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11 Best Mendix Competitors for Low-Code & No-Code Solutions

November 26, 2024
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Are you tired of working around Mendix’s limitations? Blaze.tech is known for top-notch data security, OutSystems excels in scalability for large businesses, and Appian offers powerful workflow automation tools. 

This guide will help you explore the best Mendix competitors in low-code and no-code solutions, with options tailored for both startups and enterprises.

Here's what we’ll cover:

  • What to look for
  • How to choose
  • 11 Best Mendix Alternatives

Let's begin by exploring what makes a great Mendix competitor.

What People Look for in Mendix Competitors

While Mendix is a strong low-code platform, it’s not a perfect fit for every team. Here’s what people often look for when exploring alternatives:

  • Ease of Use: Many businesses want a platform that’s easy to use, with a drag-and-drop interface accessible for everyone — not just developers. The best alternatives empower anyone on your team to create and manage applications without extensive training.
  • Scalability and Customization: A strong alternative should grow with your business, supporting both small and complex applications. Customization is crucial to avoid limitations and adapt the platform to your exact needs.
  • Security and Compliance: Security is critical for industries handling sensitive data. Look for an alternative with built-in compliance features like HIPAA or SOC 2 standards, protecting your data and your users.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: For startups and small businesses, budget matters. Seek options with clear, flexible pricing that scales as you grow—without hidden fees.
  • Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with existing tools is key. The right platform will connect with CRMs, databases, ERP systems, and more, keeping workflows smooth and data unified.

How To Choose the Best Mendix Alternatives

Selecting the right low-code or no-code platform depends on your unique needs. Use these questions to guide your choice:

  • Who will use the platform? Will both technical and non-technical users need access? Look for intuitive interfaces that are easy for all team members.
  • What types of applications will you build? Will you need features for complex workflows, automation, or strict security measures?
  • Is the platform scalable and customizable? Can it grow with your business, supporting both small and large-scale applications, and adapt as your needs evolve?
  • What integration capabilities are needed? Does the platform connect smoothly with your existing tools, like CRMs, databases, or ERP systems?
  • Does the pricing fit your budget? Find options with transparent, scalable pricing that avoids hidden costs and provides value as you grow.
  • Are support and training resources available? Reliable customer support and accessible training can significantly ease the transition, especially if your team is new to low-code development.

Carefully considering these factors will help you choose a platform that aligns with your team’s skills and your organization’s goals.

11 Best Mendix Competitors in 2024

1. Blaze.tech

Blaze.tech is a no-code application development platform that empowers businesses to create custom applications without hiring a team of developers.

This streamlines development processes, particularly for non-technical users, by offering a user-friendly interface, drag-and-drop functionality, and powerful features.

Key Features

  • Enterprise security and compliance: Blaze offers SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance, ensuring the highest level of data security.
  • Ease of use and speed: Blaze lets you build applications ten times faster than platforms like Appian. You can easily select components and connect databases to simplify the development process.
  • Extensive integrations: Blaze connects with a wide range of APIs and custom integrations, allowing for complex workflows across applications.
  • Library of pre-built components: Blaze provides a rich set of widgets for diverse app needs, from data visualization to interactive user features, reducing the need for custom coding.

Best For

  • Large enterprises creating customer-facing applications like e-commerce platforms or client portals, especially those requiring data scalability.
  • Industries handling high data volumes, such as finance, healthcare, and logistics that need compliant, data-driven applications.
  • Startups and scale-ups focused on fast, iterative application development as they grow.
  • Teams needing development support to get started quickly can benefit from Blaze’s implementation team, which assists with building the first version of their app.
  • Non-technical teams who are seeking an intuitive tool to create and manage applications independently.

Pricing

  • Internal Plan ($400/month): This plan is ideal for internal use cases. It allows unlimited internal users, apps, data storage, and features like multi-source data syncing, robust data security, and role-based permissions. However, it does not include access for external users.
  • Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): Designed for organizations with complex security requirements and external user needs, this plan offers all the features of the Internal Plan, plus additional functionalities like custom APIs, branding, advanced user management, public web applications, and HIPAA compliance.

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a Mendix alternative that prioritizes user-friendliness and strong security, Blaze.tech is probably your best bet. What sets Blaze apart is its focus on accessibility for non-technical users. Blaze provides an implementation team to support your initial app-building efforts.

This added support can significantly speed up the development process and help you launch your solutions more efficiently.

#2 OutSystems

OutSystems is a low-code Mendix competitor with an AI-driven approach to help organizations build powerful business applications. While its full capabilities may require some coding skills, OutSystems is built for scalability, making it a strong choice for larger companies looking to develop complex applications.

Key Features

  • Built for large-scale applications: OutSystems is designed to handle high traffic and complex workflows, making it suitable for enterprises with demanding application needs.
  • AI-driven code optimization: The platform’s AI tools assist developers by suggesting code improvements that enhance performance and ensure security, helping streamline development for complex projects.
  • Seamless integration options: OutSystems offers a range of integrations, allowing easy connectivity with existing enterprise systems and APIs, which supports efficient data flow and operational consistency.
  • Flexible development with custom coding options: While OutSystems provides a drag-and-drop interface, developers can also add custom code, giving them more control over the final look and functionality of applications.

Best For

  • Large enterprises that need reliable, scalable applications for both internal and customer-facing use cases.
  • Healthcare providers developing HIPAA-compliant apps where security and data privacy are top priorities.
  • Financial services handling sensitive transactions and customer data in secure, compliant applications.
  • Government agencies looking for dependable solutions to support public service operations effectively.

Pricing

  • Personal Edition (Free): This version is suitable for non-commercial use, ideal for learning and experimentation.
  • OutSystems Developer Cloud (Starts at $36,300/year): Includes professional support, advanced compliance features, and production capabilities, with custom pricing for larger or more complex deployments.

3. Appian

Appian is designed for businesses focused on workflow automation and process management. With tools that simplify the automation of repetitive tasks, Appian helps organizations streamline and manage complex business processes efficiently.

Key Features

  • Workflow automation for repetitive tasks: Appian simplifies routine processes by automating tasks that would otherwise require manual intervention, saving time and reducing errors.
  • Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Connects various applications without needing APIs, enabling seamless task automation across systems and minimizing the need for custom integrations.
  • Digital Process Automation (DPA): Automates tasks involving human input across multiple systems, making it easier to manage multi-step workflows that span departments.
  • Data management tools: Provides a suite of tools for data modeling, integration, and visualization, making it easier to analyze and manage data within applications.
  • Flexible deployment options: Appian applications can be deployed either on-premises or in the cloud, allowing organizations to choose based on their infrastructure requirements.

Best For

  • Large enterprises handling complex workflows across multiple departments, with a need for efficient automation.
  • Financial institutions that must automate processes like compliance management and customer onboarding.
  • Government agencies looking to enhance public services and streamline collaboration across departments.

Pricing

You’ll need to contact Appian for pricing details. However, the website does provide information on the specific features available in each tier.

4. Quickbase

Quickbase is a low-code platform built for data management and project tracking, making it a strong choice for organizations managing complex data relationships. With powerful relational database features, Quickbase enables teams to streamline data workflows, boost visibility, and improve project oversight.

Key Features

  • Data-centric relational database: Quickbase’s database structure allows users to establish complex relationships between data points, making it ideal for teams managing large, interconnected datasets.
  • Granular role-based security: Provides fine-tuned control over who can view or edit specific data fields and records, enhancing data security and access management.
  • Customizable forms and adaptable workflows: Offers dynamic forms and workflows that adjust based on user input, simplifying data entry and making processes more responsive.
  • Real-time automated notifications: Keeps teams informed with instant updates on changes to data, helping streamline collaboration and ensuring everyone stays on the same page.

Best For

  • Data-focused project management teams that require strong relational data handling.
  • Companies handling large, complex datasets where data connections are crucial for operational insights.
  • Organizations prioritizing data security with detailed access controls and role-based permissions.
  • Businesses with frequent data updates that benefit from real-time notifications for improved team collaboration.
  • Teams that need dynamic, customizable workflows to make data collection and task management more efficient.

Pricing

  • Free Trial: A 30-day trial is available, allowing users to explore features like app templates and customizable dashboards.
  • Team Plan (Starts at $35/user/month): Includes essential collaboration features, AI-assisted app building, and workflow automation for smaller teams.
  • Business Plan (Starts at $55/user/month): Adds advanced security, including Single Sign-On (SSO), for businesses needing enhanced control.
  • Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): Designed for large organizations, this plan includes encryption, data warehouse integrations, and custom solutions for comprehensive data management.

5. Betty Block

Betty Blocks is a no-code platform designed for creating progressive web apps (PWAs) and web applications, which large enterprises and Fortune 500 companies widely use.

It enables non-technical users to build applications without needing any coding knowledge, supporting both cloud and on-premises hosting for flexible control over data and infrastructure.

Key features

  • True no-code development: Betty Blocks provides a fully no-code environment, allowing users without technical expertise to develop applications, unlike Appian’s low-code setup.
  • On-premises hosting option: As one of the few platforms to support on-premises deployment, Betty Blocks lets IT teams manage data and infrastructure directly.
  • Microsoft integration: Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 and Azure, including one-click deployment to Azure servers, making it ideal for organizations already using Microsoft tools.
  • User-friendly design for non-developers: The drag-and-drop interface, along with pre-built templates, makes it accessible for non-developers, simplifying the learning curve and speeding up the development process.

Ideal users

  • Large enterprises and Fortune 500 companies needing a secure, no-code app development platform with strong integration features.
  • IT teams in enterprises that prefer on-premises solutions for greater control over data and infrastructure.
  • Non-technical business teams who want to develop and deploy applications without relying on coding expertise, benefiting from Betty Blocks’ true no-code environment.

Pricing

  • SMB Plan (Starts at $1,000/month, billed annually): This plan includes one application, platform access, governance features, and options for internal and external users, tailored for simple use cases.
  • Starter Plan (Starts at $1,500/month, billed annually): Designed for simple applications, this plan offers full platform access, governance features, and options for both internal and external users.
  • Custom Plan (Starts at $3,250/month, billed annually): Ideal for complex use cases, this plan supports multiple applications, includes advanced governance features, and offers private cloud options, customer success manager, and SLA.

6. Caspio

Caspio is a no-code platform tailored for building data-driven applications, making it ideal for businesses that rely on extensive data management and reporting. Known for its top-notch database capabilities and user-friendly tools, Caspio enables users to create applications focused on data collection, processing, and display.

Key features

  • Database-centric application builder: Caspio’s tools allow users to create custom databases and relational structures, supporting complex data applications without needing any programming skills.
  • Flexible data presentation options: Users can build custom search forms, generate reports, and create interactive dashboards, making it easy to organize and display large datasets.
  • Advanced security and authentication: Caspio offers custom authentication features, including password policies, branded login pages, and role-based access to protect data privacy.
  • Custom domain deployment with SSL: Allows businesses to host applications on their domains, providing a professional look and secure access through SSL certification.

Best for

  • Data-driven organizations that prioritize robust data management and require detailed reporting and security features.
  • Research institutions that need precise data collection and processing capabilities to support their studies.
  • Medium to large teams that need detailed data applications with advanced automation and integration options.

Pricing

  1. Starter Plan ($100/month): Designed for essential data applications with core app-building tools, 20,000 records, and unlimited app users.
  2. Professional Plan ($300/month): Adds features like automation, PDF generation, REST API integration, and expanded data capacity for medium to large teams.
  3. Enterprise Plan (Starting at $2,250/month): Ideal for organizations with complex data needs, offering advanced security, increased record limits, and customization options.

7. Unqork

Unqork is a no-code platform aimed at large enterprises that need to build complex, secure, and compliant applications. It’s known for its focus on meeting rigorous industry standards and is best suited for developing customer portals and other enterprise-grade solutions.

While it offers robust capabilities for handling demanding workflows, its focus on complexity may be more than what smaller organizations need or can handle.

Key features

  • Extensive no-code capabilities: Unqork enables the creation of complex applications without any coding, making it easier for enterprises to build sophisticated solutions.
  • Enterprise-grade security: Includes advanced security measures designed to meet high standards, which are crucial for protecting sensitive data in large organizations.
  • Compliance-focused features: The platform supports various compliance requirements, making it a solid choice for businesses in heavily regulated industries.
  • Enterprise software integration: Provides seamless integration with other enterprise-level software, allowing businesses to connect Unqork applications with existing systems effortlessly.

Best for

  • Large enterprises with complex application needs, particularly those requiring high levels of customization and scalability.
  • Highly regulated industries (e.g., finance, healthcare) where compliance is critical to business operations.
  • Organizations with significant resources and a need for sophisticated, custom solutions that can integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise systems.

Unqork’s pricing information is typically customized to fit the specific needs of each organization, and prospective users can contact Unqork directly for detailed pricing.

8. Airtable

Airtable stands out as a powerful AppSheet alternative with a database-centric approach that's both versatile and user-friendly.

While it may not match AppSheet's level of cloud integration, Airtable has unique strengths. It has many design templates, tools, and integrations to make data management easier and more efficient.

Key features

  • Intuitive database management: Airtable's core strength lies in its database functionality, making it easier to store, manage, and access data with greater flexibility.
  • Visual project management: Create detailed project views, such as Gantt charts, Kanban boards, and pivot tables, to effortlessly track tasks, deadlines, and milestones.
  • Customization: Adapt Airtable to your unique workflows with its flexible features and user-friendly interface.
  • Collaboration: Airtable excels at team collaboration, making it easy for multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.

Best for

  • Small businesses looking for advanced spreadsheet alternatives that provide additional features like custom fields and integrations, making it easier to manage data efficiently.
  • Teams that need visual project management tools, such as Gantt charts and Kanban boards, to organize tasks, track progress, and meet deadlines.
  • Freelancers and consultants managing client work. Airtable’s flexibility allows independent professionals to organize projects, track hours, and manage workloads effectively.
  • Content and marketing teams that need an adaptable tool to manage campaigns, editorial calendars, and content libraries.
  • Creative teams working on collaborative projects that benefit from Airtable’s mix of data storage and visual organization options.

Pricing

  • Free: Ideal for individuals or very small teams. It offers unlimited bases, 1,000 records per base, up to 5 editors, and 1 GB of attachments per base.
  • Team ($20 per seat/month billed annually): Suitable for teams building apps with 50,000 records per base, 25,000 automation runs, 20 GB of attachments per base, and standard sync integrations.
  • Business ($45 per seat/month billed annually): For teams needing advanced features with 125,000 records per base, 100,000 automation runs, 100 GB of attachments per base, premium sync integrations, and enhanced security.
  • Enterprise scale (Custom pricing): Providing 500,000 records per base, 500,000 automation runs, 1,000 GB of attachments per base, on-premises sync integrations, and extensive admin controls.

9. Power Apps by Microsoft

Microsoft Power Apps is a low-code platform that integrates seamlessly with the entire Microsoft ecosystem. This makes it an ideal choice for enterprises heavily invested in any of Bill Gates’ products. Power Apps enables users to build, customize, and deploy applications across multiple platforms, leveraging a range of pre-built code blocks, templates, and AI capabilities.

Key features

  • Seamless Microsoft integration: Power Apps connects effortlessly with Office 365, Dynamics 365, Azure, and SharePoint, creating a unified experience for Microsoft-centric organizations.
  • User-friendly customization options: With a large library of templates and support for various programming languages, Power Apps allows users to customize applications to fit specific business needs.
  • Cross-platform development: Users can develop applications for Android, iOS, Windows 10, and web servers, providing flexibility in deployment across different devices.
  • Comprehensive toolset: In addition to app-building capabilities, Power Apps includes Power BI for analytics, Power Automate for workflow automation, and Power Virtual Agents for creating chatbots, adding layers of functionality.

Best for

  • Healthcare organizations that need HIPAA-compliant applications to securely manage sensitive data.
  • Development teams looking for a flexible, low-code platform that integrates well with existing back-end systems and Microsoft cloud services.
  • Organizations requiring cross-platform apps that need consistent functionality across mobile, desktop, and web environments.
  • Businesses aiming to leverage AI capabilities for automation and data analysis through Power Apps’ AI Builder tools.

Pricing

  • Developer Plan (Free): Allows developers to build and test unlimited apps with access to three developer environments, 750 automation flows per month, and support for pre-built, custom, and on-premises connectors.
  • Power Apps Premium ($20 per user/month): Enables users to create, modernize, and deploy unlimited applications.
  • Power Apps Premium (2,000-seat minimum) ($12 per user/month): Offers the same features as the standard premium plan but at a reduced rate for organizations purchasing a minimum of 2,000 licenses.

10. Google AppSheet

Google AppSheet is a no-code platform that enables users to build lightweight applications directly from Google Sheets and other Google Workspace tools. Tailored for small to medium-sized projects, AppSheet allows users to create mobile and web apps with data-driven functionality. 

Key features

  • Automated workflows: Includes automated notifications, data updates, and approvals, simplifying project management for non-technical users
  • Customizable interface: Provides options for user roles, data views, and custom formatting, creating an app experience that adapts to specific user needs
  • Mobile-ready design: Apps created with AppSheet are optimized for mobile and tablet use, ensuring accessibility across devices

Best for

  • Teams already using Google Workspace, especially those needing to build simple, data-centric applications without complex development.
  • AppSheet may not be ideal for larger enterprises needing advanced customization and integration options beyond Google.

Pricing

  1. Starter Plan ($5 per user/month): Suitable for small teams, offering essential app-building tools with limited data and feature options.
  2. Core Plan ($10 per user/month): Includes additional workflow automation, customization, and app integration capabilities for growing teams.
  3. Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): Tailored for larger organizations with advanced security and API integration needs, offering robust management features and support.

11. Bubble

Bubble is one of the most famous no-code platforms — it can be used to build various types of web applications, including customer portals. It's known for its flexibility in both front-end and back-end development.

Key Features

  • Customizable front-end and back-end: Bubble allows users to design both the user interface and the underlying logic of their applications.
  • Community support: The platform has a large and engaged user community that provides support and shares resources. You can tap into this community to get questions answered and problem-solve.
  • Learning resources: Bubble offers various tutorials and documentation to help users learn the platform.
  • API integrations: The platform supports integrations with various APIs and external databases to help make your customer portal more powerful.

Best for

Bubble is perfect for creators and freelancers who want full control over their app’s look and functionality without needing coding expertise. The platform’s rich customization options make it easy to design unique, polished applications tailored to individual project needs.
Small businesses and startups
needing to prototype and test ideas rapidly will benefit from Bubble’s visual interface and extensive API support.

Pricing

  • Free Plan: Ideal for exploring the platform’s core features with a single app, community support, and Bubble branding.
  • Starter Plan ($29/month): Includes custom domains, app scaling, and email support, suitable for personal projects and small businesses.
  • Growth Plan ($119/month): Adds API integrations, improved server capacity, and version control, ideal for small to medium-sized businesses.
  • Team Plan ($349/month): Designed for collaboration, with increased server capacity, multiple versions, and advanced security.
  • Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): Tailored for large organizations needing dedicated infrastructure, advanced security, and priority support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a low-code platform and a no-code platform?

Low-code platforms require some coding knowledge but simplify app development by providing pre-built components and visual tools to speed up the process. No-code platforms, on the other hand, are designed for users with little to no coding experience, relying entirely on drag-and-drop interfaces and templates.

Is it safe to use no-code platforms for sensitive data?

No-code platforms like Blaze.tech offer strong security features, including data encryption, user authentication, and compliance certifications like HIPAA or SOC 2. However, it’s essential to verify each platform’s security standards to ensure they meet your organization’s needs.

How much do low-code and no-code platforms cost?

Costs vary widely based on the platform and the features required. Some offer free plans with limited features, while others charge monthly or annual fees that scale with the number of users, data usage, or specific features like integrations or enhanced support.

Next Steps with Blaze

Blaze is a top Mendix competitor because it provides a user-friendly no-code platform with robust features tailored to various industries, especially those with strict security needs.

Some key advantages of Blaze:

  • Ease of use: An intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows for quick and easy application development, even for non-technical users.

  • Built-in database: Simplifies data management by eliminating the need for external databases, streamlining the development process.

  • Customizable workflows: Automate complex business processes with Blaze's workflow builder, tailored to your needs.

  • Comprehensive support: An implementation team helps build the initial version of your application, speeding up your development cycle.

Blaze is ideal for healthcare organizations, large enterprises, and startups looking for a secure, scalable, and easy-to-use platform for developing their applications — no technical background is needed. 

Schedule a Free Demo Today.

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