Virginie Taborowski
Content Specialist
Last updated on
17.3.25
Best Practice
Comparing the top 5 low-code platforms: Which is right for your company?
6
min
Table of contents
Imagine that your employees could develop tailor-made applications — without months of development time or in-depth programming knowledge. That is exactly what low-code platforms make possible. With drag-and-drop functions, prefabricated components, and powerful automations, software development has never been easier.
But which platform is right for your company? Whether it's a start-up, a medium-sized company or a large corporation — every solution has its own strengths. In this comparison, we'll show you the five best low-code platforms that you can use to optimize your business processes and innovate faster.
What does low-code mean?
The term Low-code comes from English and translates as “little programming code.” It describes special platforms that also enable non-programmers to create applications via an intuitive user interface. While no-code platforms do not require any programming knowledge, low-code solutions often require basic technical understanding. People who work with low-code are also known as citizen developers.
What are low-code platforms?
The development of new apps or software solutions usually requires extensive programming knowledge. Developers must take into account all technical requirements and write so-called pro code. It gets much easier with low-code platforms: These offer ready-made functions and visual elements so that even tech-savvy people outside the IT department can create applications. As a result, development times can be shortened and processes can be made more efficient.
Key elements of a low-code platform include:
- visual development environment (drag-and-drop editor),
- prefabricated building blocks,
- workflow automation,
- integration and API interfaces,
- user-friendly UI/UX design,
- data management and security,
- multi-device support,
- expandability,
- real-time testing and deployment,
- collaboration features, and
- one or more programming languages.
Many low-code platforms are available as cloud services. Companies therefore do not need their own server infrastructure. Applications can be developed, tested, and deployed directly in the cloud, simplifying both scalability and maintenance. In addition, cloud-based low-code platforms enable location-independent collaboration and offer automatic updates and security measures that significantly reduce maintenance costs.
What are the benefits of low-code platforms?
A Gartner study predicted that Low-code platforms with a turnover of 187 billion dollars by 2030 achieve. This shows that companies have recognized the numerous advantages of these platforms. More and more companies are using low-code to speed up development processes and reduce costs.
The key benefits of low-code platforms include:
- Simplified use: Employees without programming knowledge can drag-and-drop processes and applications — ideal for specialist departments.
- Faster development: Instead of writing code for months, applications can be implemented within a few days or weeks.
- Better automation: Routine tasks such as invoice approvals or customer inquiries can be automated through simple workflows.
- Low costs: Less need for specialized developers reduces IT spending and speeds up projects.
- Data integration: Existing ERP, CRM or accounting systems can often be connected with just one click without having to program complex interfaces.
- Agility and flexibility: Changes to processes or forms can be made quickly — for example when new compliance requirements arise.
- Privacy and security: Integrated security standards ensure GDPR-compliant data storage and protect against unauthorized access.
Low-code platform providers compared: You need to know these 5 solutions
Low-code platforms provide an efficient way to build applications without the need for deep programming knowledge. The following overview shows a direct comparison of the five leading platforms and their technical features.
#1: Ninox
Ninox is a flexible low-code platform that is particularly suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. It allows you to create custom database applications with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface and a powerful scripting language for complex business logic. With native support for macOS, Windows, iOS and web, Ninox can be used across devices.
The platform offers comprehensive automation functions that can be used to optimize workflows and efficiently control processes. In addition, external data sources such as REST APIs, CSV files and other cloud services can be easily integrated, which enables seamless connection to existing systems.
The versatile adaptability makes Ninox particularly attractive for companies that want to develop tailor-made applications without extensive programming knowledge.
You can watch Ninox here Try it free for 30 days.
#2: Salesforce Lightning
With the Lightning Platform, Salesforce offers a powerful low-code environment that integrates seamlessly into the existing Salesforce ecosystem. Companies can develop individual applications to optimize business processes and effectively use existing CRM data. The platform offers extensive automation features, integrated AI tools, and a variety of prefabricated components for rapid application development.
#3: Microsoft Power Apps
Microsoft Power Apps is part of the Microsoft Power Platform and enables the rapid development of tailor-made business applications. Thanks to close integration with Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and Azure, company data can be linked efficiently. The platform offers a variety of connectors, AI-powered functions, and extensive automation options via Power Automate.
#4: SAP Build Apps
SAP Build Apps is a low-code platform developed specifically for companies that is ideal for expanding and adapting existing SAP systems. It offers a visual development environment with preconfigured components that are easy to integrate with SAP S/4HANA and other business solutions. Through close integration with the SAP Business Technology Platform, companies benefit from a high level of security and scalability.
#5: Oracle APEX
With the APEX platform, Oracle offers a robust low-code solution that was developed specifically for data-driven applications. The platform is particularly powerful for companies that want to manage complex databases and create optimized user interfaces. With SQL and PL/SQL support and extensive cloud integrations, Oracle APEX provides high performance and scalability for business-critical applications.
Conclusion: Why Ninox is the ideal low-code solution for SMEs
Low-code platforms offer companies the opportunity to develop individual applications quickly and efficiently. Ninox in particular impresses with a user-friendly interface, high flexibility and powerful automation functions — ideal for small and medium-sized companies. But solutions such as Salesforce Lightning, Microsoft Power Apps or SAP Build Apps also have their strengths, depending on the size of the company and use case. The right choice depends on your specific requirements — whether simple process digitization or deep system integration.
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