Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Oracle APEX VS Microsoft PowerApps

Compare Oracle APEX VS Microsoft PowerApps and see what are their differences

Oracle APEX logo Oracle APEX

Oracle Application Express (APEX) is a low-code development platform that enables you to build stunning, scalable, secure apps, with world-class features, that can be deployed anywhere.

Microsoft PowerApps logo Microsoft PowerApps

Microsoft PowerApps provides tools to create, customize, share and run apps.
  • Oracle APEX Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-30
  • Microsoft PowerApps Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-24

Oracle APEX features and specs

  • Low Code Development
    Oracle APEX is designed as a low-code platform, allowing developers to quickly build web applications with minimal hand-coding and complex programming.
  • Robust Integration
    APEX integrates seamlessly with Oracle Database and other Oracle products, leveraging SQL and PL/SQL for powerful data manipulation and business logic execution.
  • Responsive Design
    APEX applications are automatically designed to be responsive, helping applications function well on various devices and screen sizes without extensive additional coding.
  • Security Features
    Oracle APEX provides strong security features, including authentication, authorization, and data protection, with built-in mechanisms to ensure application security.
  • Rapid Prototyping
    Developers can quickly prototype applications using APEX, which is beneficial for gathering feedback and iterating on design before full-scale development.

Possible disadvantages of Oracle APEX

  • Limited UI Capabilities
    The low-code nature of Oracle APEX can mean limitations in the customization of UI components, which may not meet the needs of highly complex or unique user interfaces.
  • Dependent on Oracle Ecosystem
    APEX is tightly coupled with Oracle Database, making it less suitable for environments using a variety of database systems, thus limiting flexibility for some businesses.
  • Scalability Concerns
    While APEX can handle many applications, large-scale or enterprise-level application requirements might expose its limitations in comparison with more dedicated, scalable platforms.
  • Learning Curve
    Developers unfamiliar with Oracle’s technologies, especially SQL and PL/SQL, might face a significant learning curve when starting with APEX.
  • Licensing Costs
    While APEX itself is a free feature of the Oracle Database, the overall costs associated with Oracle's licensing agreements for enterprise use can be high.

Microsoft PowerApps features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    Microsoft PowerApps offers a user-friendly interface that allows users to create custom applications without the need for extensive coding knowledge. This drag-and-drop functionality makes it accessible for non-developers.
  • Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
    PowerApps seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft services such as Office 365, Dynamics 365, and Azure, enabling users to leverage existing data and build more cohesive applications.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Applications built with PowerApps can run on multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and web browsers, ensuring maximum reach and usability.
  • Rapid Development
    PowerApps enables rapid application development and deployment, which can shorten project timelines and allow for quicker realization of business benefits.
  • Built-in Templates
    PowerApps provides a variety of built-in templates that can accelerate the development process and provide a starting point for common business applications.
  • Security Features
    With enterprise-grade security built-in, PowerApps ensure that data is protected through features like role-based access control and compliance with various industry standards.
  • Scalability
    The platform supports scalability, allowing applications to grow with the needs of the business without requiring major rework.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft PowerApps

  • Cost
    PowerApps can become costly, especially for larger organizations that require premium features or need many user licenses. The pricing structure may not be suitable for smaller businesses or projects with limited budgets.
  • Limited Customization
    While PowerApps is powerful, it may fall short for highly specialized or complex application requirements. Developers might find limitations in customization that could require additional workarounds or external integrations.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, especially with larger applications or those requiring complex data operations. These issues can impact the user experience and application reliability.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, there is still a learning curve associated with mastering PowerApps, especially for users who are unfamiliar with Microsoft Power Platform or related technologies.
  • Dependency on Internet Connection
    PowerApps relies on a stable internet connection for development and usage, which can be a drawback in environments with limited or unreliable connectivity.
  • Data Source Limitations
    There can be limitations in terms of data source integration, with some connectors requiring premium licenses or not supporting certain advanced data operations.

Oracle APEX videos

Oracle APEX and E-Business Suite Review (Consultant: Patrick Cimolini)

More videos:

  • Review - Oracle APEX & Progressive Web Apps

Microsoft PowerApps videos

Are Microsoft PowerApps right for you?

More videos:

  • Review - AppSheet vs. Microsoft PowerApps

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Oracle APEX and Microsoft PowerApps)
Project Management
100 100%
0% 0
Mobile App Dev Platform
0 0%
100% 100
Office Suites
100 100%
0% 0
Mobile App Builder
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Oracle APEX and Microsoft PowerApps

Oracle APEX Reviews

The 11 Best Low-Code Development Platforms
Oracle APEX receives excellent reviews in general, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It does not have nearly as many reviews as OutSystems, but the user satisfaction rate is around 90%.
Source: www.xplenty.com

Microsoft PowerApps Reviews

Top 10 Microsoft Power Apps Alternatives and Competitors 2024
Aimed at streamlining business processes, Microsoft Power Apps provides a low-code development platform for crafting custom applications without the need for in-depth coding expertise. It boasts a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality, allowing both citizen developers (business users with limited coding experience) and professional developers to build...
Source: medium.com
10 Best Low-Code Development Platforms in 2020
Microsoft PowerApps is a rich in features low code development platform. AppSheet is best for building mobile apps. Google App Maker provides the low code development platform which is combined with G Suite Business and G Suite Enterprise. File Maker is a flexible solution for any business type to build custom apps.
The 11 Best Low-Code Development Platforms
Microsoft PowerApps averages a 4-star rating. Additionally, according to one source, it has a 97% customer satisfaction rate.
Source: www.xplenty.com
5 PowerApps Alternatives
After retiring Access Web Apps, Microsoft has been pushing users towards Powerapps as an MS Access online alternative. However, many MS Access users have complained about Powerapps’ vastly different structure, and lack of support for relational database features.
3 easy app makers you can start on today
PowerApps offers a point-and-click approach to app design, and the ability to use Excel-like expressions to add logic. It includes a wide variety of templates and sample apps to get you started, such as expenses tracking, help desk management and cost estimation. It also has more advanced features, such as developer tools and the ability to build artificial intelligence (AI)...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Microsoft PowerApps seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 12 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Oracle APEX mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Oracle APEX yet. Tracking of Oracle APEX recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Microsoft PowerApps mentions (12)

View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Oracle APEX and Microsoft PowerApps, you can also consider the following products

Microsoft 365 - Boost your productivity with reliable access anywhere with services like email, calendar, file sharing, meetings, instant messaging, and Office Online

AppSheet - AppSheet enables users to create mobile apps instantly for both OS and Android. 

Zoho Docs - Zoho Docs is an online document management software that lets you manage and store all your files on the cloud. Share, collaborate and access all your files on multiple devices.

Siberian CMS - Siberian is an Open-Source and Free App Maker. Unlimited Push Notifications. Unlimited features. Fully Customizable. Download it and build your own app now!

SoftMaker Office - SoftMaker Office is one of the most powerful and reliable office suite that is fully compatible with the MS Office Suite.

Dropsource - Mobile development platform for building native iOS & Android apps