professional developers looking to develop custom applications for their clients or organization, here are a few features Appian offers:

  • It can be used in various industries, including insurance, finance, life science, and more.
  • They add a ton of automation into the app development process without sacrificing customization while also including a visual representation of your workflow processes.
  • Maintains enterprise security and scalability needed to build your app.

Appian Pricing

Pricing was not made available for their platform use. You must request a quote after discussing your needs.

Appian Verdict

Appian offers an upgrade to traditional software development and is a bit basic than other options on this list. While pricing wasn’t made available, my best guess is its much more affordable.

Try Appian Here

4. Microsoft Powerapps

Big Tech Option

Microsoft Powerapps is a low-code development solution that helps you develop mobile applications backed by one of the biggest tech giants in the industry (thanks, GPT). Featuring a drag-and-drop UI, Powerapps is easy to use and comes with hundreds of prebuilt templates and data connectors designed to help developers rapidly create stunning applications.

  • It integrates with all of your Microsoft tech stack options, such as Microsoft Office and Azure.
  • If you’re looking for a secure platform, you can definitely trust Microsoft to give you everything you need to protect your data.
  • Great for non-techy people to create a basic app.

Microsoft Powerapps Pricing

This is going to be one of the most affordable options on the list, with prices varying from $5-$10 per user.

Powerapps Verdict

If you’re a small business looking to create a functional app and utilize Microsoft products (like Azure, then this is a great way to easily make a quick app. This is not ideal for the fully professional developer looking to customize a complex project.

Try Microsoft Powerapps Here

5. KissFlow

Process Automation Development

Kissflow offers business users some different options compared to the other low-code development platforms on this list. While many offer solutions to help you build apps, they can create end-to-end workflow automation solutions. This helps the business boost productivity within its business structure, and you don’t need an entire DevOps team to accomplish it.

For instance, you can design email send-outs, AI doc extractions, automatic DocuSigns to be sent, etc.

Some other features they offer include:

  • App Development: Their userface is one of the easiest and prettiest I’ve seen to work on. It’s straightforward and quick to create a great UI/UX.
  • Process Automation: It’s very easy to use. Walk through the options step by step, such as setting up your forms, adding permissions, and integrations. They hold your hand through the entire process.
  • Integrations: The platform enables users to integrate nearly everything. Mailchimp, Docusign, Azure… they’re all there.

Kissflow’s Pricing

While pricing looks suspiciously affordable at first, there are minimum users required, so it adds up to thousands per month, on par with the other options on the list.

Kissflow Verdict

Their platform is as easy to use as their name implies (Keep-It-Simple-Stupid). If you’re looking for the most no-fuss low-code process platform, this should be high up on your list.

Try Kissflow Here

6. Zoho Creator

CRM App Builder

Zoho creator boasts some famous clientele, including Amazon, Lyft, and Marriot, to name a few. It’s been in the space for quite a while for those businesses that are looking to create software for various different types of business processes. From mobile app development to AI creation with no code, they have you covered for any analytic platform you need.

Here are a few features of Zoho Creator that sets them apart from the rest:

  • AI Builder: Artificial intelligence is the future, so if you’re building any type of platform now, then you need to consider the AI functionality your platform will need in the future.
  • Focus on Business Apps: They’re more geared towards enterprises needing to make internal apps, whether it’s for cataloging, logistics, or property management.
  • Zoho is a known and trusted brand thanks to their CRM, so you can expect the same level of execution when it comes to their low-code application development.

Zoho Creator Pricing

Their pricing is on par with the others; mainly, it will get pricey the more users you add on.

Zoho Creator Verdict

If you’re already familiar with Zoho’s existing software, then you’ll enjoy the low-code platforms that Zoho delivers.

Try Zoho Creator Here

7. Salesforce Lighting

CRM Workflow Development

Salesforce Lighting – you may have guessed it- is a spinoff of the top-rated CRM platform and rival to Zoho- Salesforce. They’re on a mission to stay competitive by offering the “Lightning” version. It’s essentially a way for Salesforce users to easily create low-code applications with their data from their CRM software.

  • It includes existing frameworks and pre-built templates and customizes everything to your specific needs. If you need a new widget to your dashboard, you can add it in half the time.
  • Developers have access to already-built codes to create the needs in just minutes.
  • With the drag-and-drop interfaces, non-tech admin can move things around so that it makes more sense for your business.
  • The app exchange allows you to integrate any other existing apps your company may need.

SalesForce Lightning Pricing

It is unique to each user, and they do not provide pricing. You need to contact a sales rep for a demo.

SalesForce Lightning Verdict

If your enterprise already uses Salesforce and is looking for internal app customizations, Salesforce Lightning is a great choice.

Try SalesForce Lightning Here

8. Visual LANSA

Professional Low Code

Visual Lansa is a platform that is aimed to help developers deliver apps more efficiently and faster. Instead of spending all your time hand-writing each and every line of code, you can use their platform to focus your time on creating unique, meaningful solutions for your clients. Their goal is to be “professional low code”; this is not for those with no tech experience.

  • You have complete control over where your app runs while offering full-stack development.
  • It’s a very small learning curve; any developer can quickly get the hang of their platform.
  • It’s not as popular or prominent as the others on the list, so you’ll be missing that community that others have created.

Visual Lansa Pricing

Pricing not available.

Visual Lansa Verdict

Although this may not be the “biggest” app development platform, they offer a great product at an affordable price for professional developers to get more done quickly.

Try Visual Lansa Here

What is A Low-Code Development Platform?

A low-code development platform is a software environment that enables professional developers to build applications with minimal manual coding. This platform provides a visual interface and ready-to-use templates, components, and frameworks that make application development even faster and easier.

With low-code development, complex projects can be created in days or weeks instead of months or years. This leaves developers more time to focus on business logic and application functionality rather than manually writing code. 

At the end of the day, these are a tool for professional developers to execute applications quickly and easily, with the added bonus of being extremely cost-effective. 

Benefits of Low Code Platforms:

We’re likely going to see a major shift in app development thanks to these critical benefits for major enterprises:

  • Reduction in App Development Times: With built-in frameworks, software engineers can deploy apps from idea to reality in a much shorter time.
  • Breaking Startup Barriers With Lower Costs: Hiring a development team is big bucks. Now smaller startups can compete globally against mega-giants.
  • Reduced Errors: Many platforms discussed come with built-in testing and quality assurance features that help to catch errors early in the development process. This results in a more robust and reliable application, which in turn reduces maintenance costs and improves user satisfaction.
  • Enhanced Scalability: By default, they are designed to be highly scalable and can easily adapt to changing business requirements.
  • Seamless Team Collaboration: When communicating between front-end, back-end, and everything in between, these platforms can allow team members and stakeholders to work together on projects to streamline development. It’s important to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Factors to Consider when Selecting a Low-Code Platform

If your company is looking to make the switch, it can be daunting to decide which application to choose.

Here are some things to consider when finding the best platform for you:

  • How Customizable Is The Platform? When you create apps, you need to be able to customize the app’s capabilities. While a drag-and-drop UI is convenient, be sure it’s not limiting to what business applications you need.
  • What Integration Options Does it Allow? Depending on the niche you’re working in, be sure to make sure that their data models fit with whatever business applications or other tools your business is using.
  • How Secure Are The Low Code Development Tools? No question security is paramount. If you’re in healthcare, you need to follow HIPAA laws. If you’re in finance, then you need extra security. Whatever low-code tools you choose, make sure it’s secure.
  • What Does The Documentation Look Like? When you have multiple people working together building applications, then you need to ensure there is proper documentation in place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Low Code Platform?

A low code platform is software that has drag-and-drop capabilities, prebuilt frameworks, and pre-defined templates that allow developers to deploy apps more quickly and cost-effectively than traditional methods.

They are used to streamline the software development process across your entire tech stack to create custom mobile and web applications or business workflows.

What is the Difference Between Low Code and No Code Platforms?

Low-code platforms are typically best for professional developers that are looking to scale and more efficiently develop different types of software. It automates some of that painful manual code creation. These are typically not meant for non-technical folks.

No-code platforms are meant for people with zero coding experience and utilize drag-and-drop functionality to build platforms. However, they’re more limited in customization.

What are the Pros and Cons of Low Code Platforms?

In a nutshell, the pros of low-code app development are that enterprises can deploy apps faster and more cost-effectively than ever before while not compromising quality.
The drawbacks can be losing customization options and being limited by the platform you choose.

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