I’ve used Retool for years, but the missing SSO and native Git support on lower-tier plans led me to search for other options. After testing 15+ Retool alternatives, I’ve narrowed it down to 7 worth considering if you’re building internal tools.
7 Retool alternatives: Quick comparison
If you’re short on time, see this quick side-by-side comparison of the tools and their best use cases below:
|
Platform |
Open Source |
Self-hosting |
AI app generation |
Best use cases |
|
Superblocks |
No |
Yes, hybrid |
Yes |
Enterprise app generation |
|
Appsmith |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Internal, custom tools |
|
Budibase |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
CRUD apps |
|
ToolJet |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Internal apps, AI agents |
|
UI Bakery |
No |
No |
Yes |
Visual workflow tools |
|
Glide |
No |
No |
Yes |
Spreadsheet-driven apps |
|
Softr |
No |
No |
Yes |
Data-driven business apps |
Why you’d look for a Retool alternative
Retool is a mature platform with lots of features, but it might not be the perfect fit for you if:
- You want SSO and Git-native support, but don’t want to pay enterprise-level prices.
- You want to keep sensitive data on-prem, but would rather not self-host.
- You want to edit your app’s code without restriction.
- You prefer open-source tools.
1. Superblocks
Superblocks is an AI internal development platform for operational-heavy enterprises. Like Retool, it has a visual UI builder, supports custom React components, and includes an AI app generator.
However, Superblocks gives you full control over the underlying code, so you’re not locked into its editor or components.
Why to choose it over Retool
- Unrestricted AI builder: Superblocks’ AI app generator isn’t constrained to a closed set of components. It produces standard React code that you can tweak in the drag-and-drop editor or modify in code. Retool’s AI builder assembles from its own component library.
- Lightweight hybrid deployment: The lightweight on-premise agent allows you to keep all database and API calls and data processing within your network. It’s much simpler than running a full self-hosted Retool setup.
- No lock-in: You can export the code and take it anywhere if you ever move off the platform.
Why you’d stick with Retool: Retool has a mobile app solution for building native iOS/Android apps for your internal teams. Superblocks doesn’t support mobile development.
2. Appsmith
Appsmith is specifically designed for technical teams that want open-source flexibility and developer control but don’t need advanced AI features.
Like Retool, it has a drag-and-drop UI builder, pre-built integrations for data sources, and it supports custom JavaScript logic.
The big difference is that it’s completely open-source, so you can inspect and even contribute to its codebase on GitHub.
Why to choose it over Retool
- It’s cheaper: Appsmith gives you many enterprise features at a much lower cost. For example, even the free plan supports basic Git integration (up to 3 repos), and the Business plan (at $15/user) includes SSO and unlimited Git repos.
- Free self-hosting: You can self-host Appsmith’s Community Edition on your own infrastructure for free.
- It’s open-source: You have full visibility into how it works and can even modify it if you have specialized needs.
Why you’d stick with Retool: Retool has more pre-built components, templates, and integrations out of the box.
3. Budibase
Budibase is another open-source internal tool platform. Unlike Appsmith (which is aimed at developers), Budibase leans more toward non-technical users, though developers can use it too.
It has a visual app builder and a built-in database so you can get started quickly without configuring an external data source. It automatically generates basic CRUD screens and logic based on your data, which saves time for standard data-entry style apps.
Why to choose it over Retool
- It’s open-source: You get code transparency and can use the community-built plugins and templates.
- More free users: Budibase’s free self-hosted plan allows up to 20 end users for your apps, whereas Retool’s free tier only supports 5 users. This can be a big deal for early-stage projects or small teams.
- More features on cheaper plans: Budibase’s self-hosted deployment lets you embed apps without extra fees and supports many users at no license cost. However, SSO and advanced identity features are only available on Premium or Enterprise plans.
Why you’d stick with Retool: Budibase’s code support is limited. You can write JavaScript logic in automations and in data queries, but there is limited support for client-side scripting and direct DOM manipulation.
4. ToolJet
ToolJet is also an open-source internal tool builder that has invested more in its AI capabilities compared to Budibase and Appsmith. For one, it has an AI app builder, which the two don’t. You can build AI-powered tools or agents.
For example, ToolJet includes an AI app generator and supports AI-powered agents or tools with large language models. It also comes with 75+ data integrations, which is on par with Retool’s integrations and a Postgres-based database if you need it.
Why to choose it over Retool
- Flexible pricing: ToolJet’s pricing model is affordable if you have lots of app end-users. Retool’s pricing counts every end-user toward your bill, which can get expensive. For example, the free self-hosted ToolJet supports 2 developer seats and up to 50 end-users.
- Open-source: ToolJet is fully open source. You can audit the code, contribute, and run it on your own servers or private cloud.
- Stronger Python support: ToolJet allows you to write Python for server-side logic and data processing in your apps. Retool’s support for Python is limited.
Why you’d stick with Retool: If you plan on building a ton of apps, Retool won’t impose any limits. ToolJet limits the apps you can build. The free tiers, for instance, only support 2 apps.
5. UI Bakery
UI Bakery is a low-code platform for building internal tools and workflows that support visual building and app generation from prompts.
You can generate entire apps or even custom UI components using AI prompts, then refine them either through the GUI or by editing the code directly within UI Bakery.
Why to choose it over Retool
- Multi-step workflows and APIs: UI Bakery makes it easy to create multi-step workflows as part of your app. In Retool, you may need to string together queries and JS in the app.
- Python support: UI Bakery lets you write Python to handle server-side operations in your apps.
Why you’d stick with Retool: UI Bakery’s library of pre-built integrations is not as extensive as Retool’s.
6. Glide
Glide is a no-code app builder that specializes in turning spreadsheets and simple data sources into apps.
It’s easy to use for non-developers. If you’re comfortable with spreadsheets, you can create an app with Glide via templates and a visual editor. This is different from Retool, which is more developer-oriented.
Why to choose it over Retool
- User-friendly: The interface components, like lists, forms, and charts, bind directly to your spreadsheet data. Retool, while low-code, still often requires understanding APIs, writing some JS, or SQL, which can be a barrier for non-technical people.
- Spreadsheet-driven development: If your data is already in Google Sheets or Excel, Glide is particularly convenient. It can sync with the sheet, meaning your app updates as the sheet changes, and vice versa.
- Native mobile app feel via PWA: Glide automatically produces mobile-responsive apps and offers the ability to package apps for mobile by deploying them as a progressive web app. Retool Mobile supports mobile apps, but it expects you to configure them.
Why you’d stick with Retool: If your internal tool needs to perform multi-step operations across several systems or implement intricate business rules, Retool will handle complex workflows better.
7. Softr
Softr is a no-code platform for building internal tools, client portals, and business apps on top of data. Like Glide, Softr targets non-technical users. It provides pre-built blocks (for lists, forms, charts, user authentication, etc.) so you can assemble web applications quickly by stacking these blocks.
It also integrates well with Airtable and Google Sheets, and has its own built-in database.
Why to choose it over Retool
- No-code, very fast setup: Softr’s drag-and-drop interface and pre-made blocks enable quick assembly of apps without writing code.
- Built-in user management & auth: Softr has out-of-the-box support for user accounts, logins, and permissions, which is useful for client-facing apps. Retool is primarily an internal tool builder.
- Flat pricing and affordability: Softr uses tier-based pricing (with limits on the number of apps and users per tier) but often comes out more affordable for a given number of users compared to Retool’s per-seat pricing.
Why you’d stick with Retool: Retool’s custom React components give you more design flexibility than Softr’s no-code approach.
Which Retool alternative fits your use case?
After testing these 7 platforms, here are my recommendations:
- Choose Superblocksif you need an enterprise-grade platform with code export and hybrid deployment.
- Choose Appsmith, Budibase, and ToolJetif you want to use an open-source app builder.
- Choose Glideif you need a simple web app from a spreadsheet ASAP.
- Choose Softr if you’re building customer portals or lightweight CRMs.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best development tools for building internal admin dashboards?
The best development tools for internal admin dashboards include Superblocks, ToolJet, and Budibase. If you prefer no-code solutions, Softr and Glide are great for simpler dashboards.
Which open-source alternatives to Retool support self-hosting?
Appsmith, Budibase, and ToolJet are open-source alternatives to Retool that support self-hosting.
How do you migrate existing Retool apps to another platform?
You’ll need to rebuild the app on the platform you switch to if you want to migrate existing Retool apps to another platform.
Is Retool free?
Retool has a free tier that supports unlimited web and mobile apps, but it’s limited to 5 users.
