Trending Low-Code Tools [Updated]

Over years of coding experience, we've learned that writing every line of code isn't always necessary. To help developers accelerate their work and assist non-technical individuals in realizing their ideas, we've reviewed multiple low-code platforms and summarized our findings. With AI greatly enhancing these platforms, this list highlights key tools that can enable you to develop your first project in hours.

These are the platforms we’ve chosen based on how easy they are to work with and the features they offer, available integrations and pricing plans:

1. ‍FlutterFlow - Best for MVP and POC mobile applications
2. ‍Creatio - Best to create workflow automations and CRM
3. ‍Retool - Best internal tool builder
4. ‍Google Apps Script - Ideal for automating Google Workspace
5. ‍UI Bakery - Ideal for custom web apps
6. ‍Mendix - Best for rapid app development across devices
7. ‍Appian - Leading for automations and process management
8. ‍Adalo - Optimal for building no-code mobile and web apps

Let's dive into them!

Trending Low-Code Tools

1. FlutterFlow - Best for MVP and POC mobile applications

FlutterFlow is a state-of-the-art visual development platform, utilizing a no-code/low-code strategy for designing apps that seamlessly operate across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows.

Why FlutterFlow? FlutterFlow stands out for its user-friendly drag-and-drop UI, extensive widget library, and Firebase integration for backend services. It caters to all levels of developers by supporting custom Dart code, ensuring responsive designs, and facilitating third-party API connections. This platform streamlines the app development process from concept to launch, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Features and Integrations:

• Visual Design Interface: Offers an intuitive interface that allows developers to create apps without writing code, using ready-made blocks for integrating various elements effortlessly.
• Flutter Widget Support: Supports Flutter widgets, giving developers flexibility to use existing widgets or create custom functionalities.
• Real-Time Preview: Provides live app previews, enabling instant adjustments and immediate visibility of changes.
• Cross-Platform Development: Enables the development of applications that run smoothly across different platforms, reducing the time and cost associated with app development.
• Integration Capabilities: Allows for easy integration with platforms like GitHub, enhancing app functionality and teamwork. It also supports API integrations without compatibility issues, particularly noting its seamless connection with Google's Firebase service.

Pricing:

Plans range from a free option, ideal for starting projects, to advanced team subscriptions at $70 per user/month, each adding more features like API integration, code download, and real-time collaboration.

• Free Plan: Start with basic app building tools and web publishing.
• Standard ($30/month): Adds project download options and custom domain publishing.
• Pro ($70/month): Expands to include GitHub integration and app store deployment.
• Teams ($70/user/month): Enhances collaboration with access controls and audit logs.

Key offerings include a visual builder, prebuilt templates, and extensive integration options, scaling from simple designs to complex app functionalities. With FlutterFlow, users from startups to large enterprises can efficiently prototype and deploy across iOS, Android, and web.

Pros:

• Streamlines app development with a drag-and-drop interface.
• Supports extensive customization and real-time previews.
• Facilitates easy project start from a web browser.

Cons:

• Limited resources or support for advanced staging.
• Restricted access to some standard functions.
• May experience performance issues with large projects or during updates.

2. Creatio - Best to create workflow automations and CRM

Creatio is offering a unified solution for workflow automation and customer relationship management (CRM) across various industries. Its no-code approach allows businesses to automate processes and build applications with maximum flexibility, catering to a wide range of business needs without requiring deep technical expertise.

Why Creatio? Creatio is chosen for its robust suite of business process management (BPM) tools, supporting the Business Process Model Notation (BPMN) 2.0 standard. This enables users to map out processes from start to finish within the platform, avoiding the need for external tools. Its appeal lies in its ability to involve all stakeholders in process design, thanks to collaborative tools and the capability to import and export process diagrams.

Features and Integrations:

• BPMN 2.0 Functionality: Out-of-the-box support for comprehensive workflow management.
• Robust CRM Functionality: Offers tools for sales, marketing, and service automation.
• Collaborative Tools: Facilitate team involvement in process design and management.
• Extensive Integrations: Natively supports connections with Mailchimp, Google Calendar, Tableau, and more, enhancing its utility without compatibility issues.

Pricing:

Creatio’s pricing starts at $25/user/month for the Growth plan, aimed at SMBs; $55/user/month for the Enterprise plan, designed for full-scale automation; and $85/user/month for the Unlimited plan, offering advanced enterprise scenarios.

Pros:

• Offers BPMN 2.0 support and robust CRM features out of the box.
• Enables comprehensive workflow management.
• User-friendly with a broad range of integrations.

Cons:

• May experience unpredictable performance dips.
• Documentation gaps and learning curve for new users.

3. Retool - Best internal tool builder

Retool is a leading low-code platform designed for building internal applications, offering a quick and efficient way for teams to create custom apps, dashboards, and admin panels. With its user-friendly drag-and-drop interface and a vast selection of over 90 components, Retool simplifies the process of app development. It empowers developers to integrate custom JavaScript and utilize the Retool React Component Library, facilitating rapid application creation within seconds while ensuring connectivity with various data sources like GraphQL, REST, or gRPC APIs.

Why Retool? Retool is chosen for its ability to accelerate the development of internal business applications, eliminating the need to maintain outdated admin tools. This platform enables teams to scale their processes effectively, integrating with a broad spectrum of databases and APIs, including MySQL, MongoDB, Postgres, Amazon Redshift, Salesforce, Slack, Stripe, Twilio, and Zendesk. Retool's approach removes the complexity of app development, making it a go-to solution for fast-paced innovation.

Features and Integrations:

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Offers over 100+ components for easy app creation.
• Custom Components: Allows for the creation of unique app components, extending functionality.
• Pre-built Connectors: Simplifies database connections and API integrations.
• Module Grouping: Enhances organizational efficiency by enabling module reuse across different app sections.

Pricing:

Retool offers a tiered pricing model starting with a free plan for developers and early exploration, including unlimited web & mobile apps with up to 5 users. Paid plans for teams begin at $10 per standard user per month (when billed annually) and offer additional features like staging environments and app release versions. Business plans start at $50 per standard user per month (annually) for more control and features like audit logging and rich permission controls.

Pros:

• Facilitates rapid development of sales, operations, and support apps.
• Extensive component library and support for over 45 built-in integrations.
• Custom JavaScript components extend app functionality.
• Convenient for both small and large teams with a self-hosted version option.

Cons:

• Requires basic coding knowledge.
• Managing large applications can be challenging.
• Some features, like white labeling, are reserved for higher-tier plans.
• Pricing may escalate for larger teams.

4. Google Apps Script - Ideal for automating Google Workspace

Google Apps Script is a versatile cloud-based scripting platform designed by Google to streamline and automate tasks within Google Workspace, as well as integrate with external services. This tool allows users to extend the functionality of Google's suite of productivity apps, making it an invaluable resource for software developers, web administrators, and IT specialists across businesses of all sizes.

Why Google Apps Script? The primary allure of Google Apps Script lies in its seamless integration with the entire Google Workspace ecosystem, including Docs, Sheets, Forms, and more. This integration capability facilitates the creation of custom solutions that automate workflows, enhance data analysis, and even manage calendar events or send bulk emails via Google Sheets. Its accessibility to users with a basic understanding of JavaScript, coupled with extensive documentation and a supportive community, makes it a go-to for automating and customizing Google Workspace applications.

Features and Integrations:

• Automation and Customization: Allows for the automation of repetitive tasks and the creation of custom add-ons within Google Workspace apps, enhancing productivity and workflow efficiency.
• Ease of Use: With its JavaScript-based environment, Google Apps Script is approachable for developers and those with programming knowledge, offering a low barrier to entry for creating scripts.
• Integration Capabilities: Natively integrates with over 100 Google services, facilitating the development of applications that can interact with Google Workspace, YouTube, Google Analytics, and more, without the need for additional API calls or external libraries.

Pricing and Accessibility:

Google Apps Script is notably free to use, providing a powerful scripting platform at no cost. This, combined with the free plan available, ensures that businesses and individuals can leverage its capabilities without financial barriers.

Pros:

• Facilitates easy automation and extension of Google Workspace apps.
• Offers a vast array of integration options with Google services.
• Completely free to use, offering significant value without investment.

Cons:

• Primarily relies on community support for troubleshooting and queries.
• Limited to integration and automation within the Google ecosystem.

5. UI Bakery - Ideal for custom web apps

UI Bakery is an innovative low-code platform tailored for swift and effective development of web portals and automation of business workflows. This platform is invaluable for businesses that aim to manage data efficiently and enhance process optimization.

Why UI Bakery? UI Bakery excels in the low-code market space with its extensive collection of over 50 ready-to-use UI components and user-friendly drag-and-drop operations, facilitating the rapid construction of intricate web-based tools. It is particularly beneficial for professional developers seeking to design custom UI elements, connect to APIs, and formulate complex application logic. Notably, UI Bakery integrates with a vast range of databases, BPM systems, and collaboration tools, including Salesforce and MySQL, streamlining workflow automation and stable front-end development.

UI Bakery Features:

• User Interface: Empowers even non-technical personnel to build potent internal tools with an intuitive interface and an assortment of pre-configured components.
• Integrations: Boasts flawless connectivity with prominent databases and collaborative services, fostering smooth operational workflows.
• Customization: JavaScript enables the creation of tailored UI components and the integration of disparate data sources, complemented by advanced coding and workflow construction tools.
• Hosting: The platform's "Deploy & Host" function allows apps to be deployed to specified domains directly within the platform.

Pricing:

UI Bakery offers various pricing plans tailored for different needs, including a free plan with up to 5 users, unlimited apps, pages, actions, data sources, and more. For larger teams, it offers an unlimited seats option at €230/month. Their business plan starts at €9/month per user and €35/month per developer, adding features like public apps, custom themes, and audit logs, while their enterprise plan provides custom pricing with additional features such as Git version-control, dedicated VMs, and dedicated support.

Pros:

• Simplifies intuitive UI creation
• Ensures seamless integration with databases, APIs, and external services
• Boasts comprehensive documentation and tutorial support
• Provides access to an ever-growing library of templates and connectors
• Maintains an active support community

Cons:

• Demands a fundamental understanding of software development, which may pose a challenge for absolute beginners

6. Mendix - Best for rapid app development across devices

Mendix is a comprehensive low-code development platform designed for creating enterprise-grade applications quickly and efficiently. With its robust tools and capabilities, Mendix empowers developers and non-developers alike to contribute to the application development process, fostering a collaborative environment for building complex and scalable applications.

Why Mendix?
Mendix stands out for its ability to address the complete spectrum of enterprise software development challenges. It enables businesses to engage a broader team in the software development lifecycle, from capturing requirements and forming ideas to assessing value throughout the project. This approach not only focuses on solving departmental issues but also encourages tackling larger, transformational initiatives that can significantly impact the business.

Features and Integrations:

• Visual Development Interface: Mendix offers a drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible for users to develop applications without extensive coding knowledge.
• Comprehensive Widget Library: Supports a wide range of widgets for creating custom functionalities and user interfaces.
• Cross-Platform Development: Allows for the creation of applications that can run seamlessly on various platforms, reducing the time and cost associated with app development.
• Integration Capabilities: Offers seamless integration with existing systems and third-party services, including databases, APIs, and cloud services.
• Collaborative Tools: Facilitates team collaboration and project management within the platform, ensuring efficient workflow and timely delivery of projects.

Pricing:

‍Mendix offers various pricing levels, starting from a free option for beginners and smaller projects to advanced subscriptions for larger teams and enterprises. Each plan is tailored to accommodate different needs, from simple applications to complex, mission-critical systems.

• Free Plan: Suitable for individuals or small teams just starting with Mendix.
• Basic: Designed for creating simple workgroup applications. Starts at €52,5/month.
• Standard: Aimed at building department-wide business applications. Price from €900/month.
• Premium: For developing mission-critical core systems with comprehensive support and advanced features.

Pros:

• Accelerates the app development process, enabling faster delivery of business value.
• Supports extensive customization and integration with existing systems.
• Encourages collaboration across the organization, involving both IT and non-IT stakeholders in the development process.

Cons:

• May require some learning for users new to low-code platforms.
• Advanced customization and integration might need more technical knowledge.
• Pricing for higher-tier plans may be a consideration for smaller businesses or startups.
  

7. Appian - Leading for automations and process management

Appian is a prominent low-code development platform aimed at rapidly creating enterprise-grade applications. It's renowned for its efficient app builder that caters to businesses seeking to automate processes and develop secure, robust apps. By leveraging Appian, companies can design, build, and deploy complex applications with minimal coding, enhancing digital transformation efforts.

Why Choose Appian?
Appian distinguishes itself by offering a platform that streamlines the automation of business processes. It allows for the development of web and mobile applications with consistent user experiences, fostering collaboration across different company teams. The platform's low-code approach accelerates the app development cycle, enabling quicker delivery of business applications that meet specific needs.

Features and Integration:

• Intuitive User Interfaces: Appian provides easy-to-use interfaces, allowing for the efficient configuration of custom workflows.
• Rapid Development: The platform generates an API upon database creation, facilitating seamless data manipulation and integration with other services.
• Versatile Functionality: Users can import files from various third-party applications, broadening the platform's utility.
• Extensive Integration: While direct integrations are available, tools like Zapier and Automate.io expand connectivity to over a thousand apps and websites.
• Enhanced Team Collaboration: Appian includes features like document comparison and shared package linking to improve team coordination.

Pricing:

‍Appian's pricing model is structured to accommodate a range of business sizes and needs. While specific prices are tailored to individual plans, the platform is known for its scalability and comprehensive automation features, starting at $75 per user per month. This includes a wide array of support options, from basic to enterprise levels, ensuring businesses have the necessary resources for their development projects.

Pros:

• Customization: Offers rich customization options for tailoring applications to specific business requirements.
• Interactive Reports: Provides insightful data analysis tools.
• Collaboration Tools: Built-in task management and collaboration tools streamline project coordination.
• Machine Learning: Supports machine learning for enhanced process efficiency.

Cons:

• Performance Monitoring: Lacks tools for monitoring app performance.
• Data Handling: May experience limitations with large data volumes.
• UI Design: Some users find the UI design options somewhat inflexible.

8. Adalo - Optimal for building no-code mobile and web apps

Adalo is a user-friendly, no-code platform that simplifies the app development process, making it accessible for individuals with or without technical expertise to build mobile and web applications. It stands out for its straightforward approach to app creation, focusing on drag-and-drop functionality and a comprehensive component library that empowers users to bring their digital ideas to life with ease.

Why Adalo?Adalo is designed for creators who wish to transform their app ideas into reality without delving into complex coding. It's particularly appealing to entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, freelancers, and agencies looking to rapidly develop and deploy apps. Adalo's philosophy revolves around democratizing app development, offering a range of tools and features that streamline the creation process from concept to publication.

Pricing and Plans:

• Free Plan: Ideal for beginners, offering basic features, unlimited screens, and testing apps.
• Starter Plan ($36/month): Targets founders and entrepreneurs, enabling one published app, custom fonts, domains, and store publishing.
• Professional Plan ($52/month): Suits small to medium businesses, offering two published apps, more monthly actions, custom integrations, and geolocation features.
• Team Plan ($160/month): Designed for freelancers and agencies, providing five published apps, priority support, Xano integration, and a Collections API.
• Business Plan ($200/month): Best for larger enterprises and organizations, with ten published apps, unlimited app editors, and special add-on pricing.

Key Features:

• Easy-to-Use Interface: Enables users to build apps through a simple drag-and-drop process.
• Comprehensive Integration: Supports Stripe payments, custom actions, external database collections, and Google Maps.
• Flexible Publishing Options: Allows publishing to the web, custom domains, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store.
• Scalable Data Storage: Offers scalable storage options as your app grows.
• Community and Support: Access to Adalo's community, help docs, and various levels of support based on your plan.

Pros:

• Customization: Offers rich customization options for tailoring applications to specific business requirements.
• Interactive Reports: Provides insightful data analysis tools.
• Collaboration Tools: Built-in task management and collaboration tools streamline project coordination.
• Machine Learning: Supports machine learning for enhanced process efficiency.

Cons:

• Performance Monitoring: Lacks tools for monitoring app performance.
• Data Handling: May experience limitations with large data volumes.
• UI Design: Some users find the UI design options somewhat inflexible.

To curate the best low-code platforms, we evaluated each option against critical criteria such as governance, application lifecycle management, and a well-equipped development environment. Features like a drag-and-drop interface, templates, and robust security measures were key in selecting platforms that offer ease of use and ensure user privacy. Usability was a significant factor, favoring platforms that minimize the need for technical expertise and command-line interfaces, thus catering to users with varying levels of technical background.

Value For Price

Value for money was paramount in this evaluation, especially for small businesses seeking the most effective solutions without the luxury of large development teams. The aim was to identify platforms that offer substantial benefits, such as front-end customization and stable back-end performance, at a reasonable cost, ensuring small businesses can leverage low-code platforms to their advantage.

Final Thoughts

As the low-code market continues to expand, choosing the right platform becomes crucial for adopting this transformative technology. Your selection should align with your goals, resources, and the scale of your project. Even those with some technical skills can benefit from low-code platforms to expedite development while retaining the ability to incorporate custom features. Careful consideration of these factors will guide you in selecting a low-code platform that fits your needs, enabling you to innovate efficiently and effectively.