I Evaluated the 6 Best Low Code Development Platforms

When I first heard about low code development, I assumed it was just another buzzword, something built for startups with no dev teams or enterprises chasing speed. 

But once I started digging into how teams actually use these platforms, it became clear: low code development platforms have become the go-to for teams that need to launch fast, pivot quickly, and reduce reliance on overbooked dev resources.

From building internal dashboards to launching customer-facing apps in record time, the right low code platform can empower everyone. But with so many tools out there, choosing the right one takes more than comparing feature lists. 

In this guide, I’ve evaluated the top low code development platforms of 2025. Based on real G2 user reviews, standout features, and scalability, these are the tools helping teams build without bottlenecks. 

6 best low code development platforms I’d recommend

Without the right platform, even the simplest ideas can get stuck in a backlog.

Low code development tools promise a faster, more accessible way to bring those ideas to life. They let you design workflows, build dashboards, and launch functional apps with minimal coding, and in some cases, no code at all. Whether you're streamlining internal operations or prototyping a customer-facing tool, these platforms meet teams where they are.

After evaluating product demos, exploring real G2 reviews, and comparing usability, scalability, and integration features, I’ve narrowed it down to six platforms that stand out. Some shine for enterprise-grade complexity, others for how approachable they are for business users.

Let’s break down the platforms I’d actually recommend. 

What makes the best low code development platforms worth it: My perspective

As I evaluated different low code development platforms, I realized that building apps isn’t just about dragging and dropping a few user interface (UI) elements.

Some platforms truly empowered teams to create scalable, functional tools without writing much code, while others felt more like restricted form builders dressed up in tech jargon. I learned that the best low code tools don’t just simplify development. They unlock real agility.

Here are the features I paid close attention to while evaluating these platforms:

• Visual interface and reusable components: A clean, intuitive interface can make or break the building experience. I looked for platforms that offered drag-and-drop builders along with reusable components like forms, charts, and workflows. Platforms that made it easy to prototype quickly and maintain visual consistency across apps stood out to me.
• Integration flexibility: Building in a vacuum isn’t realistic. I prioritized tools that made it easy to connect with external systems via APIs or pre-built connectors. Whether it was syncing with Salesforce, pulling from a SQL database, or triggering a Slack notification, the smoother the integrations, the better the platform fit into real business workflows.
• Workflow automation and logic building: Some tools made it dead simple to set up conditional logic, trigger-based workflows, or approval chains with a visual builder. Others buried these features behind developer-only settings. I gave extra points to platforms that made logic creation accessible, without compromising on power or flexibility.
• Role-based access and governance: Not every user should have the same permissions. I looked for platforms with robust access control and audit logs so teams could collaborate securely. This was especially important for enterprise scenarios where governance and compliance can’t be an afterthought.
• Scalability and deployment options: Some platforms were perfect for MVPs but fell short when it came time to scale. I looked for tools that supported multi-channel deployment (web, mobile, PWA), handled user growth, and offered both cloud and on-premise options. Bonus if they included built-in testing and versioning tools.
• Collaboration and version control: Development doesn’t happen in isolation. I paid attention to how well each platform supported team collaboration. Whether that was real-time editing, shared libraries, or Git integration. The best tools felt like they were built for fusion teams: business users, designers, and developers working together.

Over the span of several weeks, I researched and tried close to 20+ low code development software. I narrowed down the best six based on their features and ease of use. 

To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Provide environments to develop custom full-stack enterprise applications
• Be designed for use by developers and other technical and semi-technical teams
• Offer a visual UI builder
• Integrate with production databases and software as a service (SaaS) providers
• Allow developers to write custom frontend and backend code using modern programming languages
• Support git-based source or version control by connecting to git providers
• Offer out-of-the-box audit logging and observability

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.  

1. Salesforce Platform

Salesforce Platform is the kind of platform that sparks strong opinions and for good reason. Users consistently highlight how customizable and scalable it is, and how much power it offers when you know how to tap into it. But that power comes with a learning curve, and sometimes, a price tag that makes smaller teams think twice.

What stood out across hundreds of reviews is Salesforce’s ability to be shaped around your business, your clients, your workflows. Users love the flexibility to build custom objects, tailor page layouts, and create automated workflows that reflect how their teams actually operate. Whether it’s setting up approval flows using Flow Builder, automating lead qualification through Process Builder, or going deeper with Apex triggers, the platform gives users a wide toolkit to streamline work and scale up.

The automation capabilities are a big win. I saw multiple users call out how Salesforce reduces repetitive work and lets their teams focus on higher-impact tasks. Flows, in particular, were frequently mentioned as a go-to for creating multi-step processes without writing much code. And for teams with technical chops, Apex allows for deeper customization when needed.

Integration is another standout strength. Users spoke highly of how easy it is to connect Salesforce with other systems. Whether that’s through native API integrations, middleware, or apps from the AppExchange. This makes it a solid option for organizations with an existing tech stack they don’t want to disrupt.

Another recurring theme? Scalability. From startups to enterprises, users felt confident that Salesforce could grow with them. The platform’s structure supports multi-team, multi-department use cases and can handle complex setups over time, though, as some noted, technical debt can pile up quickly if you don’t manage customizations well.

That said, the experience isn’t all smooth. Several users flagged the steep learning curve, especially for those new to Salesforce or low code platforms in general. The interface, especially in Lightning Experience, was described by some as clunky or not intuitive, and frequent UI updates could occasionally break things or confuse users. Even simple changes can feel complex if you’re not familiar with the platform’s logic and structure.

And then there’s cost. Licensing isn’t cheap, and some users mentioned hidden costs tied to data storage, API usage, or third-party integrations. For small and mid-sized businesses, this can be a real barrier.

In short: Salesforce is incredibly powerful, but you’ll want a plan. Users who get the most out of it typically invest in training, bring in admin expertise, and build workflows that match how their teams actually work.

What I dislike about Salesforce Platform: 

• Sales tools can feel overwhelming. Even though it’s a strength, the depth of sales features can also be too much. Some users found it hard to navigate.
• While the basics are accessible, the learning curve steepens quickly. Users shared that the more advanced automations or integrations often require a technical background to implement smoothly.

What G2 users dislike about Salesforce Platform:

"I have sometimes faced performance issues as it can be very slow while using large complex datasets. Also sometimes the updates coming on Salesforce platforms adds new features and functionality which is great but they sometimes breaks the existing workflows. Another downside which our team has discussed is the licensing costs are expensive for premium features and also there is a steep learning curve and it may be sometimes overwhelming for new users due to its complexity."

- Salesforce Platform Review, Anju P. 

2. ServiceNow App Engine

From the reviews I evaluated, one thing is clear. ServiceNow App Engine is helping teams move fast. Whether you're a developer or a business user with no coding background, users consistently say this platform makes it easier to build and launch applications across the organization.

At the heart of the praise is the low code/no-code experience. Tools like App Engine Studio and Flow Designer come up again and again. Users love being able to drag and drop components, set up automation, and design interfaces without needing to dive into JavaScript, though it’s there if you need it. The platform’s focus on citizen development really shows, and teams appreciate that business users can roll up their sleeves and build things themselves.

I saw a lot of positive sentiment around ease of use, too. People highlighted the guided templates, prebuilt components, and UI wizards that help simplify the learning curve. And once you get going, the speed and efficiency factor kicks in. Users say they’re delivering apps faster than ever, thanks to how well everything is laid out and integrated.

Speaking of integration, that’s another area where ServiceNow App Engine shines. The tight alignment with the rest of the ServiceNow platform makes it easy to connect with ITSM, HR, and security workflows. 

On the customization front, users love how they can create custom tables, scoped apps, UI policies, and scripts to tailor the experience to their exact needs. Some also called out update sets and version control as helpful tools for moving customizations across environments, especially in larger orgs.

But like any powerful tool, ServiceNow App Engine isn’t without its limitations.

Several users called out debugging as a weak spot, particularly in Flow Designer. Troubleshooting workflows and tracking down errors isn’t always straightforward, and the error logs don’t always give enough information to move quickly.

The UI is another mixed bag. While some users found it intuitive, others felt it could be cluttered or slow to load,especially with more complex apps or data-heavy views. A few mentioned needing to revert to the classic UI for certain features that haven’t fully transitioned to the new experience.

And then there’s licensing. A common pain point. Users flagged the cost of additional custom tables, user licenses, or premium integrations as a barrier, especially for smaller teams. Several also mentioned performance issues when dealing with large data volumes or complex logic.

Even integration, which is largely a strength, isn’t perfect. Some users ran into trouble with bulk data uploads, legacy system connections, or managing performance when syncing across modules. And while AI tools are promising, not everyone found the recommendations helpful out of the box. Some users felt they still had to double-check the output.

If I had to sum it up: ServiceNow App Engine gives you a lot of tools to move fast and build powerful apps. 

What I dislike about ServiceNow App Engine: 

• Limits on field types, configurations, or resource constraints were mentioned frequently. These boundaries can get in the way when trying to scale more complex apps. 
• Users felt that customization can sometimes be limited by platform constraints, and advanced configurations may require more technical expertise than expected.

What G2 users dislike about ServiceNow App Engine: 

"The only downside is that, as a light user, some of the more advanced features feel a bit overwhelming or unnecessary for my needs. Navigating certain menus can be a bit clunky at times, but once you get used to it, the overall experience is still smooth and efficient." 

- ServiceNow App Engine Review, verified user. 

3. UiPath Platform for Agentic Automation

From the reviews I dug into, it’s clear that UiPath Platform for Agenic Automation has built something pretty special. For anyone looking to automate business processes, this platform offers a toolkit that’s as deep as it is powerful. And what I kept seeing across the board? It’s built to make automation accessible to a wider range of users, not just seasoned developers.

Let’s start with the user experience, because that’s where a lot of people seem to fall in love with UiPath. The interface is clean, intuitive, and honestly, even welcoming if you’re new to the automation world. UiPath Studio, with its drag-and-drop workflows and rich library of pre-built activities, makes it easy to get started. You don’t need to know code to build something meaningful and for business users or analysts, that’s a game-changer.

Beyond ease of use, the automation capabilities are where UiPath really shines. Users praised how effortlessly it handles repetitive workflows, manages background processes, and scales to enterprise-level complexity. And the automation isn't just rule-based anymore, thanks to Agentic Automation, AI Center, and Document Understanding (DU), you can start weaving in machine learning models, handle unstructured data, and even delegate nuanced decisions to software agents powered by LLMs and Gen AI.

Another big highlight was the UiPath Academy and community. People leaned heavily on the training modules, forum support, and documentation to ramp up their skills. A few noted gaps around advanced tutorials, but overall, the learning resources were seen as a huge plus.

But no platform is perfect. Licensing and cost were major sticking points. A lot of users felt that the pricing model, especially around custom bots, AI features, or enterprise tools was too high for smaller teams. Some even mentioned high certification fees and enterprise access as barriers.

While the interface is generally praised, there were consistent complaints about Studio freezing, slow Excel activities, and performance dips when working with large datasets or running bots in VDI environments. A few users also flagged bugs in certain frameworks and workflows.

Even though integration is a strength overall, some users still ran into issues. Git integration, error tracking in integration services, and syncing with external platforms weren’t always seamless. And while community support is solid, a few users said the community version felt too limited for real-world testing or enterprise experimentation.

At the end of the day, UiPath is for builders who want more than just automation, it’s for those designing smarter, AI-driven systems that can evolve alongside their business. 

What I dislike about UiPath Platform for Agentic Automation:

• Licensing came up a lot as a pain point. Between bot costs, platform fees, and add-ons, users felt UiPath could be pricey, especially for small or mid-sized teams.
• Some users mentioned that building is easy, but debugging and testing workflows can be frustrating. They wanted clearer error messages and more intuitive test tools.

What G2 users dislike about UiPath Platform for Agentic Automation:

"Experienced developers may find the graphical interface limiting for complex logic. Updating automation workflows after changing UI in applications is frustrating sometimes." 

- UiPath Platform for Agentic Automation Review, Laura C. 

4. OutSystems

From the reviews I went through, one thing is abundantly clear. OutSystems is built for speed. The overall sentiment is that this platform helps teams build full-stack applications dramatically faster than traditional development. And not just simple apps. We’re talking about enterprise-grade, integrated, scalable solutions with real logic behind them.

The low code/no-code environment is the backbone of that speed. Users kept highlighting how intuitive the drag-and-drop interface, pre-built widgets, and web development tools are. Even folks without deep coding knowledge were able to contribute, while seasoned developers appreciated the productivity gains from skipping boilerplate tasks and jumping straight into higher-value logic.

One of the things people really seem to love is the ease of integration. Whether it's hooking up to a REST API, adding SSO or Active Directory connectors, or leveraging SOAP services, OutSystems handles it with minimal hassle. That’s huge when you’re trying to connect to older systems or work across multiple apps.

I also noticed consistent appreciation for the built-in features. Things like accelerators, scaffolding tools, and reusable components in the Forge. These make setting up CRUD operations, workflows, and even more complex BPT processes way faster. Plus, features like CI/CD pipeline support and modular deployment give it real development cred. 

Another strong point was agility. Teams loved how quickly they could adjust to new requirements, rebuild modules, or spin up proofs of concept. The AI Mentor, used to catch quality issues early, also got a few nods for helping with architectural integrity.

But let’s not ignore where things get tricky.

Users mentioned that pricing can be unpredictable and expensive, especially for enterprise usage or smaller teams trying to scale. Several people found that features in the new OutSystems Developer Cloud (ODC) still lag behind what’s available in older versions.

Performance issues also surfaced across the feedback. Platform lag during module publishing, slow responses in data-heavy screens, and occasional platform hangs were all called out. And while most folks loved the UI builder, a few users found it limiting for advanced front-end needs, not quite flexible enough for pixel-perfect customization.

If you’re a team that needs to move quickly and wants a platform that balances speed with robust enterprise capabilities, OutSystems is a strong contender. 

What I dislike about OutSystems: 

• Some users said the newer ODC platform hasn’t caught up with the functionality of the original environment. It’s promising, but not quite there yet for heavy-duty use.
• There’s common feedback around licensing. Users found it expensive and not always transparent, especially when it comes to scaling or unlocking specific features.

What G2 users dislike about OutSystems: 

"Performance issues in complex applications: The platform works well for applications in general, but performance issues can arise when dealing with very complex systems. Such as slow load times." 

- OutSystems Review, verified user. 

5. Quickbase

Quickbase stands out as a platform built for teams that want control without the coding burden. What users love most is how flexible it is when it comes to building custom workflows, organizing data, and adapting apps to match the way their business actually operates.

Users really value how Quickbase lets them tailor apps down to the field and table level. Whether you’re tracking inventory, managing projects, handling vendor onboarding, or all of the above, Quickbase gives you the tools to build it your way. I saw plenty of users calling out the ease of creating custom forms, designing workflows, and building dashboards that actually mean something to their team.

The low code/no-code approach is another big win. Users talked about how empowering it feels to build functioning apps without deep technical knowledge. The interface is approachable (especially for folks who’ve dabbled in Excel), and the platform makes it easy to prototype fast and get things up and running.

Data organization is another strength. I kept seeing feedback about how Quickbase helps teams centralize messy, siloed data into a single source of truth. Paired with its strong relational database structure, users can link tables, roll up metrics, and create dynamic relationships with minimal scripting.

The reporting and dashboard tools were also a highlight. People loved how easy it is to build real-time views that surface what matters most. Whether it’s a progress tracker, performance metrics, or a filtered project view, the reporting engine helps teams make informed decisions quickly.

And when it comes to workflow automation, the platform really clicks. The Pipelines feature is mentioned as a go-to for integrating with tools like Salesforce, cloud databases, and APIs. While it's not always perfect (more on that in a bit), it’s a core reason people choose Quickbase in the first place.

There were a few downsides as well. A number of users mentioned slow response times, or support teams that couldn’t fully solve their issues. And while the documentation exists, several folks said it’s too technical for beginners or lacking in clarity for advanced use cases, especially when it comes to formulas and Pipelines.

The UI and UX also got some mixed reviews. Some users feel the platform looks outdated or clunky, particularly when working with complex apps. Others said the new design updates made things worse, not better. Slower loading times, harder navigation, or unfamiliar changes without notice.

Even though it’s pitched as low code, there’s still a learning curve, especially for teams doing more complex work. 

Some users found the mobile performance underwhelming, search functionality felt basic or lacking (e.g., no boolean search), and cost was a major concern. However, overall, Quickbase is a powerful tool for process-driven teams that value speed and control. 

What I dislike about Quickbase: 

• Pipelines can be fragile. Several users flagged that pipelines often break or produce vague errors. When something goes wrong, it’s not always clear how to fix it and that’s frustrating when workflows depend on them.
• At times, when I have complex issues that I need help with the support team does not provide the most comprehensive support. Users echoes the same sentiment. 

What G2 users dislike about Quickbase: 

"The helpdesk. More often than not, when a case is submitted, it takes a long time for the support after the first interaction. I recently had a scenario where I published an updated app from the sandbox, but I could not find any documentation on migrating the sandbox pipeline to the production app. The person had to go research it themselves. A day or more when by and I finally figured it out on my own and let the tech know.

I simply felt that the pipeline helpdesk crew should have known the process or point me in the correct direction - they did not."

- Quickbase Review, Charles D. 

6. Microsoft Power Apps

Microsoft Power Apps is like a fast track to building apps, especially if you already live in the Microsoft world. It’s not trying to replace full-stack development, but for business users and technical folks who want to build fast, automate quickly, and connect everything in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, it’s a powerful tool.

What people consistently highlight is how low code development really delivers here. Users appreciate the drag-and-drop interface, the simplicity of the logic setup, and the way built-in templates and themes help you spin up functional apps without starting from scratch. It’s not just for IT. Many users say Power Apps empowered teams across departments to prototype apps without needing a developer every time.

The integration with Microsoft services is one of its biggest strengths. You can connect your app directly to SharePoint, Excel, Microsoft Teams, Dataverse, and even bring in Power BI for visualizations. People loved how seamless it felt, pulling in data from OneDrive, triggering flows through Power Automate, or even setting up custom approvals right in Outlook. If you're already using Microsoft products, Power Apps fits right into your workflow without any extra configuration.

Speed is another big win. Many users said they were able to go from idea to live prototype in a matter of hours. That speed doesn’t just come from templates, it comes from how the platform supports reusability of components and the simplicity of data bindings and UI logic.

Documentation and community support also came up positively in multiple reviews. Whether it's using official Microsoft docs or leaning on forums, users appreciated having resources to turn to, especially when they hit a snag during automation or formula creation.

But let’s talk about the stuff users weren’t thrilled about. For starters, licensing was a major sore spot. People found the pricing plans confusing, especially when premium connectors or advanced capabilities were involved. Some users thought Power Apps was cost-effective within Microsoft 365, but that feeling changed fast when they started needing more environments or integration beyond SharePoint and Excel.

Performance was another common issue. Multiple users reported slow page loads, especially with large datasets or complex logic. It’s great for building fast, but that doesn’t always mean it runs fast, particularly in mobile apps.

Despite being low code, there’s still a learning curve. People trying to build more advanced apps talked about needing to learn Power FX, Dataverse architecture, or how to debug flows in Power Automate. Lastly, I saw concerns about being locked into the Microsoft ecosystem. Power Apps works best when everything else you use is Microsoft.

In short, Power Apps is a solid launchpad for building modern business apps, especially if you’re already deep in Microsoft land. 

What I dislike about Microsoft Power Apps: 

• There's a learning curve. Even though it’s low code, users said building more advanced apps required a solid understanding of Power FX, connectors, and environment configurations, which isn’t always beginner-friendly.
• Several users mentioned sluggish performance when dealing with large datasets or loading screens on mobile. It’s a common friction point that affects the user experience.

What G2 users dislike about Microsoft Power Apps: 

"One disadvantage is that solving the issues with complex operations in the Power Apps is not easy due to the lack of an efficient debugger. Due to several data inputs and numerous transformations, it is difficult to find out failure points if there is no proper insight into how the system functions at every step of the process." 

- Microsoft Power Apps Review, Noemi D. 

Frequently asked questions about the best low code development platforms

Have more questions? Find more answers below.

Q1. What are low code development platforms?

A low code development platform is a software tool that allows users to build applications with minimal manual coding. These platforms use visual interfaces, drag-and-drop elements, and prebuilt components to streamline app development, making it accessible to both developers and non-technical users. They're ideal for building internal tools, automating workflows, and quickly iterating on ideas.

Q2. Does Microsoft have a low code platform?

Yes, Microsoft offers Power Apps as its low code platform. It's part of the Microsoft Power Platform and integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft services like Excel, SharePoint, Dynamics 365, and Teams. Power Apps allows users to build custom apps, automate workflows, and analyze data, all with low code or no-code tools.

Q3. Is Salesforce a low code platform?

Yes, Salesforce includes a low code platform. It allows users to build custom apps, automate business processes, and extend CRM functionality using visual tools like App Builder, Flow, and declarative logic. While developers can still use Apex (Salesforce’s proprietary language), many features can be configured with clicks, not code.

Q4. What is the Google low code platform?

Google’s low code platform is AppSheet. AppSheet enables users to build apps directly from data sources like Google Sheets, Excel, or SQL databases without writing code. It’s designed for business users who want to create mobile and web apps to automate tasks or collect data, and it integrates well with the Google Workspace ecosystem.

Q5. Are low code platforms free?

Some low code platforms offer free tiers or trial versions, but most charge based on factors like number of users, app complexity, or API usage. It’s important to review pricing models, especially if you’re scaling apps or need enterprise-level features like custom integrations or advanced security.

Q6. What’s the difference between low code and no-code?

Low code platforms offer visual tools with some coding capability, giving developers flexibility when needed. No-code platforms are built entirely for non-technical users, focusing on simple use cases with zero coding required.

Q7. Who uses low code platforms?

Low code platforms are used by a wide range of users. Developers use them to accelerate repetitive tasks, business analysts and operations teams use them to automate workflows, IT teams use them to manage internal tools and reduce development backlogs, and non-technical users can use these platforms to build basic apps.

Low code, high impact

Let’s take the complexity out of app development. These low code platforms empower your team to solve problems, test ideas, and scale solutions without getting stuck in technical bottlenecks. Whether you’re aiming to reduce developer dependency, speed up internal tool creation, or empower business users to build with confidence, there’s a platform here that fits the bill.

For me, evaluating these tools was all about finding that balance between usability and power. I wasn’t just looking for builders, I wanted platforms that offered real flexibility, meaningful integrations, and features teams could actually grow with.

Now it’s your turn. Explore the platforms, try a few out, and see which one fits your workflows, your users, and your goals. Because once you’ve built with the right low code tool, going back to traditional dev timelines might feel like writing in the dark.

Still exploring your options? Accelerate your app development process with these no code development platforms to build, scale, and launch applications with greater speed.