Top 14 Best Low Code No Code Platforms for API Automation Tools

APIs are the cornerstone of modern digital ecosystems, facilitating seamless data exchange and integration between applications, platforms, and services. Low Code/No Code (LCNC) platforms have revolutionized API creation and automation, empowering both developers and non-technical users to design, manage, and deploy APIs with minimal coding. These platforms simplify the process through intuitive visual interfaces, pre-built connectors, and streamlined workflows, making it easier for organizations to integrate third-party applications, automate data flows, and build interconnected systems. Whether you're a startup looking for rapid API deployment or an enterprise managing complex integrations, LCNC platforms provide scalable and accessible solutions.

In this blog, we’ll highlight the 14 Best Low Code/No Code Platforms for API Creation and Automation, focusing on tools that simplify API development, management, and integration. These platforms cater to a range of needs, from creating basic API endpoints to managing complex data transformations and cross-platform integrations, enabling businesses to connect multiple services, streamline operations, and enhance productivity.

What Kind of API Development Platform Are You Looking For?

Before exploring the platforms, it's important to clarify your API requirements. Do you need to connect multiple data sources, integrate with existing CRM or ERP systems, or automate complex workflows between applications? Some platforms are tailored for straightforward API creation and management, while others provide advanced capabilities to handle complex integrations, data transformations, and automation across diverse systems.

Criteria (How We Evaluate and Test Platforms)

Each platform in this list has been rigorously evaluated based on the following criteria to assess its capabilities in low-code/no-code API creation and automation:

• Ease of Use for API Design and Deployment: How intuitive is the platform for building, managing, and deploying APIs, particularly for non-technical users? Platforms should offer user-friendly interfaces, drag-and-drop features, and streamlined processes for quick API deployment.
• Integration and Connectivity Options: Does the platform support robust connections with popular third-party services, databases, and applications? The ability to integrate seamlessly with various tools is crucial for building interconnected systems and data flows.
• Automation and Workflow Capabilities: Can the platform facilitate API-driven workflows, automate complex processes, and support rule-based logic? This aspect determines how well the platform handles process automation, data transformation, and business logic.
• Cost / ROI: How does the platform’s pricing align with its features and API automation capabilities? Evaluating cost-effectiveness is essential, especially for teams managing high volumes of integrations and requiring scalability.
• Security and Compliance: Does the platform include security measures such as data encryption, access control, and compliance with industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) to safeguard sensitive information and ensure data privacy?
• Scalability and Performance: Can the platform handle increasing API requests, high traffic loads, and complex data transformations as your business grows? Scalability and consistent performance are critical for enterprise-level deployments.

Using these criteria, we’ll dive into the Top 15 Best Low Code/No Code Platforms for API Creation and Automation, examining their strengths, limitations, and unique features to help you choose the right tool for building and automating APIs efficiently.

Best API Creation/Automation Tools at a Glance

Choosing the right API creation or automation tool can streamline workflows, enhance data integration, and improve business process efficiency. Below is a summary of the best tools for API creation and automation, along with their starting prices and a brief overview of their capabilities.

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Top 14 Best Low Code/No Code Platforms for API Automation

Choosing the right platform is essential for building, managing, and deploying APIs efficiently. In this section, we’ll dive into the top 14 Low Code/No Code platforms designed specifically to streamline API creation and automation. Each platform is selected for its unique features and capabilities that cater to various integration needs, enabling users to connect systems, automate workflows, and scale their digital ecosystems with minimal coding.

1. Make

Best for: Automating workflows and integrating multiple applications using a visual interface.

• Overview: Make is a no-code platform that specializes in automating workflows and connecting various applications through API integrations. It provides a drag-and-drop interface to create complex scenarios for data transfers and process automation across different services.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 8/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Low; suitable for non-technical users.
  • Customization: High for creating automation scenarios.
  • Cost/ROI: Good value for small and medium businesses; can escalate with high usage.
  • Integrations: Extensive integrations with popular apps and services.
  • Deployment: Cloud-based with a flexible API editor.
  • Time to Go Live: Quick for setting up workflows and automations.
• Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $9/month.

While Make is excellent for automating workflows, Nected offers advanced rule-based logic and more powerful backend automation, making it ideal for complex enterprise processes and business logic management.

2. Nected

Best for: Automating backend processes, managing complex workflows, and integrating rule-based APIs.

• Overview: Nected provides a comprehensive platform for automating backend processes, managing API-based workflows, and integrating complex rule-based logic. It is tailored for enterprises looking to streamline operations, automate data flows, and manage business logic with precision.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 9.5/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Moderate; suited for advanced users and developers.
  • Customization: High; excellent for API automation and backend processes.
  • Cost/ROI: High ROI for enterprise automation needs.
  • Integrations: Extensive API integration capabilities.
  • Deployment: Flexible, including cloud and on-premises.
  • Time to Go Live: Moderate; optimized for complex workflows.
• Pricing: Pricing available upon request.

Nected stands out by providing unparalleled flexibility and rule-based backend automation, setting it apart from general workflow automation tools.

3. Backendless

Best for: Providing backend services, APIs, and real-time data management for web and mobile applications.

• Overview: Backendless is a backend-as-a-service (BaaS) platform that simplifies API creation and management while offering real-time databases, user management, and server-side logic for web and mobile applications.

Pros & Cons:

• Scoring:
  • Overall score: 8/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Moderate; suitable for developers with some backend experience.
  • Customization: High for backend APIs and logic.
  • Cost/ROI: Good for backend services; scales with usage.
  • Integrations: Strong API and data source integrations.
  • Deployment: Cloud-based, scalable infrastructure.
  • Time to Go Live: Moderate; optimized for backend setups.
• Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $25/month.

Nected can enhance Backendless by automating API logic, managing workflows, and integrating complex rule-based backend processes.

4. Xano

Best for: Building and managing scalable serverless APIs and data integrations for web and mobile applications.

• Overview: Xano is a no-code backend platform that offers a scalable solution for creating APIs, handling data transformations, and connecting with various data sources. It is ideal for web and mobile developers seeking powerful backend functionality.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 8.3/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Moderate; ideal for backend automation needs.
  • Customization: High; supports data transformations and API creation.
  • Cost/ROI: Strong ROI for scalable projects.
  • Integrations: Extensive support for APIs and data sources.
  • Deployment: Cloud-based, serverless architecture.
  • Time to Go Live: Moderate; optimized for API setups.
• Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $59/month.

Nected complements Xano by adding advanced rule-based automation, enabling more powerful API workflows and backend management.

5. Appsmith

Best for: Creating internal tools using APIs and integrations through a visual drag-and-drop interface.

• Overview: Appsmith is an open-source platform designed to help teams create internal applications quickly by integrating APIs, databases, and third-party services through a simple drag-and-drop interface. It is especially useful for building dashboards, admin panels, and other internal tools.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 8.1/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Moderate; low-code but allows for extensive customizations.
  • Customization: High; suitable for internal tool development.
  • Cost/ROI: Strong value for internal tool creation.
  • Integrations: Extensive API integration capabilities.
  • Deployment: Cloud or self-hosted deployment.
  • Time to Go Live: Quick for simple tools; moderate for complex configurations.
• Pricing: Free plan available; enterprise pricing upon request.

Nected offers advanced rule-based logic and API automation capabilities that complement Appsmith by adding backend workflow flexibility and complex data handling.

6. Retool

Best for: Building internal tools quickly with a focus on data integration and API connections using a drag-and-drop interface.

• Overview: Retool is a low-code platform designed for creating internal tools and dashboards by connecting to APIs, databases, and other data sources. It offers a drag-and-drop interface that simplifies the process of building data-driven applications for business needs.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 8/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Low; suitable for non-technical users with some advanced options for developers.
  • Customization: Moderate; ideal for internal tool development.
  • Cost/ROI: Strong value for small to medium-sized teams.
  • Integrations: Extensive integrations with APIs, databases, and services.
  • Deployment: Cloud-based with on-premises options.
  • Time to Go Live: Quick for standard use cases; moderate for complex integrations.
• Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $10/user/month.

Nected goes beyond Retool’s internal tool capabilities by providing advanced backend automation, complex rule-based workflows, and enterprise-grade API management.

7. Zapier

Best for: Automating workflows and integrating apps through trigger-based “Zaps” with minimal setup.

• Overview: Zapier is a popular no-code tool for connecting and automating workflows between thousands of apps using simple trigger-action sequences called Zaps. It is widely used for automating repetitive tasks and syncing data across platforms.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 7.8/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Low; designed for non-technical users.
  • Customization: Moderate; suited for simple automations.
  • Cost/ROI: Good value for small businesses; can escalate with usage.
  • Integrations: Extensive integration capabilities.
  • Deployment: Cloud-based with simple configuration.
  • Time to Go Live: Extremely fast for setting up basic automations.
• Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $19.99/month.

While Zapier excels at simple automation tasks, Nected offers far more powerful rule-based logic, complex API automation, and backend workflow management, making it a superior choice for enterprise-grade automation needs.

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8. OutSystems

Best for: Developing, managing, and automating APIs and enterprise-grade applications with full-stack capabilities.

• Overview: OutSystems is an enterprise-grade low-code platform that allows users to develop, deploy, and automate applications, including API integration and management. It provides a comprehensive environment for both frontend and backend processes, making it ideal for complex projects.

Pros & Cons:

<table class="versus-table"><tr><td><strong>Pros</strong></td><td><strong>Cons</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Comprehensive development environment with strong API support</td><td>High cost for small businesses</td></tr><tr><td>Ideal for large-scale enterprise applications</td><td>Steep learning curve for advanced features</td></tr><tr><td>Full-stack capabilities for frontend and backend development</td><td>Primarily focused on enterprise-level solutions</td></tr></table>

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 8.5/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Moderate to high; suited for large projects.
  • Customization: High; supports complex workflows and APIs.
  • Cost/ROI: High for enterprise needs; substantial ROI for large businesses.
  • Integrations: Extensive with APIs and enterprise systems.
  • Deployment: Cloud, on-premises, and hybrid options available.
  • Time to Go Live: Moderate; optimized for enterprise-scale projects.
• Pricing: Free plan available; enterprise pricing upon request.

Nected offers enhanced backend automation and rule-based workflows, making it a complementary solution or alternative to OutSystems for automating complex business processes and APIs.

9. AppGyver

Best for: Building no-code applications with API integration capabilities for mobile, web, and desktop platforms.

• Overview: AppGyver is a no-code platform that enables users to create professional-grade applications with extensive API integration support. It offers a drag-and-drop builder for creating mobile, web, and desktop apps without coding.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 7.9/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Low; designed for non-technical users.
  • Customization: Moderate; supports frontend and API integration.
  • Cost/ROI: High value for small and medium projects.
  • Integrations: Good API and third-party app integration.
  • Deployment: Cloud-based deployment.
  • Time to Go Live: Quick for basic applications; moderate for complex integrations.
• Pricing: Free for small projects; enterprise-level pricing upon request.

Nected enhances AppGyver’s API capabilities by adding complex backend automation, rule-based workflows, and data handling for sophisticated business applications.

10. Mendix

Best for: Building scalable enterprise-grade applications with a strong focus on API management and integration.

• Overview: Mendix is a collaborative low-code platform that enables rapid development of enterprise applications. It offers extensive API and integration capabilities, making it suitable for building complex data-driven applications and connecting multiple systems.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 8.3/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Moderate; suited for enterprise teams.
  • Customization: High; supports complex workflows and integrations.
  • Cost/ROI: High cost with strong ROI potential for large businesses.
  • Integrations: Extensive with APIs, databases, and third-party services.
  • Deployment: Cloud, on-premises, and hybrid options available.
  • Time to Go Live: Moderate; optimized for enterprise use cases.
• Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at €50/user/month.

Nected offers complementary backend automation and rule-based API management, providing flexibility and power for complex enterprise applications.

11. Trello Automation (Butler)

Best for: Automating tasks and workflows within Trello using rule-based triggers and commands.

• Overview: Trello Automation (Butler) is a built-in tool for creating rules, buttons, and scheduled commands to automate workflows and processes within Trello boards. It helps users reduce repetitive tasks and improve productivity by automating routine actions.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 7.5/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Low; suitable for non-technical users.
  • Customization: Moderate; focused on Trello workflows.
  • Cost/ROI: Good value for Trello users.
  • Integrations: Limited to Trello environment.
  • Deployment: Cloud-based within Trello.
  • Time to Go Live: Very fast; instant automation setup.
• Pricing: Free with Trello; premium features start at $5/user/month.

Nected can provide broader API and rule-based workflow automation beyond Trello’s environment, integrating complex business logic across multiple platforms.

12. Airtable Automations

Best for: Automating workflows, connecting data, and integrating with various services through Airtable’s platform.

• Overview: Airtable Automations enable users to create automated workflows within their Airtable bases, connecting records and triggering actions across other apps and services. It’s ideal for data-driven automations and integrations without complex coding.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 7.8/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Low; accessible to non-technical users.
  • Customization: Moderate; suitable for data and workflow automations.
  • Cost/ROI: High value for Airtable users.
  • Integrations: Good API and third-party app integration.
  • Deployment: Cloud-based with Airtable.
  • Time to Go Live: Quick for data-driven workflows.
• Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $10/user/month.

Nected can enhance Airtable Automations by integrating complex backend workflows, rule-based logic, and API management to extend automation capabilities.

13. Parabola

Best for: Automating data flows and creating integrations through a visual, no-code interface.

• Overview: Parabola is a no-code tool designed for automating data workflows and connecting APIs through a visual drag-and-drop interface. It excels in transforming and processing data, making it suitable for e-commerce, marketing, and data-centric operations.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 7.7/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Low; ideal for non-technical users.
  • Customization: Moderate; suited for data processing workflows.
  • Cost/ROI: Good value for data-centric automations.
  • Integrations: Extensive API and third-party integrations.
  • Deployment: Cloud-based.
  • Time to Go Live: Quick for data flows; moderate for complex transformations.
• Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $80/month.

Nected offers a broader range of backend automation and complex rule-based processing that complements Parabola’s data-centric workflows, enabling deeper business logic integrations.

14. Nintex

Best for: Automating business processes and workflows with strong API and data integration support.

• Overview: Nintex is a powerful workflow automation platform designed to streamline business processes, manage complex workflows, and integrate various data sources and APIs. It offers both low-code and no-code tools for process automation.

Pros & Cons:

• Criteria Scoring:
  • Overall score: 8/10
  • Tech Heaviness: Low to moderate; accessible to business users.
  • Customization: High; supports complex workflows and data integrations.
  • Cost/ROI: High ROI for enterprises with process automation needs.
  • Integrations: Extensive with APIs, databases, and enterprise systems.
  • Deployment: Cloud and on-premises deployment options.
  • Time to Go Live: Quick for standard workflows; moderate for complex scenarios.
• Pricing: Pricing upon request.

Nected provides complementary backend automation and complex rule-based workflows, offering powerful capabilities to extend and enhance Nintex’s process automation functionalities.

People Also Ask:

1. What are the benefits of using Low Code/No Code platforms for API development and automation?

Low Code/No Code (LCNC) platforms provide numerous benefits for API creation and automation, such as:

• Accelerated Development and Deployment: LCNC platforms enable rapid creation, testing, and deployment of APIs using visual tools, pre-configured templates, and reusable components, drastically reducing development cycles.
• Accessibility for Non-Technical Users: These platforms allow non-developers to build, manage, and automate APIs, empowering cross-functional teams to work on integration tasks without extensive coding knowledge.
• Reduced Costs and Resources: By minimizing manual coding, LCNC platforms reduce overall development time and cost, making API automation more accessible to small businesses and startups.
• Seamless Integration Capabilities: Most LCNC platforms come with built-in connectors and extensive support for third-party services, databases, and enterprise applications, making API integration seamless and efficient.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Many LCNC platforms are cloud-native and scalable, allowing businesses to manage increasing API traffic and complex workflows as they grow.

LCNC platforms simplify API management and automation, helping organizations create interconnected systems faster and with fewer resources.

2. How do Low Code/No Code platforms ensure security for API development?

Security is a critical consideration for Low Code/No Code platforms in API development. Here’s how they keep APIs secure:

• Data Encryption: LCNC platforms often use SSL/TLS encryption to protect data during transmission, ensuring secure communication between APIs and applications.
• Access Control and Authentication: Platforms such as Nected and OutSystems support role-based access control (RBAC), OAuth, and other authentication protocols to prevent unauthorized access to APIs.
• Compliance with Industry Standards: Many platforms are designed to comply with regulatory requirements like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2, making them suitable for building secure and compliant applications.
• Automatic Security Updates: Cloud-based LCNC platforms typically provide regular security updates and patches, mitigating vulnerabilities without manual intervention from users.

These security features make LCNC platforms a robust choice for organizations seeking secure API automation and management solutions.

3. Can Low Code/No Code platforms handle complex API automation and integrations?

Yes, modern LCNC platforms can manage complex API automation and integrations through various advanced capabilities:

• Multi-Step and Conditional Workflows: Tools like Make and Zapier support multi-step workflows, connecting data and automating processes across multiple applications.
• Rule-Based Logic and Data Transformation: Platforms such as Nected provide powerful rule engines for handling conditional logic and transforming data during API processes, enabling sophisticated workflows and automations.
• Chaining and Sequential API Calls: Many platforms support API chaining, allowing for the execution of multiple API calls in sequence to achieve complex business operations and data flows.

By leveraging these features, LCNC platforms can efficiently manage complex API-driven workflows and integrations for diverse business needs.

4. What is the difference between Low Code/No Code platforms for API development and traditional coding approaches?

The main differences include speed, user accessibility, and flexibility:

• Development Speed: LCNC platforms offer pre-built templates, visual editors, and reusable components, accelerating API development and reducing deployment times.
• User Accessibility: LCNC tools are designed for non-developers, allowing business analysts and other non-technical users to create and manage APIs. Traditional API development, on the other hand, requires coding expertise and specialized knowledge.
• Customization Capabilities: While traditional development offers full control and flexibility over API customization, LCNC platforms may have some limitations. However, they often compensate with configurable logic, pre-built integrations, and automation capabilities.

LCNC platforms provide faster, more accessible API development, but traditional methods remain preferable for highly customized or complex API projects.

Final Thought

Choosing the right Low Code/No Code (LCNC) platform for API development and automation is crucial for organizations aiming to streamline data flows, enhance integrations, and scale their digital capabilities. Each platform we covered in this blog offers unique strengths, catering to a range of needs, from simple workflow automations to enterprise-level API management.

Tools like Zapier and Make are ideal for automating simple tasks across applications, while platforms like OutSystems and Mendix offer more comprehensive solutions for enterprises. For businesses requiring robust rule-based logic, advanced backend automation, and complex API workflows, Nected is a standout choice, combining flexibility, scalability, and powerful automation capabilities.

While LCNC platforms make API creation and management more accessible, they may lack some of the advanced capabilities needed for highly intricate systems. This is where Nected excels, offering seamless integration, rule-based automation, and robust API management to create fully interconnected systems tailored to your business needs.

Ultimately, the best LCNC platform for your business depends on your API automation needs, integration requirements, and scalability goals. Whether you’re simplifying workflows or managing complex integrations, using platforms like Nected ensures that your APIs remain efficient, secure, and fully aligned with your business objectives.