Explore our comprehensive review of the 10 best open source low-code platforms in 2025, perfect for enhancing your app development process.

Introduction

In 2025, the landscape of app development continues to evolve rapidly with the rise of open-source no-code platforms. These tools democratize software creation, enabling individuals and businesses to build sophisticated applications without deep technical expertise. This comprehensive review delves into the top 10 open-source low-code platforms that stood out this year, offering insights into their unique features, strengths, and ideal use cases.

Why Choose Open Source Low-Code Platforms?

Open source low-code platforms combine the flexibility of open-source software with the ease-of-use of low-code development. They provide several advantages:

Transparency: Access to the source code allows for customization and trust in the platform’s functionality.
Community Support: A vibrant community contributes to continuous improvements and rich resources.
No Vendor Lock-In: Freedom to modify and distribute the software as needed without restrictions.
Cost-Effective: Often free to use, reducing the financial barrier for startups and independent developers.

However, it’s essential to consider potential downsides, such as the need for a certain level of technical understanding and varying levels of official support.

Top 10 Open Source Low-Code Platforms in 2025

1. Budibase

Budibase

Budibase stands out as the premier open-source low-code platform for building business applications. Its user-friendly interface allows for rapid design, automation, and deployment of web apps with minimal effort. With support for multiple data sources and real-time automation, Budibase is ideal for creating internal tools like admin panels, inventory management systems, and more.

Key Features:
– Drag-and-drop interface
– Customizable components
– Integration with various databases and APIs
– Real-time automation capabilities

2. Huginn

Huginn is an automation powerhouse, similar to platforms like Zapier but fully open source. It allows users to create agents that perform automated tasks, from sending weather updates to integrating with services like Slack and Twilio.

Key Features:
– Event-driven workflows
– Extensive integrations
– Active community with numerous plugins

3. WordPress

While primarily known as a content management system, WordPress’s extensive plugin ecosystem makes it a versatile low-code platform for building everything from blogs to complex websites without writing code.

Key Features:
– Over 54,000 plugins
– Robust theme system
– Strong community support

4. Node-Red

Node-Red is tailored for IoT and event-driven applications. Its browser-based flow editor simplifies the process of wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services.

Key Features:
– Visual flow editor
– Integration with IoT devices
– Wide range of pre-built nodes

5. PyCaret

PyCaret is an open-source low-code machine learning library in Python. It streamlines the workflow from hypothesis to insights, making machine learning accessible without extensive coding knowledge.

Key Features:
– Automated machine learning
– Easy-to-use APIs
– Comprehensive documentation and tutorials

6. Manifest.Build

Manifest.Build focuses on low-code backend development. It allows developers to create micro-backends using a single YAML file, which can then generate databases like SQLite or PostgreSQL.

Key Features:
– Simplified backend creation
– YAML-based configuration
– Modern admin panel interface

7. StackStorm

Designed for DevOps automation, StackStorm enables the creation of complex workflows driven by events. It’s highly customizable, making it a favorite among DevOps professionals.

Key Features:
– Event-driven automation
– Extensive toolkit integrations
– Flexible workflow configurations

8. GrapeJS

GrapeJS is a visual editor optimized for creating HTML templates, email layouts, and newsletters. It’s designed to integrate seamlessly with CMS platforms, enhancing the end-user design experience.

Key Features:
– Drag-and-drop HTML editor
– Responsive design tools
– Plugin-friendly architecture

9. Flowise

Flowise offers a drag-and-drop solution for AI orchestration flows, connecting large language models (LLMs) to data sources and task-specific nodes. It’s perfect for creating intelligent AI agents.

Key Features:
– AI flow builder
– Integration with various data loaders
– Support for local LLMs and embeddings

10. AppFlowy

AppFlowy is an open-source alternative to productivity tools like Notion. It provides a collaborative platform for managing projects, notes, and wikis with extensive customization options.

Key Features:
– Collaborative workspace
– Extensive templates and plugins
– AI-powered functionalities

How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Needs

Selecting the ideal open-source low-code platform depends on several factors:

1. Identify Your Use Case

Determine whether you need a platform for web development, automation, machine learning, or project management. Each platform excels in different areas.

2. Assess Community and Support

A strong community can provide valuable resources, plugins, and support, ensuring the platform evolves with your needs.

3. Evaluate Integration Capabilities

Ensure the platform integrates seamlessly with your existing tools and data sources to maintain workflow efficiency.

4. Consider Scalability and Flexibility

Choose a platform that can grow with your projects, offering the flexibility to customize and expand functionalities as required.

5. Review Documentation and Learning Resources

Comprehensive documentation and tutorials can significantly reduce the learning curve, enabling faster adoption and implementation.

Conclusion

Open-source low-code platforms are revolutionizing the way applications are developed, making it accessible to a broader audience and accelerating the development process. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a marketer, or part of a large enterprise, there’s a platform tailored to your specific needs. By leveraging these tools, you can bring your innovative ideas to life swiftly and efficiently.

Ready to transform your app development process? Get started with Shipper now and harness the power of AI-driven no-code solutions today!