Oracle APEX
Oracle APEX is a low-code platform for building data-driven enterprise applications on Oracle Database.
What Oracle APEX is
Oracle APEX is a low-code platform for building data-driven enterprise applications on Oracle Database. Applications can be installed on premises or run in Oracle Cloud and third-party clouds, and the platform supports workflow automation, mobile apps, data connectors, role permissions, and pro-code development. APEX accesses REST endpoints through REST Data Sources and can call SOAP and REST services through APEX_WEB_SERVICE, including OAuth 2.0 flows. Oracle describes database security capabilities including encryption, fine-grained access control, auditing, and multi-tenant data isolation. In version 26.1, APEXlang provides a structured metadata format for expressing application intent to developers and AI agents; Oracle also describes natural-language AI Interactive Reports and AI Agents that automate workflows using application logic and data context. APEX is available at no additional cost with supported Oracle Database editions, without per-app or per-user license fees. Other listed free options include a hosted workspace and Always Free services. The hosted workspace may be purged after 60 days of inactivity. Cloud Free Tier credits can be used during an initial trial period for paid APEX Service.
Good
- Included with supported Oracle Database editions
- Supports on-premises and cloud deployment
- Connects to REST and SOAP web services
- Database security features include auditing and encryption
Watch out
- Hosted workspace may be purged after 60 days inactive
- New Autonomous AI Database instances default to 1,000 outbound requests per workspace per rolling 24 hours
- APEX support is generally limited to 18 months after release
Who it suits
Oracle APEX suits teams building enterprise applications around Oracle Database, including those that need workflow automation, mobile support, integrations, or deployment across on-premises and cloud environments. It also offers options for developers who want to combine low-code work with pro-code development.
Verdict
Oracle APEX combines low-code application building with Oracle Database capabilities and several deployment choices. Check the free workspace conditions and support window when deciding how to use it.
Plans and prices
From Oracle APEX's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free with Oracle Database | Free | Included at no additional cost with supported Oracle Database editions · no per-app or per-user license fees |
| Free Hosted APEX Workspace | Free | 60 days inactivity before possible purge |
| Always Free APEX Service | Free | 2 environments · Approximately 20 GB storage per environment |
| Always Free Tier | Free | Free APEX workspace and OCI Free Tier options |
| Oracle APEX with Oracle Database | Free | Included with supported Oracle Database editions · unlimited applications, developers and end users · Oracle Database support contract required for enterprise support |
| Oracle APEX Application Development Service | $122 a month | Pay-per-use ECPU and storage pricing · no per-app, per-user, developer or workspace fees · ingress and egress included · starting price for 2 ECPUs and 20 GB storage, running continuously for 31 days |
The facts
Each one read from Oracle APEX's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI development
- APEX 26.2 adds APEXlang application definitions, AI agents, provider APIs and AI Interactive Reports.checked 15 Oct 2026
- APEXlang
- APEXlang is a human-readable declarative format whose application metadata can be reviewed, versioned, governed and executed by APEX.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Data-centric architecture
- Applications use declarative metadata and direct access to Oracle Database data.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- Oracle says APEX applications can be installed on premises and run in Oracle Cloud or third-party clouds.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Deployment choices
- Applications can run on premises, in Oracle Cloud or in third-party clouds without application changes.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Documentation and support
- Oracle provides release documentation, API references, installation guides, tutorials, forums, certifications and product office hours; supported releases receive Oracle support with a database support contract.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Extensibility
- Developers can create custom REST Data Source Adapter plug-ins and reusable APEX plug-ins.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- APEX can access REST endpoints through REST Data Sources and call SOAP and REST web services through APEX_WEB_SERVICE, including OAuth 2.0 flows.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Licence
- Oracle APEX downloads are licensed under Oracle Free Use Terms and Conditions; the product itself is Oracle-controlled software rather than an open-source project.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: Capterra availability listing
- Capterra lists no free trial and no free version for its Oracle APEX product listing, while showing pricing as vendor contact.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: G2 offline and mobile
- G2 reviewers repeatedly report weak offline support, a need for continuous database connectivity and limited suitability for mobile applications.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: G2 version control
- G2 reviewers cite difficult source-code version management and team-development workflows compared with conventional Git-based development.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Limit: Gartner performance
- A Gartner comparison page records a reviewer complaint that APEX becomes slow when data volumes are large.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Memory requirement
- The installation guide specifies at least 300 MB for the database SGA and PGA.checked 15 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Application deployment API
- ORDS provides HTTP GET, PUT and DELETE operations for exporting, importing and deleting APEX applications.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Browser development
- APEX App Builder lets teams develop, run and manage applications entirely through a web browser.checked 15 Oct 2026
The company
- Company founding
- Oracle's LinkedIn company profile lists 1977 as the founding year.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Company funding and ownership
- Crunchbase lists Oracle as a public NYSE:ORCL company with $7.8 billion total funding and 148 acquisitions.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters and size
- LinkedIn lists Oracle headquarters in Austin, Texas and a company size of 10,001-plus employees.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Company legal name
- Crunchbase identifies the maker as Oracle Corporation.checked 15 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1977checked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Free release
- Oracle APEX 26.1 is licensed under Oracle Free Use Terms and Conditions for download.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Limit: TrustRadius fit and cost
- TrustRadius synthesis identifies limited frontend customization, high licence costs, substantial infrastructure requirements and mixed suitability for dedicated mobile apps.checked 15 Oct 2026
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