Mendix vs OutSystems

Mendix and OutSystems are both low-code development tools meant to help developers create applications quickly and with minimal code.  Mendix is built to provide a user-friendly, flexible development tool so that even inexperienced developers can create an application.  OutSystems provides a range of advanced features to help developers deploy and manage their applications after they’ve been developed.  Both tools are most popular with mid sized businesses and larger enterprises, though they are also used by smaller businesses.

Features

Mendix and OutSystems both allow users to create applications with minimal development experience, but they also have some standout features that set them apart from each other. 

Mendix provides an easy to use process for creating applications.  Users will be walked through application creation step by step, with prebuilt models they can use or edit for their needs. Mendix also provides a developer mobile application so users can edit or create applications from any device. Businesses will have no problem with collaborating using Mendix, as the solution is entirely cloud based, making it easy to share work with other users. 

OutSystems provides simple, one click deployment, making it easy to send out an application to the entire organization once it is completed.  Additionally, OutSystems allows users to easily map elements of an application to connected databases, so users can easily select where app related data should live.  For smaller businesses, OutSystems also provides a more generous free version that can support up to 100 users.

Limitations

Mendix and OutSystems provide a platform for low-code development and application deployment, but they also have some limitations that are important to consider.

Mendix provides an easy process for application creation, but once those applications are built, it is a little trickier to deploy compared to OutSystems one click deployment.  Additionally, Mapping application objects to related databases is more difficult than the drag and drop process offered by OutSystems. Small businesses may also have a hard time getting the most out of Mendix’s free version, which only supports 10 users.

OutSystems application creation is more rigid than Mendix, requiring users to choose application type (smartphone, tablet, etc) from the get go, rather than allowing them to commit to that choice later on.  Additionally, OutSystems doesn’t have a fully cloud-based option, so it can be more difficult to collaborate, especially across offices in different locations.

Pricing

OutSystems offers a free version with support for one environment and up to 100 end users, which is a good choice for businesses looking to try before they buy.  The basic package supports up to 1,000 users and starts at $4,000 per month.  The standard package supports any number of end users for $10,000 per month. Businesses that need more features or support can reach out to the vendor for an enterprise quote.

Mendix offers a free version for up to 10 developers, after that pricing is on a “pay what you need” basis, based on number of applications in addition to other factors.  Paid Mendix plans start as low as $1,917 per month.