7 Best Open Source Low-Code Platforms You Should Try in 2026

Most people think you need a whole engineering team to build powerful apps. Yet over 70 percent of businesses now rely on low-code tools to move faster. What’s more surprising is how quickly open-source low-code platforms are becoming the preferred choice for teams that want speed and control.

These platforms remove the usual limits of traditional low-code tools by giving you transparency, flexibility, and complete ownership. No vendor lock-in. No hidden restrictions. Just a free, open-source, low-code platform you can shape any way you want.

Whether you're building internal dashboards, automating data workflows, creating cloud-native apps, or experimenting with full-stack tools, today’s open-source low-code development platforms make it easier than ever to launch ideas without heavy coding.

But with so many options in the market, from GitHub-driven projects to advanced self-hosted low-code platforms, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

To help you start strong, here are the eight best open-source low-code platforms you should try in 2026, each offering unique power, flexibility, and a vibrant community behind it.

Let’s explore what makes these tools stand out.

What are the top 7 open source low-code platforms?

Finding the right platform can feel overwhelming, especially with so many open-source low-code platforms promising speed and flexibility. At AppsRhino, we’ve worked with several tools across real projects, giving us a clear understanding of what actually delivers value.

This list highlights the top open source low-code platform options you can rely on for fast, scalable development, whether you’re building internal tools, automating workflows, or launching cloud-native apps. 

Use the comparison table for a quick snapshot, or explore each breakdown to understand features, pros, cons, and how each open-source low-code development platform fits different business needs.

Whether you skim the table of contents or dive into the details, we hope you find the best open-source low-code platform to suit your development goals.

Let’s go!

1. Joget

Joget is one of the most trusted open-source low-code platforms, built to simplify and accelerate application development. It combines visual app development, workflow automation, and business process management into a single ecosystem.

Whether you need internal tools or full enterprise apps, Joget helps you design, deploy, and optimize solutions quickly with minimal coding. It’s a flexible, open-source, low-code platform ideal for teams looking to adopt fast, scalable, and self-hosted low-code development.

Key Features

• Visual Builders: Drag-and-drop UI for forms, workflows, and pages.
• Plugin Extensibility: Dynamic plugins to extend functionality effortlessly.
• Built-in Monitoring: Application performance and health tracking.
• PWA Ready: Auto-generated Progressive Web Apps for mobile access.
• Cloud Integrations: Works with major databases and cloud providers.
• App Generator: One-click generation of ready-to-edit applications.
• AI Support: TensorFlow-powered AI and ML plugin integrations.

Pros

• Easy Interface: Beginner-friendly drag-and-drop experience.
• Faster Development: Ideal for rapid low-code app dev.
• Low Coding Needs: Build apps without heavy engineering.

Cons

• Advanced Learning: Complex features take time to master.
• Limited Tutorials: Fewer deep technical guides available.
• Customisation Limits: Some users expect more design freedom.

Pricing

Joget offers a free open-source low-code platform through its Community Edition (GPL).
The Enterprise Edition starts at $120 per user per year and offers premium features, security, and dedicated support.

2. Appsmith

Appsmith is one of the fastest-growing open-source low-code platforms, built for teams that want to create internal tools quickly without heavy engineering. Its drag-and-drop interface, strong REST API integration, and JavaScript support make it ideal for dashboards, admin panels, workflows, and data-driven apps.

As a free, open-source, low-code platform, Appsmith offers full flexibility, self-hosted deployment, and a strong community-driven ecosystem that accelerates low-code app dev for developers and IT teams.

Key Features

• Visual UI Builder: Drag-and-drop widgets for quick interface creation.
• Data Source Integration: Connects to databases, APIs, and third-party services.
• JavaScript Logic Support: Add custom logic directly within the platform.
• Real-Time Updates: Live editing and instant application refresh.
• Git Version Control: Built-in Git sync for collaboration and deployment.
• Role-Based Access: Secure permissions and user management.
• Responsive App Layouts: Auto-optimised apps for desktop and mobile.
• Self-Hosted Option: Deploy on Docker, Kubernetes, or private servers.

Pros

• Easy-to-Use Builder: Intuitive interface for fast development.
• Rapid App Creation: Great for quick internal tools and workflows.
• Strong Open-Source Community: Active support, plugins, and GitHub contributions.

Cons

• Limited Advanced Features: Some enterprise-grade options are still evolving.
• Integration Gaps: Not all third-party systems are supported natively.
• Performance Variability: Occasional slowdowns with complex apps.

Pricing

Appsmith provides a Free Community Edition with unlimited apps, users, widgets, and data sources, and Business Plans start at $15 per user/month, with an enterprise plan custom-based, making it one of the most generous open-source low-code development platforms.

3. Budibase

Budibase is one of the most popular open-source low-code platforms, designed for building internal tools, automated workflows, and business apps with minimal effort. Its visual builder, data flexibility, and self-hosted deployment make it ideal for developers looking for a free, open-source low-code platform that balances speed, customisation, and control. 

Budibase empowers teams to create powerful tools without complex coding, making it a strong choice among open-source low-code development platforms.

Key Features

• Multi-Source Data: Connects to PostgreSQL, MySQL, REST APIs, and more.
• Built-In Database: Offers an internal DB for quick app creation from scratch.
• Responsive Layouts: Auto-optimised apps for desktop and mobile use.
• Workflow Automation: Trigger emails, Slack alerts, and process automations.
• Self-Hosted Deployment: Deploy via Docker, Kubernetes, or private servers.
• Enterprise Security: ISO 27001 certification and secure access controls.
• Pre-Built Templates: Ready-to-use templates to speed up low-code app dev.

Pros

• Open Source & Self-Hosted: Full control, transparency, and flexibility.
• Fast App Building: Rapid development with a simple drag-and-drop builder.
• Strong Support Community: Active contributors and a responsive team.

Cons

• Limited User-Based Plans: Pricing can feel restrictive for larger teams.
• Scaling Constraints: Not ideal for highly complex enterprise ecosystems.
• Rigid Data Handling: Advanced data workflows may need workarounds.

Pricing
Budibase offers a Free Plan with unlimited apps, workflows, and self-hosting. Paid options start with the Business Plan at $50/ app creator/month (annual billing) for advanced controls and SSO. An Enterprise Plan is also available with custom pricing for enhanced security and dedicated support.

4. Node-RED

Node-RED is one of the most popular open-source low-code platforms, built on Node.js and designed for workflow automation, IoT systems, and rapid integration. Its visual, flow-based programming makes it ideal for developers, makers, and enterprises that need fast, flexible, and event-driven low-code app development. 

As a free, open-source, low-code platform, it enables self-hosted deployment, extensible plugins, and community-driven enhancements, making it a top choice for IoT, cloud-native apps, and system orchestration.

Key Features

• Flow-Based Editor: Visual drag-and-drop interface for building automations.
• Extensive Node Library: Thousands of nodes for APIs, databases, cloud, and IoT.
• Custom Code Blocks: Add JavaScript functions directly inside the editor.
• Node.js Runtime: Fast, event-driven, non-blocking execution model.
• JSON-Based Flows: Easy export, versioning, and GitHub collaboration.
• Plugin Ecosystem: Community-driven nodes, modules, and open source extensions.
• Cross-Platform Support: Works on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Raspberry Pi.

Pros

• Easy Automation: Drag-and-drop low-code app dev for rapid workflows.
• High Productivity: Ideal for quick prototypes and integration-heavy projects.
• Strong Community: Active global contributors, GitHub repositories, and tutorials.

Cons

• Complex Large Flows: Bigger workflows can become more complicated to manage.
• Limited Documentation: Some topics lack in-depth official guides.
• Resource Usage: May require tuning in low-memory environments.

Pricing

Node-RED is 100 percent free. It supports self-hosted deployment on local machines, servers, Docker, Kubernetes, and edge devices like Raspberry Pi, without any licensing or subscription costs, making it one of the most accessible free, open-source low-code/no-code platforms.

5. ToolJet

ToolJet is one of the fastest-growing open-source low-code platforms, built to help teams create internal tools, dashboards, and workflows without heavy coding. It supports drag-and-drop development, REST API integration, and self-hosted deployment, making it a strong option among top open source low-code platforms. 

With its extensible plugin system, community-driven development, and enterprise-ready features, ToolJet enables rapid low-code app dev for startups and large teams alike.

Key Features

• Visual App Builder: Drag-and-drop UI for fast internal tool creation.
• Pre-Built Components: Ready-made widgets such as charts, tables, forms, and maps.
• Wide Integrations: Connects with 50+ databases, cloud apps, and REST APIs.
• Workflow Automation: Event triggers and logic flows for process automation.
• Built-In Database: ToolJet DB (PostgreSQL-based) for quick local data storage.
• Enterprise Security: SSO, RBAC, audit logs, and a secure open source framework.
• Custom Extensions: Supports plugins using JavaScript and Python.

Pros

• Easy UI Building: Intuitive low-code interface for faster app creation.
• Quick Deployments: Build, publish, and iterate on internal tools rapidly.
• Active Community: GitHub repositories, templates, and support resources.

Cons

• Performance Limits: Heavy apps may experience slower load times.
• Advanced Customisation: Some complex features need manual coding.
• Initial Learning Curve: Setup requires a basic understanding of workflows.

Pricing

ToolJet offers a free, open-source low-code platform through its Community Edition, which includes unlimited apps and self-hosted deployment. Paid plans begin at $19 per user/month, and Pro starts at $79 per user/month. Enterprise pricing is available on request for organisations needing dedicated infrastructure, enhanced governance, and compliance.

6. NocoBase

NocoBase is one of the most flexible open-source low-code platforms, built around a data-model–driven framework that lets teams create custom business apps without heavy coding. Its open-source license, plugin ecosystem, REST API integration, and self-hosted deployment make it a strong contender among the best open-source low-code platforms. 

Ideal for internal tools, workflows, and data-driven apps, NocoBase supports both technical and non-technical builders through a clean visual interface.

Key Features

• Data-Model Builder: Visual schema design for complex data workflows.
• Plugin Architecture: An Extensible system for adding custom modules.
• Multi-Database Support: Works with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and more.
• REST API Integration: Connect to external services with ease.
• Self-Hosted Deployment: Full control with Docker, Linux, or cloud hosting.
• Role-Based Access: Granular permissions for secure app management.
• Open Source Framework: Transparent, community-driven development.

Pros

• Highly Flexible Setup: Easily customised for unique business needs.
• Fast App Creation: Rapid low-code app dev for data-intensive systems.
• Strong Community Help: GitHub repositories, plugins, support groups.

Cons

• Advanced Features Need Coding: Custom logic requires developer input.
• Limited Documentation: Complex workflows need more guides.
• Setup Can Be Technical: Initial configuration can be challenging for beginners.

Pricing

NocoBase provides a free, open-source Community Edition suitable for small teams, self-hosted deployment, and customisation. Paid plans include the Standard Edition at $800/year and the Professional Edition at $8,000/year, offering enhanced plugins, advanced features, and priority support for larger organisations.

7. Convertigo

Convertigo is one of the most versatile open-source low-code platforms, built for creating web, mobile, and desktop apps with minimal coding. It supports both low-code and no-code development, making it accessible to IT teams and business users alike.

With REST API integration, cloud-native capabilities, GitHub-backed community development, and self-hosted deployment, Convertigo stands out as a strong option for teams seeking flexible, cost-effective low-code app dev.

Key Features

• Dual Dev Modes: Supports both low-code and no-code creation.
• Extensive Connectors: 300+ integrations for enterprise systems.
• AI-Powered Automation: Helps accelerate workflows and builds.
• Visual Builder: Drag-and-drop UI for fast application creation.
• Enterprise Security: Built-in authentication and access control.
• Offline App Support: Ensures app usability without an internet connection.
• CI/CD Integration: Cloud-native DevOps for smooth deployment.
• Open Source Framework: Transparent codebase with GitHub repos.

Pros

• Strong Offline Mode: Apps work even without an internet connection.
• High Security Control: Enterprise-grade authentication tools.
• Flexible Integration Stack: Ideal for data workflows and enterprise APIs.

Cons

• Steep Learning Curve: Beginners may take time to adapt.
• Documentation Gaps: Advanced tutorials need expansion.
• Performance Challenges: Heavy apps may load slowly.

Pricing

Convertigo offers a free, open-source Community Edition, ideal for self-hosted teams and developers. Paid plans include the Starter Edition at $18/user/month and the Enterprise Edition at $23/user/month, adding dedicated support, advanced features, and complete scalability for large organisations.

Conclusion

With so many open-source low-code platforms evolving each year, businesses now have more freedom, speed, and flexibility than ever. Whether you choose a free, open-source low-code platform like Appsmith or Node-RED, or a more advanced option like Convertigo or Joget, these tools make it easier to build scalable apps, automate workflows, and innovate without relying heavily on traditional coding. 

The shift toward low-code app development is accelerating, and choosing the right platform can dramatically reduce development time, costs, and complexity.

But platforms alone don’t build great products, expertise does. That’s where AppsRhino becomes a true partner. Our team works across all leading open-source low-code development platforms, from Joget and Budibase to Convertigo and NocoBase, helping you design, build, and deploy powerful business apps with unmatched quality and speed. 

Whether you need full-stack development, REST API integration, cloud-native apps, or custom modules, we handle everything end-to-end so you can focus on growth.

If you're ready to build smarter, faster, and without limits, AppsRhino is the team that turns your ideas into real products.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an open-source low-code platform?

An open-source low-code platform lets teams build applications faster using visual tools, drag-and-drop interfaces, and minimal coding. Since it’s open source, developers can customize the codebase, self-host, and extend features using open-source frameworks, plugins, or GitHub modules.

Is there a free low-code platform available?

Yes, popular options like Joget, Appsmith, ToolJet, and Budibase offer free, open-source low-code platform editions with core features, self-hosting, and unlimited apps, making them ideal for low-code app dev without subscription costs.

What is the difference between low-code and high-code development?

Low-code uses visual builders and reusable components to speed up development, while high-code requires full manual programming for complete customisation. Low-code accelerates delivery; high-code offers deeper control.

Which low-code platform is best for developers?

The best open source low-code platform depends on your use case. Joget is great for workflows, Appsmith for internal tools, ToolJet for integrations, and Budibase for self-hosted internal apps. Each serves different needs across open-source low-code development platforms.

What is the difference between low-code and DevOps?

Low-code platforms simplify mobile app development and web app creation with minimal coding. DevOps focuses on CI/CD pipelines, automation, and deployment. Many open-source low-code development platforms now include DevOps-friendly features such as REST API integration and CI/CD support.