Best Appian alternatives in 2025

Looking for an alternative to Appian? You’ve come to the right place. While Appian is a well-known low-code platform, it may not always be the best fit for every enterprise.

In this blog, we’ll explore key factors to consider when evaluating other platforms. We will also provide an in-depth comparison of options like AppCreator, Power Apps, OutSystems, Mendix, and Kissflow.

Top reasons to look for Appian alternatives 

Appian is a low-code platform that helps enterprises develop apps quickly, with a visual builder. It’s a good choice for creating web and mobile applications without much coding. However, like any platform, it has its drawbacks. Here are a few reasons why some enterprises are exploring other options in 2025:

1. Steep learning curve 

One of the biggest hurdles with Appian is its complexity. It’s not the easiest platform to get into, especially if you're not very tech-savvy. Many users find themselves needing a lot of training to use it effectively.

If you’re looking for something simple that doesn’t require much learning, Appian’s steep learning curve could slow you down.

2. Premium pricing 

Appian is geared toward larger enterprises, and its pricing reflects that. For smaller enterprises or startups with tighter budgets, the costs can add up quickly.

If you’re not ready to spend big on a platform you may not fully utilize, Appian’s pricing might be a deal-breaker.  

Key features to look for in an Appian alternative 

When you're considering an alternative to Appian, keep these key features in mind:

1. Functionality 

The platform should offer all the features you need without over-complicating things. Whether it’s automating workflows or building apps, the right platform should cater to your specific enterprise needs.

2. Customization 

A flexible platform lets you personalize features, workflows, and the user experience without requiring deep technical knowledge. The goal is to strike a balance between making the platform work for your team and keeping it easy to use.

3. User-friendly interface 

A clean, intuitive design makes all the difference. Choose a platform that’s easy to navigate so your team can get started quickly. In addition to making day-to-day use easier, a user-friendly interface speeds up adoption and reduces the learning curve.

4. Integration capabilities 

Ensure the platform integrates seamlessly with your existing tools and systems. Strong API support is vital for connecting to third-party services and apps.

5. Scalability 

As your enterprise grows, so should your platform. Choose one that can scale with your needs. This should apply whether you’re adding more users or handling larger volumes of data.

6. Pricing 

Ensure the platform’s pricing is flexible and aligns with your usage needs. Look for a solution that offers a pay-as-you-go model, so you're only paying for the features you actually use.

7. Support and community 

A strong support system is essential. Check the resources the vendor offers, like documentation, community forums, and customer service. Having quick access to support can make a big difference when you encounter challenges.

8. Security and compliance

Make sure the platform provides robust security. This includes encryption, role-based access, and compliance with industry standards like GDPR, HIPAA, or SOC 2. This will affirm that your data is protected and that you meet necessary regulations.

9. Low-code capability 

If speed is essential, look for a low-code platform. These platforms enable faster development and deployment, saving both time and costs.

These features will help you find a platform that meets both your technical and enterprise requirements.

How is the Appian alternatives list curated? 

We based our choices on several key factors to ensure the platforms meet a range of enterprise needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that influenced our choices:

• Customization: We selected platforms that offer flexibility for enterprises to tailor workflows and features without requiring advanced technical skills.

• Ease of use: We prioritized platforms with intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for a smooth adoption process.

• Scalability: Platforms that can grow with your enterprise—such as handling more users, data, and complex workflows—were a must.

• Security: We considered platforms that provide strong security and compliance features.

• Integration: Seamless connectivity with third-party tools and APIs was another important factor.

• Industry-specific features: Platforms catering to specific industries were favored to help enterprises hit the ground running.

• Pricing flexibility: We looked for platforms with flexible pricing models suitable for enterprises of various sizes.

Top 5 Appian alternatives for 2025 

Take a look at the top five platforms to consider in 2025. The table below provides a brief comparison to help you assess which option best meets your enterprise needs.

Here’s a quick comparison of the top platforms for 2025:

Analysis of top Appian alternatives 

Let’s get deep into the comparison and explore how these platforms stack up against each other.

1. ManageEngine AppCreator 

MangeEngine AppCreator is a low-code platform that helps you build custom apps to fit your enterprise needs. It’s easy to use for both technical and non-technical users. With a simple drag-and-drop interface and prebuilt templates, you can design and deploy apps quickly.

AppCreator allows you to integrate with internal and external systems using multiple APIs and data sources. It’s highly customizable, letting you personalize the user interface and workflows to suit your organization.

Top features  

Visual development

AppCreator offers robust visual development capabilities. These include an intuitive form builder with drag-and-drop functionality. You can choose from a variety of form field types. Easily collect data like contact details, feedback, survey responses, and much more using the form builder. The platform also has a dashboard builder for interactive reports. It lets you combine data from different sources and display it on interactive dashboards and reports. You can add graphs and widgets to enhance your data presentation.

Advanced automation

AppCreator’s automation tools allow you to build customized workflows. It uses Deluge, a user-friendly low-code scripting language. Deluge simplifies your automation tasks like sending notifications, generating invoices, and updating records. Set up schedulers, reminders, and alerts to stay organized and keep tasks on track.

Analytics

AppCreator provides various reporting options, including tables, calendars, and interactive charts. It also offers customizable dashboards for better insights. Built-in filtering features make it easy to access specific data. You can create dashboards to monitor key metrics and track your progress.

Multi-device solutions

You can design apps for desktops, smartphones, and tablets, all at once. These apps are also accessible via browser or as progressive web apps. You can customize the apps with branding and publish them on platforms like the Google Play store or Apple App store. The platform also offers a mobile SDK and UI toolkit for building native iOS and Android apps.

Security

AppCreator allows you to share applications with individual users or groups, either by sharing the entire app or specific sections such as forms, reports, and pages. Role-based access controls restrict user visibility to authorized forms and reports. The record auditing feature tracks changes, showing who made edits and when.

Read more about the top features offered by AppCreator here!

 Pros 

• Highly secure.

• Easy cross-platform app development.

• User-friendly and responsive interface.

• Extensive customization options.

• Simple to integrate with internal and third-party platforms and databases.

 Cons 

• Requires familiarity with Deluge for advanced customizations.

Pricing  

AppCreator is priced at $1,995 per year, with additional costs varying based on the features and scale your organization needs (this base price includes 2 developer roles and 10 user roles).

2. Microsoft Power Apps 

Microsoft Power Apps is a low-code platform for building apps with minimal coding. It integrates smoothly with Microsoft tools like Word, Outlook, and Excel. It also works with cloud storage services like Dropbox. Apps are usually created on a canvas. Data is securely stored in the common data service (CDS) within entities. The platform is easy to use, enabling quick app creation and sharing. Power Apps also includes portals, allowing users to build websites that interact with data stored in the CDS.

Pros 

• Easy to use for non-developers.

• Good integration features, particularly with other Microsoft products.

Cons 

• Dependent on other Microsoft products; works best within the Microsoft ecosystem and relies heavily on integrations with Microsoft services.

• Limited design options.

Pricing 

Power Apps offers a subscription-based pricing model, starting at $20 per user per month for basic features.

3. OutSystems  

OutSystems is a notable low-code platform for enterprises. It helps enterprises quickly build, deploy, and manage complex applications for various sectors. It is designed for scalability, strong security, and rapid development. OutSystems is ideal for large organizations needing highly customized apps. It integrates seamlessly with existing systems. Additionally, its ability to scale with enterprise growth makes it a popular choice for large enterprises.

Pros 

• Fast development process.

• Will suit IT teams needing to prototype quickly.

Cons 

• Challenging for beginners to learn.

• Can be costly for smaller enterprises.

Pricing

OutSystems' enterprise plans begin at $36,300 per year, which covers up to 100 users. 

4. Mendix  

Mendix is a low-code platform that helps enterprises quickly create and deploy applications. It requires minimal coding expertise. The platform has a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. This allows enterprises' IT and non-IT teams to collaborate easily on app development. Mendix offers a wide range of features, including ready-made templates, automation functionality, and integration options. These features make it ideal for both simple workflows and complex enterprise systems. Mendix is scalable, allowing enterprises to expand applications as needs evolve. It also supports various deployment options, including on-site and cloud-based solutions.

Pros  

• User-friendly drag-and-drop interface.

• Flexible deployment options (cloud or on-premises).

• Scalable and suitable for growing enterprises.

• Supports both low-code and no-code development.

Cons  

• Pricing can be high, especially for smaller enterprises.

• Steeper learning curve for advanced features.

Pricing 

Mendix offers a subscription-based pricing model. It starts at $998 per month for the standard plan, as well as offering custom plans to suit different enterprise needs.

5. Kissflow

Kissflow is a low-code platform that helps enterprises create custom applications. It enables process owners and IT developers to automate tasks and build apps for internal processes. The platform also empowers citizen developers (non-technical users) to design their own apps based on their needs.

Kissflow features an intuitive no-code interface, a patented rules engine, and strong governance capabilities. These features make it a good choice for fostering citizen development.

Pros

• Creates tailored workflows for operations.

• User-friendly and easy to navigate. 

Cons  

• Costs increase with complex workflows.

• Limited API support for integrations.

• Mobile app lacks key features, including user restrictions and offline functionality.

Pricing 

Kissflow charges $1,500 per month for the basic plan with limited features for up to 50 users.

Conclusion  

There’s no one-size-fits-all low-code platform, as each enterprise has unique requirements. For large-scale, AI-driven development, OutSystems is a good choice. If you're heavily invested in Microsoft tools, Power Apps is a good option. For enterprise process management, Appian works. And if you need flexibility with both cloud and on-premises deployment, Mendix is worth considering.

If you're seeking a user-friendly platform with strong integration capabilities, AppCreator could be the perfect fit. It offers a range of customization options, prioritizes security, and is suitable for both organizations and enterprises.

Ready to explore AppCreator? Sign up for a free trial today and see how it aligns with your needs.