FlutterFlow vs OutSystems
FlutterFlow and OutSystems are both prominent platforms in the no-code/low-code landscape, but they cater to different audiences and use cases. FlutterFlow focuses on building applications using Flutter, Google's UI toolkit for creating natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. OutSystems, on the other hand, is an enterprise-level low-code application development platform designed for rapid application development with robust capabilities for scaling and integration.
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1. Target Audience and Use Cases
FlutterFlow:
- Startups and Small Teams: Primarily aimed at startups, developers, and designers looking to prototype or build applications quickly using Flutter.
- Mobile and Web Apps: Ideal for those focused on creating interactive mobile and web applications with a strong emphasis on UI design.
OutSystems:
- Enterprises and Large Organizations: Designed for enterprises that need to build, deploy, and manage complex applications at scale.
- Enterprise Applications: Suited for businesses that require advanced integrations, security, and governance features for mission-critical applications.
Verdict: FlutterFlow is better for individual developers and smaller teams focused on app development, while OutSystems targets large organizations looking for enterprise-grade solutions.
2. Ease of Use
FlutterFlow:
- User-Friendly Interface: Offers a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy for users with limited coding knowledge to design applications visually.
- Quick Prototyping: Users can quickly create prototypes and iterate on their designs, making it suitable for agile development processes.
OutSystems:
- Comprehensive Tools: Provides a more complex toolset with features for designing, developing, and deploying applications, which may have a steeper learning curve.
- Developer-Centric Features: While it includes low-code capabilities, it also offers advanced functionalities for experienced developers, including support for custom coding.
Verdict: FlutterFlow is generally easier for beginners and those focused on rapid prototyping, while OutSystems may require more technical expertise, especially for complex applications.
3. Design and Customization
FlutterFlow:
- Rich UI Components: Built on Flutter, it offers a wide range of customizable UI components tailored for mobile and web applications.
- Responsive Design: Allows users to create applications that adapt to various screen sizes seamlessly.
OutSystems:
- Customizable UI: Offers a range of pre-built templates and components, but also allows extensive customization for complex designs.
- Visual Development Environment: Includes features for building intricate user interfaces and workflows, suitable for enterprise applications.
Verdict: FlutterFlow excels in mobile-first UI design, while OutSystems provides robust customization options suitable for enterprise-grade applications.
4. Backend and Database
FlutterFlow:
- Firebase Integration: Primarily integrates with Firebase, enabling real-time databases and authentication features for applications.
- Limited Built-in Backend: Focuses more on frontend development, with backend functionalities relying on external services.
OutSystems:
- Integrated Backend: Provides a comprehensive backend as part of the platform, allowing users to manage databases, business logic, and APIs all within one environment.
- Enterprise Data Management: Supports complex data models and enterprise-level database management, making it suitable for large-scale applications.
Verdict: OutSystems offers a complete backend solution ideal for enterprise applications, while FlutterFlow relies on external services like Firebase for backend functionalities.
5. Performance and Scalability
FlutterFlow:
- Native Performance: Applications built with FlutterFlow are compiled to native code, ensuring high performance across devices.
- Scalable for Startups: Suitable for startups looking to scale applications but may require additional infrastructure management for larger user bases.
OutSystems:
- Enterprise-Level Scalability: Designed to handle high volumes of users and complex applications, making it ideal for enterprises with substantial scalability needs.
- Performance Optimization: Includes features for monitoring and optimizing application performance across environments.
Verdict: OutSystems is better suited for large-scale applications that require enterprise-level performance and scalability, while FlutterFlow is effective for mobile app development but may need additional infrastructure for scaling.
6. Integrations and Extensibility
FlutterFlow:
- API Integrations: Supports integration with various APIs for added functionality, allowing developers to connect to external services as needed.
- Custom Code Support: Users can add custom Flutter code, providing flexibility for specific requirements.
OutSystems:
- Extensive Integrations: Supports a wide range of integrations with third-party services and enterprise systems, enhancing its functionality for businesses.
- APIs and Microservices: Built-in capabilities for creating and consuming APIs, enabling complex integrations and workflows.
Verdict: OutSystems offers more extensive integration options and enterprise capabilities, while FlutterFlow provides essential API support and custom code flexibility.
7. Pricing
FlutterFlow:
- Free Tier Available: Offers a free plan suitable for individuals and small projects, allowing users to explore its features.
- Paid Plans: Pricing starts at $30/month, with additional costs for advanced features and app deployment.
OutSystems:
- Enterprise Pricing: Pricing is typically customized based on organizational needs, with plans reflecting the scale and features required for enterprise applications.
- Free Tier for Evaluation: Offers a free version for trial and evaluation, but it may have limitations on features and user capacity.
Verdict: FlutterFlow is more affordable and accessible for startups, while OutSystems pricing is tailored to enterprise clients, reflecting its extensive capabilities.
Final Verdict
- Choose FlutterFlow if you're a startup or small team looking to build mobile and web applications quickly, with a focus on design and user interface. It's ideal for those wanting to leverage Flutter's capabilities without deep technical expertise.
- Choose OutSystems if you're part of a large organization that needs to develop and manage complex applications at scale. OutSystems provides the necessary tools for enterprise-level development, integration, and performance optimization.
In summary, FlutterFlow is best for user-friendly app development with a design focus, while OutSystems excels in enterprise-level application development and management, making it suitable for larger, more complex projects.
Pushing No-Code to Its Limits
Launching an app has never been more cost-effective and time-efficient. Platforms like Bubble.io and Flutter Flow have transformed the development landscape, enabling developers to create sophisticated applications rapidly.
Fast and Cost-Effective Launch
No-code platforms empower startups to launch their apps at lightning speed—often multiple times faster than traditional development—at a fraction of the cost. This agile approach helps startups focus on growth and innovation rather than high upfront development expenses.
Agile Iteration
For early-stage startups, quickly reaching a problem-solution fit is critical. No-code platforms allow rapid adaptation, letting you implement and push new features live in a matter of hours, not weeks. This flexibility means you can stay responsive to market needs and iterate on your product with ease.
Seamless Integration and Plugins
Platforms like Bubble.io and Flutter Flow come with built-in integrations and a wealth of plugins, giving you instant access to essential features and functionalities. Whether you're building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or scaling up, these platforms make it easy to connect with tools you need, from payments to analytics.
Version Control Made Simple
Launching new versions of your app has never been easier. No-code platforms provide flexible version control, enabling you to create save points, roll back to previous versions if needed, and experiment confidently
Mayfly Ventures: Leading the No-Code Frontier
While no-code development can have limitations in performance and certain functionalities, Mayfly Ventures, led by CTO Geo George, is pushing past these boundaries. We specialise in building high-performance, highly scalable MVPs with advanced features, deep integrations, and native user experiences that feel polished and professional.
Geo has been at the forefront of low-code development, becoming one of the earliest adopters of Bubble.io in Australia. Over the past six years, he’s honed his expertise in low-code and no-code capabilities, training the Mayfly team to push these platforms to their full potential.
Geo
Startup mentor, product strategist, no-code wiz and PMF expert. Eclectic dance style.
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Marco
Driving Performance and Scalability in Low Code
MUCUDU: deep integrations and AI wrapped in low code
Mayfly collaborated with the MUCUDU team to build a low-code MVP for their hospitality tech platform, which includes loyalty management, peer-to-peer monetary gifting, and Tab functionality. Beyond the standard integrations with Stripe, Apple, and Google for login and payments, we incorporated advanced integrations with Point of Sale systems like Doshii and AI-driven recommendations that personalize the dining experience.
With Mayfly Ventures, you get the speed and cost benefits of no-code, combined with the performance and functionality typically reserved for full-stack development.
VOLI Case Study: No-Code in Action
Before working with Mayfly, VOLI’s founder Charlie Crozier had approached 12 different development agencies. As a non-technical founder, Charlie struggled to get his app built and ready for users, with quotes ranging from $300,000 to $1 million. These high costs placed immense pressure on early capital raising.
“When we met Mayfly, both our budget and timeline were completely reevaluated. We were able to go to market at a fraction of the cost and time we had expected—without compromising on quality.”
— Charlie Crozier, Founder
The Process:
Mayfly worked closely with VOLI through a series of workshops to deeply understand the product, its vision, and user needs. Leveraging no-code and low-code frameworks, we built an enterprise-grade app at a fraction of the cost quoted by other studios. Now in pilot testing, VOLI is preparing for release to 10 companies already on the waitlist.
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No-Code Tools We Love
We use state of the art low code tools and push them to the limit to create performant, scalable, highly functional mobile web apps.
Bubble.io
A powerful no-code platform that lets you build fully functional web applications with drag-and-drop ease. Its flexibility allows you to design, develop, and launch complex apps quickly, without writing a single line of code.
Flutterflow
A platform designed for building mobile apps using Google’s Flutter framework, Flutterflow simplifies the development process while offering extensive customization, making it a go-to tool for responsive, high-performance mobile applications.
Xano
A no-code backend platform that gives you the tools to manage your database, set up APIs, and create scalable back-end solutions, all without the need for server-side programming knowledge.
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