Building software-as-a-service (SaaS) products used to mean long hours of coding, hiring pricey developers, and investing months into development before a single user ever signed up. But the game has changed. With the rise of low-code platforms, launching a fully-functional SaaS product in a matter of weeks (or even days) is no longer a dream—it’s the new reality.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through how to build a SaaS product with low-code tools, the platforms to consider, potential pitfalls, and why this approach is becoming the go-to for entrepreneurs, startups, and even large enterprises.

Why Low-Code is the Future of SaaS

Low-code platforms are designed to simplify software development by providing visual interfaces, drag-and-drop functionality, and pre-built integrations. This allows non-developers or “citizen developers” to build apps quickly and iterate rapidly.

According to Gartner, by 2025, 70% of new applications developed by enterprises will use low-code or no-code technologies (Gartner Report). This stat alone shows the tectonic shift in how digital products are built today.

Benefits of using low-code to build SaaS:

  • Faster Time-to-Market: Build MVPs in weeks, not months.
  • Lower Development Costs: Fewer developers required, and less time spent.
  • More Iteration: Easy to make changes based on user feedback.
  • Scalable Infrastructure: Many low-code tools support cloud deployment and scalability.

Top Low-Code Platforms for SaaS in 2025

Not all low-code platforms are built equally. Some are better suited for internal tools, while others can support robust, customer-facing SaaS applications. Here are the top platforms in 2025:

1. Bubble

Arguably the king of no-code SaaS development. Bubble allows you to build fully functional web applications with a visual interface, including logic, workflows, and a database.

  • Pros: Great for SaaS apps, strong community, full control over UI.
  • Cons: Slight learning curve for non-tech users.
  • Reference: Bubble has been used to build platforms like Qoins and Dividend Finance (Bubble Showcase).

2. OutSystems

OutSystems is an enterprise-grade low-code platform, offering powerful backend logic, cloud deployment, and advanced features.

  • Pros: Enterprise features, scalability, integration support.
  • Cons: Expensive for small startups.
  • Reference: Named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for low-code application platforms.

3. Glide

If you’re starting with mobile-first or need a simple MVP, Glide lets you build apps directly from spreadsheets.

  • Pros: Super easy to use, great for MVPs or internal tools.
  • Cons: Limited custom logic and scalability.

4. Xano

Xano is the low-code backend builder you didn’t know you needed. Pair it with a front-end tool like WeWeb or FlutterFlow to power your SaaS app with scalable APIs and a relational database.

  • Pros: Powerful backend without code, scalable API logic.
  • Cons: Requires some understanding of data architecture.

Steps to Building a SaaS with Low-Code Tools

Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Step 1: Validate Your Idea

Start lean. Before building, talk to potential users. Use platforms like Reddit, IndieHackers, or even LinkedIn to gather insights. Tools like Typeform or Google Forms can help you survey target users.

Step 2: Map Out Your User Journey

Use tools like Figma or Miro to create mockups and workflows. Clearly define:

  • User sign-up/login flow
  • Core product features
  • Payment integration
  • Onboarding sequence

Step 3: Choose Your Low-Code Stack

For example:

  • Front-end: Bubble or WeWeb
  • Backend: Xano or Backendless
  • Authentication: Firebase Auth or Auth0
  • Payments: Stripe (integrated with Bubble/Xano)

Step 4: Build Your MVP

Start small. Focus on your app’s core feature—the thing that will actually solve a user’s problem. With tools like Bubble, you can visually drag-and-drop components and link actions to workflows.

Step 5: Test & Launch

Use tools like Testlio or UserTesting to get feedback. Launch on Product Hunt or BetaList for early users.

Monetizing Your SaaS

Most low-code platforms support Stripe or PayPal integration out of the box. You can set up tiered pricing, subscriptions, and even user roles (e.g., admin, user, team leader).

Tips for monetization:

  • Start with a free trial or freemium model.
  • Offer usage-based or tiered pricing plans.
  • Gather feedback from paid users to improve and upsell.

Real-Life Examples of Low-Code SaaS Products

  • Qoins (built with Bubble): A fintech app that helps users pay off debt. Scaled to six figures in revenue before raising capital.
  • Comet (built with Bubble): A freelance marketplace that handles thousands of users and complex transactions.
  • Makerpad (initially built with Webflow + Zapier): One of the largest no-code education platforms, acquired by Zapier.

Pitfalls to Avoid

  1. Overbuilding: It’s easy to get caught up in adding features. Stick to your MVP.
  2. Ignoring Scalability: Not all low-code tools handle scale well. Choose your stack wisely.
  3. Neglecting Security: SaaS means dealing with user data. Make sure your chosen platform offers encryption and secure authentication.
  4. Vendor Lock-in: Understand what exporting your code or data looks like in case you need to migrate.

Conclusion

Building a SaaS with low-code platforms in 2025 is more viable than ever. With the right strategy, tools, and mindset, you can launch a scalable, user-friendly, and profitable SaaS product without writing a single line of code. Whether you’re a solo founder or part of a lean startup team, low-code is your fastest route from idea to income.

As Marc Andreesen once said, “Software is eating the world.” With low-code, you’re the one holding the fork.

References

FAQs

1. Can I scale a SaaS built with low-code?
Yes, many low-code platforms like Xano, OutSystems, and Bubble are built for scalability. Just ensure you plan your database and workflows efficiently.

2. Is it secure to build SaaS apps with low-code tools?
Most modern platforms offer strong security features, including SSL, encryption, and two-factor authentication. Just be sure to follow best practices.

3. How much does it cost to build a SaaS with low-code?
Costs can range from $50 to $300/month depending on the platform and usage. It’s significantly cheaper than hiring a full development team.

4. Do I need any coding knowledge at all?
Not necessarily, but understanding basic logic and database structure helps a lot.

5. Which low-code platform is best for beginners?
Bubble and Glide are very beginner-friendly, with strong communities and tons of tutorials to get you started.

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