Top 10 Low-Code online Database app Creators

February 03, 2024 | Editor: Michael Stromann


Online business app creators allow business users easily build their own custom apps with no coding.
1
Part spreadsheet, part database, and entirely flexible, teams use Airtable to organize their work, their way.
2
Appian is a leader in low-code development & BPM. It provides companies a simpler way to create powerful software.
3
OutSystems is the most complete low-code platform for building the enterprise solutions that drive real business value.
4
One platform to optimize, manage, and track all of your work: process management, case management, project management
5
Caspio is the all-inclusive online database platform designed for business users to create sophisticated web forms, reports and complete web and mobile applications fast and without coding. Create online database applications fast, easy and without coding. Caspio online database software powers over 500000 cloud database apps.
6
Mendix is the fastest & easiest low-code platform used by businesses to develop mobile & web apps at scale.
7
Create business apps with QuickBase online database software; collaboration & automation solutions for Project Management, CRM, Customer Service & HR. Apps that meet your exact needs. No coding. No compromise. Just software solutions.
8
Transform your business by creating custom business apps with Microsoft PowerApps. Connect data from the cloud and make your own app - no coding required.
9
Bubble is a visual programming language that lets you build web applications without code. Using Bubble's visual editor, you can build a fully-functional web application quickly and affordably.
10
Launch Database Apps on Your Own. Zoho Creator with its drag-and-drop builder makes it extremely easy for business users to build their own custom apps. Custom Apps, from simple Contact Manager to complex CRM can be built in minutes with the drag-drop builder. No technical expertise required.
11
Google's AppSheet provides a no-code development platform for application software, which allows users to create mobile, tablet, and web applications using data sources like Google Drive, DropBox, Office 365, and other cloud-based spreadsheet and database platforms.
12
Award-winning business and personal database software for iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and the web. Streamline your business with the FileMaker Platform. Easily create custom solutions for iPad, iPhone, Windows, Mac and the web that meet the unique needs of your organization. Manage customer data, track assets, organize projects, run reports, and more. With the FileMaker Platform you'll be able to improve workflow, save money, and increase overall efficiency.
13
Knack makes it easy to build your own custom online databases and web apps. Easy tools for defining the data your app will use. Import records straight from a spreadsheet. Add visual elements like tables, forms, and calendars to display and update your database records. Publish your app to any website and device. Set user roles to define who can access your app.
14
Microsoft Lists is an app that helps you track information and organize work. Stay on top of it all with Lists, your smart information tracking app in Microsoft 365. Work with anyone, anywhere. Configure your lists to better organize events, issues, assets, and more.
15
Access is now much more than a way to create desktop databases. It’s an easy-to-use tool for quickly creating browser-based database applications that help you run your business. Your data is automatically stored in a SQL database, so it’s more secure than ever, and you can easily share your applications with colleagues.
16
The flexible cloud database for businesses. Ragic makes building cloud databases as easy as editing a spreadsheet form. Just enter names of fields that you would like to keep track of, and Ragic handles the rest for you.
17
TrackVia is an application platform that empowers end users to rapidly build their own business applications with zero programming, replacing generic software, databases or spreadsheets.
18
TeamDesk online database software combines a fully customizable web application solution and an easily accessible web-database for your team. TeamDesk web-database allows managing business critical information the way you want to and modify online applications any time you need over the Internet.

Latest news about Low-Code online Database app Creators


2023. Microsoft’s new Power Platform AI copilot will build your apps for you



Microsoft has added its AI copilot to Power Apps, Power Virtual Agents and Power Automate. The idea here is to use AI to make using these tools for building line-of-business apps, flows and bots even easier by letting users use natural language to describe what they want to build. At its core, this works a bit like using the new Bing or ChatGPT. You tell the Power Platform Copilot what you want and then refine these ideas through a back-and-forth with the bot in the chat sidebar. In Power Apps, the main low-code tool of the Power Platform, users can now use sentences like “Create a time and expense application to enable my employees to submit their time and expense reports” and it will generate this app for them.


2022. Retool raises $45M to make building custom software as easy as buying off the shelf



Retool, the cloud app-building platform, has secured $45 million in funding, reaching a valuation of $3.2 billion. Retool recognizes the ongoing significance and untapped potential of tailored software, which entails developing applications for specific purposes and users. Since its establishment in 2017, the platform has witnessed the creation of over 500,000 apps, with billions of queries indicating its widespread utilization. Retool's primary platform currently revolves around approximately 90 "components" that can be seamlessly combined. This approach is not strictly "low code," but rather enables software developers and engineers to swiftly integrate fundamental building blocks like forms, charts, and tables. Additionally, Retool offers validation, accessibility, and other essential tools to ensure optimal performance. Developers can then establish connections to any database or API, including those with REST or GraphQL APIs, as well as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and other data repositories, to complete the software development process.




2022. Appsmith, a low-code platform for building business apps, lands $41M



Appsmith, a company dedicated to creating an open-source platform for internal development teams to construct custom applications, has successfully raised $41 million in Series B funding. While Appsmith is categorized as low code, its primary objective is to expedite the development process for experienced developers, rather than assisting non-technical business users in building applications, as is the focus of some low-code application environments. Appsmith achieves this by offering a comprehensive set of components necessary for application development, including frontend elements, data connectors, and access control. By providing these foundational elements, Appsmith alleviates the burden on developers, who would otherwise need to build these components from scratch.


2022. Liveblocks grabs $5 million for its real-time collaboration API



Liveblocks, a startup that offers high-level hosted APIs, allowing you to transform a regular web app into a multiplayer product, has recently secured $5 million in seed funding. In addition to its existing live presence state API, the company is now launching its live storage API. While building web applications has become more convenient with the availability of frameworks and APIs, enabling multiple users to interact with the same document, form, whiteboard, or content remains a significant challenge. Liveblocks aims to simplify this process and accelerate development. Initially, the startup introduced a live presence state API, which mirrors the functionality of Google Docs. For example, when you access a document in Google Docs, you can observe profile pictures in the top-right corner, indicating who is currently viewing the document and if someone is actively interacting with it by moving their cursor or selecting text. By integrating Liveblocks' presence API, you can leverage this functionality to display a list of individuals currently viewing a document, similar to Google Docs, and track real-time cursor movements for all users.


2022. Brazil’s Abstra lands $2.3M to help teams make apps with its no-code tool



Abstra, the company behind a no-code tool designed for both designers and programmers to create professional apps, has successfully raised $2.3 million in funding. Abstra empowers individuals to develop apps without the need for coding skills. It proves particularly beneficial for agencies aiming to expedite their project delivery or non-technical departments seeking faster iteration, yet reliant on centralized engineering teams for implementation. By leveraging Abstra, designers and junior programmers can construct high-quality websites and apps at a significantly faster pace compared to senior developers in larger organizations.


2021. AWS launches Amplify Studio, a new low-code app development tool



AWS has introduced Amplify Studio, a new no-code/low-code service integrated with Figma, designed to assist developers in swiftly creating cloud-connected applications. Amplify Studio expands upon the capabilities of the existing AWS Amplify service, which primarily focuses on developing web and mobile apps but lacks the user-friendly drag-and-drop interface found in Amplify Studio. AWS has taken an intriguing step by integrating Studio with the widely-used Figma user interface design tool. This integration allows designers to construct the interface within Figma, while developers can seamlessly connect it to their backend data and establish the application logic in Studio. Consequently, AWS eliminates the need to build its own design tool. Amplify Studio accomplishes this by translating Figma designs into React UI component code.


2021. Google brings AppSheet automations to Gmail


Google has introduced a new feature for its AppSheet automation service, enabling developers on its no-code platform to create custom apps and automation that directly interact with Gmail. Through dynamic email, developers now have the ability to construct applications that users can trigger and execute directly from their Gmail inbox. Although dynamic email was announced by Google in 2019, we haven't witnessed a significant number of developers fully utilizing these capabilities. This enhancement allows AppSheet developers to build functionalities such as approval workflows or asset management systems that users can conveniently update within an email itself.


2021. Stacker raises $20M to help business units build software without coding



No-code platforms have become a thriving market, and Stacker, a London-based platform, aims to elevate the concept to new heights. With Stacker, you can not only transform a spreadsheet into a web application but also seamlessly extract data from various sources to effortlessly generate sophisticated business applications (although some adjustments may be necessary). To be truly valuable for businesses, it is essential to connect with the data that matters to them. Therefore, we enable users to integrate their spreadsheets, SQL databases, Salesforce data, and all the data essential for their business operations, automatically transforming it into an app. Once the data is imported and the app is created, users can customize the appearance, but Stacker provides a significant head start in building a functional and usable application right from the beginning.


2021. Bryter raises $66M for its no-code tools for enterprise



Bryter, an AI-based no-code startup, has recently secured a Series B funding round of $66 million. With a platform that has already been adopted by around 100 global enterprises across approximately 2,000 business applications and workflows, Bryter intends to utilize the investment to enhance its platform and expand its presence in the United States. The rise of no-code startups has gained significant traction among enterprises, and Bryter joins a growing list of companies such as Airtable, Genesis, Rows, Creatio, and Ushur that are focused on empowering non-technical individuals with the ability to create and customize technology solutions.


2021. Noogata raises $12M for its no-code enterprise AI platform



Noogata, a startup that has secured a $12 million seed round, provides a no-code AI solution tailored for enterprises. The company's platform equips enterprises with a comprehensive set of pre-built AI components that can be seamlessly integrated with third-party tools such as data warehouses, Salesforce, Stripe, and other data sources. For instance, an e-commerce retailer can leverage the Noogata platform to optimize pricing by utilizing recommendations, while a brick-and-mortar retailer can employ it to strategize product allocation for specific locations.


2021. Genesis raises $45M to expand its fintech-focussed low-code platform to more verticals



Genesis, a company that has predominantly collaborated with financial services firms to empower non-technical staff with tools for monitoring and managing real-time risk, high-frequency trades, and other activities, has secured a $45 million investment. The funding will be utilized to expand the reach of the existing tools to additional industries that share similar requirements in terms of risk management, compliance, and other factors, such as healthcare and manufacturing. Furthermore, the company aims to enhance its toolset by developing additional functionalities.


2021. Kleeen raises $3.8M to make front-end design for business applications easy



Kleeen, a startup specializing in the creation of user interfaces for modern data-centric applications, has successfully secured a $3.8 million seed funding round. The service leverages a wizard-like interface to build the standard elements of an application, allowing companies' designers and developers to concentrate on the more customized aspects. The concept behind Kleeen revolves around enabling users to communicate their intentions and the desired user experience, as companies generally require variations of these fundamental building blocks. Kleeen then generates the user interface and workflow accordingly, and even generates sample data to bring the mock-up to life. This approach empowers businesses to expedite the development process and focus on their unique requirements.


2021. Rows raises $16M to build and populate web apps using only spreadsheet skills



A German startup named Rows has raised $16 million in funding and launched a freemium open beta of its expanded service. Rows is a low-code platform that leverages spreadsheet interfaces, allowing users to populate and analyze web apps effortlessly. This platform aligns perfectly with the growing trend of low-code development. For individuals already familiar with spreadsheet tools like Excel, which boasts numerous functions, Rows provides a way to utilize those familiar functions to integrate with other applications. Users can leverage spreadsheets created in Rows to analyze data from various apps and also update them, making it a versatile and user-friendly solution.


2021. Stacker raises $1.7M to help nocoders build apps from spreadsheets



Stacker, a company specializing in assisting individuals without programming skills to transform spreadsheets into software, has announced the successful completion of a $1.7 million seed funding round. Stacker enables users of Google Sheets and the popular Airtable to develop applications directly from their spreadsheets. While non-developers often resort to using spreadsheets as a workaround to create their own solutions to some extent, Stacker empowers them to convert those makeshift solutions into fully functional applications that end-users can customize. This approach eliminates the need for users to start from scratch and design buttons on a blank screen. Instead, Stacker generates an initial application based on the user's selected Google Sheet or Airtable, providing a practical solution to this problem.


2020. No-code platform Unqork secures $207M



Unqork, renowned for its no-code platform, has secured a remarkable $207 million in Series C funding from a lineup of prominent investors. This latest investment has propelled the company's valuation to an impressive $2 billion. Unqork has pioneered the development of the first fully visual, no-code application platform, empowering large enterprises to construct intricate custom software solutions. Among its esteemed clientele are notable organizations such as The District of Columbia, Goldman Sachs, Liberty Mutual, Marsh, Montgomery County, New York City, Nippon Life, Pacific Life, Rethink Food, Vault, Aon plc, and many others.


2020. No-code platform Unqork secures $207M

Unqork, renowned for its revolutionary no-code platform, has successfully secured a staggering $207 million in Series C funding from a multitude of esteemed investors. This significant influx of funds has propelled the company's valuation to an impressive $2 billion. Unqork has pioneered the development of the world's first fully visual, no-code application platform, empowering large enterprises to construct intricate custom software solutions without the need for traditional coding. The company's extensive client roster includes prestigious organizations such as The District of Columbia, Goldman Sachs, Liberty Mutual, Marsh, Montgomery County, New York City, Nippon Life, Pacific Life, Rethink Food, Vault, Aon plc, and many other renowned entities.


2020. Google launches a work-tracking tool and Airtable rival, Tables



Google's internal incubator, Area 120, has launched a new work-tracking tool called Tables. Its primary objective is to enhance project tracking efficiency through the implementation of automation. Instead of relying on manual updates by team members across multiple documents to track project notes and tasks, Tables utilizes bots to automate various tasks. These include scheduling recurring email reminders for overdue tasks, sending messages to a chat room upon receiving new form submissions, transferring tasks to other team members' work queues, and updating tasks when statuses change. Tables is designed to be versatile and applicable in numerous scenarios, such as project management, IT operations, customer tracking and CRM, recruitment, product development, and more.


2020. EasySend raises $16M for its no-code approach to automating B2C interfaces



Israeli startup EasySend has secured $16 million in funding for its no-code platform, designed specifically for insurance companies and other regulated businesses. This platform enables the creation of forms and interfaces to collect customer information, which can then be efficiently processed using AI systems. EasySend aims to expand its services into various industries, including telecom carriers and banks. Additionally, the company is considering exploring robotic process automation (RPA) further in the future. While RPA solutions like UIPath, Automation Anywhere, and Blue Prism primarily focus on back-office operations, EasySend's emphasis on the "front office" aligns with leading solutions in that space.


2020. Google binds no-code tools, API management into new Business Application Platform



In a strategic move to tap into the thriving low-code/no-code market, Google LLC has introduced its new category of software called the Business Application Platform. This comprehensive platform encompasses various components, including application programming interface (API) management, no-code application development, process automation, and business analytics. Leveraging the technology obtained through its recent acquisition of AppSheet, Google aims to simplify the application-building process by enabling users to create applications without the need for coding, distinguishing it from traditional low-code solutions. The Business Application Platform will also incorporate API management capabilities from Apigee, a company acquired by Google four years ago. Google plans to enhance the platform with additional features that leverage the power of Google Cloud, hybrid and multicloud architectures, artificial intelligence and machine learning development tools, lifecycle management, as well as security and productivity/collaboration functionalities.


2020. Airtable raises $185M and launches new low-code and automation features



The no-code platform and spreadsheet-centric database, Airtable, has successfully raised $185 million in a Series D funding round. Alongside this milestone, the company is introducing new low-code features, automation capabilities (reminiscent of IFTTT for Airtable), and enhanced data management functionalities. While Airtable's pre-built blocks previously allowed users to incorporate maps, Gantt charts, and other features into their tables, there comes a point where the built-in functionality may not meet all user requirements, necessitating the need for custom tools (referred to as an "escape valve" by Liu, Airtable's CEO). To address this, Airtable has introduced Airtable Apps, enabling more advanced users to build additional functionality using JavaScript. Furthermore, users have the option to share their custom capabilities with others through the newly introduced Airtable Marketplace. These developments empower Airtable users to create more sophisticated and tailored solutions to meet their specific needs.


2020. Microsoft launches Dataflex, a relational database for building low-code business Teams apps



Microsoft has introduced Dataflex, a new relational database designed to empower business developers by enabling them to create, deploy, and manage Power Platform apps and chatbots seamlessly within Microsoft Teams. This integrated low-code data platform offers features such as relational data storage, diverse data types, robust governance capabilities, and simplified deployment with just a single click. With Dataflex, business users can access critical enterprise data for building low-code applications that effectively address various business challenges. Moreover, the relational database comes with built-in AI capabilities, enhanced performance, and advanced security features. By leveraging Dataflex within Teams, business users now have a supported and convenient solution for storing and managing their valuable business data, eliminating previous limitations in this regard.


2020. Microsoft launches Lists, a new Airtable-like app for Microsoft 365


Microsoft has introduced Lists, a novel collaborative database application tailored for Microsoft 365 users. This application bears resemblance to Airtable or Smartsheet, but with the added advantage of seamless integration with various Microsoft services. According to Microsoft, Lists serves as a tool to effectively monitor and manage issues, assets, routines, contacts, inventory, and more, employing customizable views, intelligent rules, and notifications to ensure everyone stays synchronized. It boasts deep integration with Teams, SharePoint, and other Microsoft products and will initially launch on the web, with mobile apps anticipated later this year. Lists provides diverse options for visualizing your data, including three views presently available: grid, gallery, and calendar.


2020. FileMaker 19 allows low-code development using readily-available JavaScript libraries



Claris, a subsidiary of Apple, has introduced FileMaker 19, their inaugural open platform empowering developers to swiftly construct sophisticated custom applications. This latest release incorporates various advancements such as direct JavaScript integrations, drag-and-drop add-ons, AI capabilities through Apple's Core ML, and more. With FileMaker 19, developers can effortlessly create applications using plug-and-play add-ons, enabling the seamless assembly of robust apps in record time. Additionally, they can leverage JavaScript, web services, native FileMaker code, and other tools to develop shareable add-ons for sale on the Claris Marketplace. Moreover, the new version enables the creation of apps directly within the FileMaker Cloud, eliminating the complex configuration process and facilitating instant sharing of applications.


2020. Google App Maker is shutting down



Google has announced the gradual discontinuation of Google App Maker due to its low usage. The process of phasing out App Maker began in 2020, and it will be officially shut down on January 19, 2021. For those who relied on App Maker to automate business processes, Google recommends transitioning to AppSheet, a newly introduced addition to its application development portfolio that offers similar capabilities. In the case of app development, Google suggests utilizing App Engine, which provides a fully managed platform for building and deploying applications. Additionally, for data collection purposes, Google Forms is recommended, as it now offers numerous new features that were not available when App Maker was initially launched.


2020. Google buys no code application development startup AppSheet



Google strengthens its cloud capabilities through the acquisition of Appsheet, a company that offers tools empowering "citizen developers" to build data-driven applications. Appsheet provides a "no code" platform for application development, enabling Google to assist companies in creating mobile apps without the need for extensive developer teams. The platform extracts data from sources like spreadsheets and utilizes field and column names as the foundation for new applications. With its existing integration with Google products such as Sheets and Forms, Appsheet was an enticing choice for Google. Furthermore, the platform seamlessly collaborates with other renowned services including Amazon Web Services Inc.'s DynamoDB database, Box, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office 365. Google has assured that Appsheet will continue to support these platforms even after the completion of the acquisition.


2015. Teamdesk - online database for business management



Teamdesk is an online database platform designed to accommodate the specific data needs of small businesses. It offers the flexibility for teams to effortlessly create custom online databases or utilize pre-built solutions to gather, share, and manage business information effectively. Each database is structured like a collection of interconnected spreadsheets, comprising tables with rows and columns. It provides a similar experience to constructing a tailored Access application for your business, but with the added advantage of being accessible online, enabling collaborative usage. TeamDesk serves as a versatile database tool, offering premade databases for various purposes such as real estate records, accounting, project management, and issue tracking. Notable competitors of TeamDesk include QuickBase and Zoho Creator.


2014. Zoho Creator adds form automation



Online database tool Zoho Creator has introduced a new intelligent feature called Form Automation. This valuable addition streamlines your daily tasks, allowing you to easily establish business rules and workflows. The best part is that you can achieve this without writing any code. By leveraging this feature, your application can dynamically display or hide fields and sub-forms, as well as perform a series of actions when specific form rules are met during user interactions such as filling, submitting, or modifying a form. You have the ability to trigger various actions, including presenting custom confirmation messages, redirecting users to different web pages, and sending predefined email/SMS notifications based on specific rule criteria. For instance, in a service request application, you can effortlessly configure a notification to be sent to the appropriate team when a customer selects a product from the dropdown options.

Editor: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com