Budibase Alternatives: Top 5 Low-Code Tools for Building Internal Apps

Budibase, a low-code platform, allows users to develop internal tools and apps with minimal coding effort. With features like built-in database support, custom components, and automation, Budibase has become a go-to solution for organizations looking to streamline processes.

Budibase isn't the only low-code tool available. There are several alternatives, each offering unique features that may better suit specific needs. In this article, we will explore some of the top alternatives to Budibase, including UI Bakery, a versatile low-code platform.

UI Bakery

UI Bakery is a low-code platform that stands out from the crowd with its emphasis on building and designing user interfaces (UI) with ease. Known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, UI Bakery allows developers and non-developers alike to quickly create tools, dashboards, and apps without needing to write extensive code.

Key features:

• Customizable UI components: the platform has over 80 UI components that can be customized, allowing for flexible design tailored to specific needs.
• Integration capabilities: UI Bakery can be easily integrated with most popular APIs, databases (like MySQL, PostgreSQL), and other services, allowing for easy data handling and management.
• Pre-built templates: the tool allows you to quickly kick off the project with a large list of pre-made templates for dashboards, forms, and other internal tools.
• Responsive design: all apps built on top of UI Bakery are mobile-responsive by default, ensuring that the tools work on various devices.
• Collaboration tools: the platform offers collaborative features, allowing multiple team members to work on projects together in real-time.
• Custom code: being suitable for beginners with a low-code interface, UI Bakery also allows more advanced users to write custom JavaScript code for extended functionality.

UI Bakery will be a win-win for those prioritizing building user-friendly interfaces and seeking strong integration with existing services.

Retool

‍Retool is a strong UI Bakery alternative known for low-code platforms for developing internal tools. It allows companies and smaller teams to quickly build custom applications, using pre-built components like tables, forms, and buttons to pull in data from different sources.

Key features:

• Pre-built components: Retool offers an extensive library of pre-built UI elements to easily create complex interfaces.
• Database and API integration: users can connect their apps to many APIs and databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB).
• Custom JavaScript: although being low-code in nature, the Retool allows users to write custom uJavaScript into their apps for additional functionality.
• Real-time collaboration: the tool allows multiple users to work on the same project, making it a great tool for team collaboration.

Retool will best suit teams that want to build complex internal tools quickly. It's a solid choice for teams with technical expertise who want to leverage low-code with the flexibility of custom scripting.

Appsmith

‍Appsmith is an open-source, low-code platform designed to help businesses build internal tools rapidly. With its open-source nature, Appsmith is free and has a large community. It also offers a high customization level and integrates with several data sources.

Key features:

• Drag-and-drop interface: Appsmith allows users to easily build UIs with a drag-and-drop editor so they can quickly add charts, tables, and other components.
• Data source integration: the tool supports REST APIs, GraphQL, and databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL, enabling powerful data-driven apps.
• Custom scripting: although it is low-code, Appsmith supports custom JavaScript code for advanced features.
• Open-source nature: this feature gives developers higher control over customization and deployment options.

Appsmith is a great choice for teams who value open-source tools, need deep data integration, and want the flexibility to extend app functionality with code when needed.

OutSystems

‍OutSystems is one of the leading enterprise-grade low-code platforms designed for rapid app development. It focuses on both mobile and web apps.

Key features:

• Full-stack development: the platform provides end-to-end development capabilities, from front-end interfaces to back-end services.
• AI-powered tools: OutSystems uses AI to suggest the next steps in the development process, significantly speeding up the app development.
• Cloud-native: the tool supports cloud-native architectures, so it allows for easy deployment and scaling in cloud environments.
• Enterprise features: OutSystems offers advanced security, versioning and performance monitoring—making it an ideal choice for large-scale enterprise applications.

OutSystems is perfect for enterprises looking for a comprehensive low-code platform that can handle large, complex applications with high scalability needs.

Bubble

‍Bubble surely is also on the list as a well-known UI Bakery competitor and no-code/low-code platform for building fully functional web applications. Bubble is favored with its wide range of customization options, from UI to database management.

Key features:

• Visual editor: Bubble makes it easy for newcomers to figure out the development process with its user-friendly visual editor.
• Customizable logic: users can define workflows and logic visually, creating complex behaviors with minimal effort.
• Third-party integrations: Bubble offers plugins and integrations with external APIs, databases, and other services.
• Scalability: the tool is cloud-hosted and can scale as needed, so it can be used for small projects and larger businesses.

The Bubble is ideal for startups, entrepreneurs, or small teams looking to build fully functional web apps quickly. Its focus on no-code makes it a great option for non-developers.

Conclusion

While Budibase is a strong contender in the low-code space, each alternative brings its unique strengths. UI Bakery stands out for its focus on user interface design and seamless integrations, making it ideal for teams that need highly customized UIs.

On the other hand, platforms like Retool and Appsmith provide robust data integration and scripting capabilities, making them perfect for complex internal tools.

Ultimately, the best alternative will depend on your specific needs—whether you need enterprise-level scaling with OutSystems or rapid web app building with Bubble. Exploring these tools will help you find the perfect solution for your internal application needs.