Top OutSystems Alternatives For Low-Code Development in 2025

OutSystems has made a name for itself as one of the leading platforms in low code application development, empowering organizations to build enterprise-grade applications with speed and scale. Its enterprise-grade features offer robust functionality and scalability, making it ideal for large organizations and mission-critical systems. But as low-code and no-code platforms evolve, many businesses are exploring alternatives to OutSystems that offer better flexibility, developer control, pricing, and usability.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top OutSystems alternatives available in 2025, why teams consider switching, and how to choose the right platform for your development needs.

Why Look for an OutSystems Alternative?

While OutSystems is powerful and enterprise-ready, it may not be the ideal choice for every organization. Common reasons why teams seek alternatives include:

1. High Cost

OutSystems is geared toward enterprise clients, and its pricing reflects that. Small businesses or startups often find it difficult to afford the platform’s advanced features. Some alternatives offer 'unlimited users' in their pricing plans, making them more affordable for larger teams.

2. Vendor Lock-In

Apps built on OutSystems are tightly integrated with its infrastructure. This makes migration difficult, creating a dependency that some developers try to avoid.

3. Limited Customization in Free Plans

The free version of OutSystems is quite restricted. For custom backend logic, APIs, and scalability, you’ll need to pay a premium.

4. Steep Learning Curve

While advertised as a “low-code tool,” building complex apps often requires developers to learn the OutSystems model, which may not always be intuitive or aligned with standard coding practices. Some alternatives offer 'no code development' options, making them more accessible for non-technical users.

5. UI/UX Limitations

Design flexibility is somewhat limited, particularly for teams that want pixel-perfect UI experiences.

Key Features of Low-Code Platforms

Low-code platforms are designed to streamline the development process by enabling users to build custom apps quickly and efficiently. They offer a range of features that cater to both non-technical users and professional developers.

User-Friendly Tools

• Drag-and-Drop Functionality: These platforms provide drag-and-drop interfaces that make it easy to assemble application components. This feature allows users to create web and mobile apps without extensive coding knowledge.
• Pre-Built Templates: Low-code platforms come equipped with pre-built templates, offering a head start on common app designs and reducing development time.
• Visual Interfaces: The visual interfaces simplify the app-building process, allowing non-technical users to participate in creating web and mobile applications.

Advanced Capabilities

• Workflow Automation: Low-code platforms support workflow automation, enabling organizations to streamline operations and improve productivity by automating routine tasks.
• Business Process Management: These platforms facilitate business process management, helping manage complex business processes effectively.
• Robotic Process Automation: Robotic process automation tools are available to automate repetitive tasks, further enhancing efficiency.

Integration and Flexibility

• Seamless Integration: Low-code platforms offer seamless integration capabilities with third-party services, allowing users to extend functionality and access a wide range of tools and services.
• Backend and Frontend Development: Comprehensive tools are provided to address both frontend and backend development, making these platforms ideal for a wide range of app development projects.

Ideal for Diverse Projects

The combination of ease-of-use and powerful features makes low-code platforms suitable for both simple and complex app development projects. Whether you're building internal apps, mobile apps, or web applications, low-code platforms provide the tools and capabilities needed to accelerate development and enhance business processes.

What to Look for in an OutSystems Alternative?

Before jumping to another platform, make sure your choice meets these core requirements:

• Visual development + code flexibility
• Support for web, mobile, and backend workflows
• Integration with APIs and third-party services
• Exportable, editable code (not black-boxed)
• Fair and transparent pricing
• Community or support access

Top 7 OutSystems Alternatives for 2025

Let’s dive into the top platforms that developers and businesses are choosing over OutSystems.

1. DhiWise – Developer-First Low-Code Platform

DhiWise is rapidly becoming the go-to alternative to OutSystems, especially for developers who want code-level control with low-code speed.

✅ Key Features:

• Figma to Code Conversion: Convert Figma designs to React, Flutter, Swift and other code in minutes.
• Simplify API Integration: Add REST APIs visually, and map data with logic flows.
• Requirement Builder and Project planner Tools: Generates entire requirement and project project planning documentation.
• AI Coding Assistance: Simplify error free code generation with AI coding assistance.
• Custom Code Editing: Export code to GitHub, customize it fully, or manage with CI/CD.

🎯 Why It Beats OutSystems:

• Exportable code gives full ownership (no vendor lock-in)
• Developer-focused with a customizable interface
• Ideal for IT service companies, software development teams, and individual developers.

🔧 Best For:

Developers, startups, teams, and tech-savvy businesses building modern web/mobile apps.

2. Mendix – Enterprise-Level App Development Platform

Mendix offers robust capabilities similar to OutSystems but stands out due to its open, collaborative environment.

✅ Key Features:

• AI-assisted development tools
• Cloud-native deployment
• Multi-experience support (mobile, web, chatbots)
• Full SDLC management
• Robust security features including access controls, data encryption, and user authentication

🎯 Pros Over OutSystems:

• Open-source SDKs
• More collaborative DevOps features
• Active community and better learning resources

🔧 Best For:

Large enterprises and regulated industries needing advanced compliance and scalability.

3. Appgyver (by SAP) – Completely Free No-Code Platform

Appgyver is a no-code builder designed for professionals and hobbyists alike, making it a compelling free alternative.

✅ Key Features:

• Full drag-and-drop app designer
• Responsive UI for web and mobile
• REST API and backend data integration
• Free tier with full functionality
• Pre-built applications that allow users to quickly develop native mobile apps and customer portals

🎯 Pros Over OutSystems:

• Zero cost for independent developers
• Simple and visual, yet powerful
• Better suited for smaller projects or MVPs

🔧 Best For:

Solo developers, educators, small businesses, and prototypers.

4. Retool – Best for Internal Tools

Retool is a fast and flexible low-code platform ideal for building internal business applications, such as internal dashboards and admin panels.

✅ Key Features:

• Prebuilt UI components
• Connect to any database or REST API
• Write JavaScript for complex logic
• Role-based access and permissions
• Advanced tools and features for professional developers to enhance productivity

🎯 Pros Over OutSystems:

• Extremely fast for internal tools
• More backend and data-centric
• Simple and developer-friendly

🔧 Best For:

DevOps, internal business teams, admin dashboards.

5. FlutterFlow – Mobile-First Flutter App Builder

FlutterFlow focuses on high-performance, native-looking mobile apps using Google’s Flutter framework.

✅ Key Features:

• Visual app designer: FlutterFlow offers a powerful visual app designer that allows you to create both web and native mobile apps with ease. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses looking to develop efficient mobile solutions with offline capabilities and user-friendly design options.
• Visual interface: FlutterFlow allows users to create and manage applications through an intuitive drag-and-drop system. This empowers non-technical developers to automate processes and workflows without writing code, streamlining app development and enhancing user experience.
• Firebase integration
• Drag-and-drop animations
• Source code export

🎯 Pros Over OutSystems:

• Native Flutter code for better performance
• UI flexibility for mobile apps
• Cheaper for mobile-first development

🔧 Best For:

Mobile app developers, freelancers, agencies.

6. Zoho Creator – Low-Code for Business Apps

Zoho Creator is part of the Zoho ecosystem, offering low-code tools that help build custom business applications.

✅ Key Features:

• Visual workflows: Zoho Creator’s visual workflows empower users to create custom applications that streamline processes and automate workflows. This feature allows both technical and non-technical users to design tailored applications that meet specific business needs, providing integration with existing systems.
• Low code development capabilities: Zoho Creator's low code development capabilities enable businesses to streamline operations and automate processes. This is particularly beneficial for IT professionals and organizations with complex integration needs.
• Database and forms builder
• Multi-device deployment
• Integration with Zoho CRM, Mail, Books, and more

🎯 Pros Over OutSystems:

• Simpler for business users
• Affordable for SMEs
• Tight Zoho ecosystem integration

🔧 Best For:

Small to mid-sized businesses using Zoho products.

7. Microsoft Power Apps – Low-Code in the Microsoft Ecosystem

Power Apps is Microsoft’s answer to OutSystems, tightly integrated with Microsoft 365 and Azure.

✅ Key Features:

• App builder with Excel-like logic for creating intuitive user interfaces
• Power Automate for workflows
• Built-in connectors for Office 365, SharePoint, SQL Server
• More advanced features designed for larger teams or organizations that require scaling capabilities

🎯 Pros Over OutSystems:

• Seamless for Microsoft environments
• Enterprise-grade governance and support
• Familiar UX for existing Microsoft users

🔧 Best For:

Corporations using Microsoft stack and needing internal apps.

Benefits of Building App with Low-Code Platforms

App development with low-code platforms has revolutionized the way businesses create custom apps, mobile apps, and web applications. Low-code platforms, such as Microsoft Power Apps, provide a drag-and-drop interface that enables users to build custom apps without extensive coding knowledge. This approach has democratized app development, allowing non-technical users to participate in the development process.

Low-code platforms offer a range of benefits, including rapid development, reduced costs, and increased productivity. They provide pre-built templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and visual interfaces that make it easy to build custom apps. Additionally, low-code platforms often include features such as business process management, robotic process automation, and AI-assisted development, which can help automate workflows and improve business processes.

One of the key advantages of low-code platforms is their ability to extend functionality and integrate with existing systems. They often provide API integration, pre-built components, and customizable components that can be used to build custom applications. This makes it easy to create internal business applications, mobile apps, and web applications that meet specific business needs.

Low-code platforms are also ideal for large enterprises, as they provide a unified platform for app development, deployment, and management. They offer features such as role-based access control, user management, and comprehensive support, which can help ensure the security and integrity of business applications.

In addition to their technical benefits, low-code platforms can also help empower business analysts and citizen developers to take an active role in app development. They provide a range of tools and features that make it easy to build custom apps, including pre-built templates, drag-and-drop interfaces, and visual interfaces.

Some of the top 10 OutSystems alternatives, such as Appian, Mendix, and Zoho Creator, offer advanced features such as business process automation, workflow automation, and case management. These features can help businesses automate complex business processes, improve productivity, and reduce costs.

When choosing a low-code platform, it’s essential to consider factors such as ease of use, flexibility, and scalability. The platform should provide a range of features and tools that make it easy to build custom apps, including drag-and-drop functionality, pre-built templates, and visual interfaces. It should also offer seamless integration with existing systems, comprehensive support, and flexible deployment options.

Critical Components: Workflow Automation and Business Process Management

Workflow automation and business process management (BPM) are critical components of low-code platforms. These features enable users to automate workflows, streamline business processes, and improve overall productivity. With pre-built components and drag-and-drop interfaces, creating custom workflows and automating complex business processes becomes a straightforward task.

Business process management is a key feature of low-code platforms, allowing users to model, execute, and continuously improve their business processes. By automating workflows, organizations can reduce manual intervention, minimize errors, and accelerate task completion. This not only reduces operational costs but also enhances efficiency and customer satisfaction. Low-code platforms empower users to automate workflows and manage business processes effectively, making them indispensable tools for modern enterprises.

The Role of Low-Code in Rapid Development and Deployment

Rapid development and deployment are hallmarks of low-code platforms. These platforms enable users to build custom apps quickly using pre-built templates, drag-and-drop interfaces, and visual interfaces. The drag-and-drop functionality simplifies the app-building process, allowing users to assemble application components with ease. Pre-built templates provide a foundation for common app designs, further accelerating development.

Low-code platforms also offer automated testing and debugging, which significantly reduces the time and effort required to deploy apps. Additionally, they provide flexible deployment options, enabling users to deploy apps on-premises, in the cloud, or via mobile devices. This flexibility ensures that apps can be deployed rapidly to meet evolving business needs.

By accelerating development and deployment, low-code platforms help organizations respond quickly to change market conditions, improve time-to-market, and enhance competitiveness. With the right low-code platform, users can build custom apps in a matter of weeks or months rather than years and deploy them rapidly to meet their business objectives.

OutSystems vs. Alternatives – At a Glance

Platform	Visual Builder	Mobile Output	Code Export	API Support	Ideal For
OutSystems	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Enterprises
DhiWise	Yes	Yes (Flutter, iOS, React Native)	Yes	Yes	Developers and Startups
Mendix	Yes	Yes	Partial	Yes	Enterprises
Appgyver	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Indie Devs and Freelancers
Retool	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Internal Tools
FlutterFlow	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Mobile-first Teams
Zoho Creator	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Business Teams
Power Apps	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Microsoft Environments

When comparing OutSystems and its alternatives, it is essential to consider how each platform supports the software development process. The low-code industry focuses on platforms that enable users to develop applications with minimal coding, such as OutSystems. Low-code platforms like OutSystems facilitate and accelerate software development by streamlining complex tasks and enhancing the efficiency of building, deploying, and managing enterprise applications. This comparison will help you understand which platform best suits your needs regarding visual building, mobile output, code export, and API support.

How to Choose the Best OutSystems Alternative?

Here’s how to decide which platform is right for you:

• Need full control over code? → Choose DhiWise or FlutterFlow
• Looking for enterprise governance? → Go with Mendix or Power Apps
• Building internal tools? → Pick Retool
• On a tight budget? → Try Appgyver or Zoho Creator
• Prefer mobile-first development? → Consider FlutterFlow

When choosing an alternative, consider a low-code platform designed to facilitate the rapid development of custom business applications and automate workflows. These platforms offer flexibility, ease of use, and robust security and compliance, making them ideal for industries with regulatory needs.

Final Thoughts

OutSystems is a powerful tool, but it doesn’t fit all budgets or technical needs. Whether you’re a developer, a startup founder, or a business analyst, there are robust alternatives available in 2025 that provide faster delivery, better control, and a better ROI.

Platforms like DhiWise, Mendix, and FlutterFlow are redefining what’s possible in low-code app development without the trade-offs of vendor lock-in or high enterprise costs. These alternatives to OutSystems offer comprehensive low-code development platform solutions that enable rapid app development with visual development tools, deployment capabilities, and cross-platform functionality.

Choose your tool based on your project’s scale, technical capability, and long-term flexibility—and you’ll build better apps faster.

Short on time? Speed things up with DhiWise!

Tired of manually designing screens, coding on weekends, and technical debt? Let DhiWise handle it for you!

You can build an e-commerce store, healthcare app, portfolio, blogging website, social media or admin panel right away. Use our library of 40+ pre-built free templates to create your first application using DhiWise.