Mendix vs OutSystems
Based on 89 reviews and ratings
Based on 178 reviews and ratings
Highlights
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.
Provided by the TrustRadius Research Team
Published on August 21, 2020
Likelihood to Recommend
Mendix
OutSystems
Feature Rating Comparison
Low-Code Development
Visual Modeling
Drag-and-drop Interfaces
Platform Security
Platform User Management
Reusability
Platform Scalability
Pros
Mendix
- Using Mendix you can build an application in a week compared to building the same application in Java in 1 month.
- You can simultaneously build applications for all kinds of devices (Desktop, Mobile and tablets).
- All in one tool, in Mendix Modeler you can manage databases, webservices, Mendix code , Java code, etc.
OutSystems
- Deployment management – OutSystems has a built in robust, multi-environment deployment system that helps ensures the clean and error free deployment of applications through the development, testing and production product lifecycle
- Rapid application development – Through the low code, graphical development environment you can develop applications far quicker than with more traditional development environments
- Cross platform mobile development – OutSystems handle the development and building of mobile application for both iOS and Android in a simple streamlined way that removes 90% of the problems normally associated with multi platform development
Cons
Mendix
- Earlier versions lacked in UI/Ux. This is still improving.
- Since everyone and anyone can create custom add ons (widgets), Mendix could improve their quality checks (but not as rigid as eg Apple).
- Upgradeability used to be somewhat of an issue. Version 7 looks to be handling this better than previous versions.
OutSystems
- The platform controls all the parts. While great for development and overall maintenance, it could lead to discussions with your DBA (who has to trust the platform). As a developer I love the platform, as a DBA I would like more control.
- By making software development model driven using flows, you are forced to rethink the way of programming. It makes it easier, but sometimes the way of working leads to code which could be optimized (standard problem in model based software development).
- Most of the code is generated, so the technical knowledge of the inner working of coding are not Essentials. This could lead to degration of this knowlegde. As part of this, most technologies will only be used when OutSystems supports it. They do a good job on implementing these things. But things like Node.js would be nice.
Likelihood to Renew
Mendix
OutSystems
Usability
Mendix
OutSystems
Support Rating
Mendix
OutSystems

Implementation Rating
Mendix
OutSystems
This is transformational - you will need a solid set of key business partners to lock arms together to move forward.

Alternatives Considered
Mendix

OutSystems
Return on Investment
Mendix
- Request for Mendix projects is constant. When you hire a Mendix consultant, you know (s)he will be busy 100%
- Scrum has become a religion because of Mendix.
- It created a sense of community, a culture of sharing, working together and having fun.
OutSystems
- The ease of use of the OutSystems development process has been the biggest ROI for us. We have developed our Framework product and maintained/enhanced it with only 4 workers.
- OutSystems has enhanced their product very significantly over the last 4 years. They have gone from a simple to use tool to a very simple to use sophisticated tool that covers the standard mainframe-based computing apps and the apps used on handheld mobile devices all using the same basic set of development tools.
Screenshots
Pricing Details
Mendix
General
Free Trial
Free/Freemium Version
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Entry-level set up fee?
Mendix Editions & Modules
On-premise Edition
Enterprise Edition | $1,6751 |
---|---|
Pro Edition | $1,2501 |
- per month (billed annually)
SaaS Edition
Free Edition | $0 |
---|---|
Pro Edition | $1,2502 |
Enterprise Edition | $1,6752 |
- per month (billed annually)
Additional Pricing Details
—OutSystems
General
Free Trial
Free/Freemium Version
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
Entry-level set up fee?
OutSystems Editions & Modules
Edition
Basic | $4,000.001 |
---|---|
Pro | $10,000.001 |
- Per Month