Appian alternatives: Exploring top low-code development platforms

Appian is a popular tool for building business apps and automating processes. However, it’s not the only option out there. To have a bigger freedom of choice, there are several other tools that can help you build apps and manage workflows.

In this article, we will look at five alternatives to Appian: UI Bakery, OutSystems, Mendix, Bubble, and Quickbase. We will discuss their main features and pricing to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.

Understanding your needs

Before exploring these alternatives, it's crucial to define your specific requirements. Consider these factors:

• Target audience: Who will be using the platform (developers, business users, or both)?
• Complexity of applications: What level of customization and integration is required?
• Scalability: How will your application grow over time?
• Budget: What is your allocated budget for the platform?

Appian alternatives

UI Bakery

UI Bakery is a low-code platform designed to help businesses build web applications quickly. It emphasizes ease of use with its drag-and-drop interface, making it accessible to users with minimal coding experience.

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Main features:

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily create user interfaces with a simple drag-and-drop editor.
• Customizable Components: Access a library of pre-built components that can be customized to meet specific needs.
• Data Integration: Seamlessly connect to various data sources, including databases, APIs, and third-party services.
• Role-Based Access Control: Manage user permissions and roles to ensure security and data integrity.
• Responsive Design: Build applications that work flawlessly across different devices and screen sizes.

Pricing:

• Free: $0
• Standard: $6/month
• Business: $12/month
• Unlimited seats with a fixed price for a larger team: $250/month
• Enterprise: Custom plan
• Self-hosted plan available.

Ideal for:

Developers and non-developers building internal tools, admin panels, and data-driven applications.

OutSystems

OutSystems is a powerful low-code platform designed for enterprise-level application development. It is known for its scalability and extensive integration options.

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Main features:

• Full-Stack Development: Supports both front-end and back-end development.
• Visual Development: Uses a visual interface to design and develop applications.
• Enterprise-Grade Security: Provides robust security features suitable for large organizations.
• Third-Party Integrations: Easily integrates with other software and services.

Pricing:

• Single app: free
• Multiple apps: $1,513/month (billed annually)
• Large app portfolio: custom plan

Ideal for:

Enterprises building large-scale, mission-critical applications that require high performance and scalability.

Mendix

Mendix is another leading low-code platform that focuses on accelerating application development. It caters to both business and IT professionals, enabling collaborative development.

Main features:

• Collaborative Development: Supports teamwork with features like version control and real-time collaboration.
• Cloud-Native: Designed to run on any cloud or on-premises environment.
• Extensible: Allows for the inclusion of custom code where needed.
• AI-Assisted Development: Uses AI to suggest improvements and automate repetitive tasks.

Pricing:

• Free
• Basic: €52,50/month
• Standard: €900/month
• Premium: custom plan

Ideal for:

Organizations looking to involve business users in the application development process and build complex enterprise applications.

Bubble

Bubble is a no-code platform that enables users to build web applications without writing any code. It is ideal for startups and small businesses looking to develop applications quickly.

Main features:

• No-Code Development: Users can create applications entirely through a visual interface.
• Responsive Design: Applications are automatically optimized for different devices.
• Workflow Automation: Allows for the creation of complex workflows without coding.
• Plugins and Extensions: A wide range of plugins to extend the functionality of applications.

Pricing:

Bubble offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $25 per month, providing more storage, capacity, and advanced features.

Ideal for:

Startups, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to build web applications without coding knowledge.

Quickbase

Quickbase is a low-code platform aimed at automating workflows and building applications to manage data and processes. It is known for its ease of use and quick deployment.

Main features:

• Custom App Building: Users can create custom applications tailored to their specific needs.
• Workflow Automation: Automates business processes to improve efficiency.
• Data Integration: Integrates with various data sources to provide real-time insights.
• Reporting and Dashboards: Offers robust reporting tools to track performance.

Pricing:

• Team: from $35/user/month
• Business: $55/user/month
• Enterprise: Custom

Ideal for:

Organizations looking for a flexible platform to manage data and automate business processes.

Choosing the right alternative

Selecting the best Appian alternative depends on your specific needs. Consider factors like the complexity of your applications, your team's technical expertise, and your budget. It's often beneficial to evaluate multiple platforms through free trials or demos before making a decision.

By carefully considering these alternatives and your unique requirements, you can find the ideal platform to support your organization's goals.