Retool has established itself as one of the most popular platforms for building internal tools. It now supports app generation from natural language prompts and agents for autonomous tasks. These additions, however, don't solve core issues. Pricing, vendor lock-in, and self-hosting complexity still drive many users to search for Retool alternatives.
Consider Superblocks for a true prompt-to-app builder with no lock-in. Alternatively, try Appsmith for a cheaper, open-source solution, or Bubble for customer-facing apps.
Read on to learn more about:
- What’s new with Retool
- Top 8 Retool alternatives
- Key use cases vs. Retool
- Which platform to choose
What’s new with Retool in 2025?
The most significant update is Assist, which generates complete, production-ready applications from natural language prompts. Before Assist, Retool only had the Ask AI feature that generates SQL, JavaScript, or GraphQL snippets.
Assist uses Retool's library of pre-built components to construct a full-stack application that is automatically connected to your data sources and adheres to your existing security policies.
This update is genuinely useful, but since everything it builds relies on Retool’s own components, customization is limited. You can extend functionality with custom React components, though that’s still not the same as having full access to the app’s code.
Retool’s also added a few other AI tools worth noting:
- AI Actions: Pre-built blocks that let you add AI-powered features like text summarization or image generation using models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and others.
- Retool Agents: AI-driven workflows that connect to your business tools and automate multi-step processes.
The 8 best Retool alternatives in 2025: TL;DR
I put together this table to give you a quick side-by-side comparison of the 8 top Retool alternatives. It highlights each tool’s starting pricing and positioning:
Why I looked for Retool alternatives
Retool has a number of shortcomings that push teams to find alternatives.
Here are the main pain points I've encountered and seen in Retool reviews and community forums:
- Limited extensibility with code: Retool has a large component library, but customization is shallow. Styling is limited to inline CSS or JavaScript. Custom components exist, but users report having to build too many from scratch.
- High cost of ownership when self-hosting: Retool’s full on-premise deployment is challenging to set up and expensive to maintain. You’re on the hook for infrastructure and ongoing maintenance costs.
- Limited observability and streaming integrations: Retool only natively supports Datadog. It doesn’t support other observability tools like Splunk or New Relic. Kafka is also the only streaming integration, and it’s still in beta.
- Closed-source code: Retool's codebase is entirely closed source. You can’t inspect it the way you can with open-source platforms.
- Flowchart-based workflows UX: The flowchart-style Workflow UI quickly becomes messy as logical complexity grows. It can be hard to understand, debug, and iterate on.
- Performance issues: Retool apps often suffer from poor performance due to browser-based code execution, single-step queries, and the lack of global edge caching.
1. Superblocks
Superblocks is an AI internal development platform for operationally complex enterprises. It helps teams solve shadow IT/AI and engineering bottlenecks with a secure, centrally governed platform.
Why it beats Retool
- Flexible development modalities: Superblocks gives you flexible options to build. Like Retool, it supports AI app generation, but it doesn’t constrain you to the platform’s proprietary components. You can tweak the AI-generated app in the WYSIWYG drag-and-drop editor, or customize it fully in your preferred IDE.
- Hybrid deployment without overhead: The on-premise agent keeps your data secure within your network while the control plane runs in Superblocks' cloud. You get enterprise security without managing complex infrastructure or missing out on new updates.
- True extensibility: Apps export as clean React code. You can modify, extend, or host them elsewhere.
Pros
- The prompt-to-app builder generates full-stack apps from natural language prompts.
- It has no lock-in.
- It has real-time streaming support for Kafka, Kinesis, and other event-driven architectures. It also integrates with observability tools like Datadog, Splunk, and New Relic.
Cons
- Superblocks doesn’t support native mobile app development.
Pricing
Superblocks uses custom pricing based on the number of creators, users, and the deployment model you choose.
Bottom line
Superblocks is the strongest choice for enterprises that need the flexibility to build with AI, visual tools, or code while maintaining strict governance and security requirements. The hybrid deployment model solves the self-hosting complexity that Retool users experience.
2. Appsmith
Appsmith is an open-source internal tooling platform that's built for developers. The biggest draw is complete transparency. You can audit every line of code and contribute your own changes.
Why it beats Retool
- Complete code transparency: Appsmith's entire codebase is on GitHub. Your security team can audit for vulnerabilities, and you can see exactly how your data flows. Retool doesn’t give you that visibility.
- Git-native development: Appsmith integrates directly with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. You get proper version control with branching, pull requests, and CI/CD instead of the Git-compatible version control Retool offers.
- Free self-hosting: Appsmith’s community edition is free to deploy on your own infrastructure at no cost. Retool charges per user even in self-hosted setups.
Pros
- Appsmith has an active open-source community with 38K+ GitHub stars and regular contributions.
- The platform provides security features such as audit logs and access control on more affordable plans compared to Retool.
- It allows unlimited users on the community edition.
Cons
- Appsmith supports only client-side JavaScript for custom logic. There’s no built-in server-side code runner for backend execution.
- It lacks support for native mobile apps and customer-facing features.
Pricing
Appsmith has a free community edition for unlimited users. The cloud-hosted version is free for up to 5 users, 5 workspaces, and 3 Git repos. Paid plans start at $15/user per month, while Enterprise pricing starts at $2,500 per month for 100 users.
Bottom line
Appsmith is a strong choice if you value open-source transparency and want full control over your builder. The main trade-off is that you won’t get the same AI-native features you’d find in Superblocks or ToolJet.
3. Bubble
Bubble is a no-code platform designed for building customer-facing web and mobile applications with an AI app generator and a visual builder.
Why it beats Retool
- Customer-facing app focus: Bubble is built for public-facing products. You get clean UIs, user authentication, and payment processing out of the box.
- AI app generation with visual editing: Bubble's AI App Generator is purpose-built for public–facing apps. Retool AI generates internal web apps.
- Complete visual programming system: It supports trigger-action workflows like "When Save is clicked → create Order → go to confirmation page". The visual database editor and workflow engine handle complex logic through drag-and-drop.
Pros
- Bubble supports native mobile app publishing for iOS and Android.
- It has a large plugin marketplace for extending functionality and integrations.
- Bubble includes hosting, a database, and user management in one platform, so you don’t need separate infrastructure.
Cons
- There’s a steep learning curve despite being no-code. Many teams end up hiring Bubble specialists.
- Predicting usage is difficult. It ties pricing to workload units (how much server resources your app uses), but it doesn’t publish exact costs per action.
Pricing
Bubble offers a free development tier on a bubble.io subdomain with 50,000 workload units per month. Paid plans start at $29 per month (billed annually) for 175,000 workload units per month and live apps on a custom domain. Mobile publishing plans start at $49 per month.
Bottom line
Bubble is a solid pick if you’re building a customer-facing app and don’t want to touch code. The AI generator gives you a head start, but you’ll need to put in the time to learn Bubble’s environment or hire a Bubble developer for customizations.
4. Budibase
Budibase is an open-source platform for building internal tools that pairs a UI builder with auto-generated CRUD from your data. The platform includes a built-in database for quick starts, but can also integrate with your existing databases and APIs.
Why it beats Retool
- Open-source flexibility: Like Appsmith and ToolJet, Budibase is open-source, which promotes platform transparency. You also benefit from community plugins and templates.
- Better self-hosting economics on free: Budibase free plan offers 20 users on self-hosted deployments, while Retool only offers 5.
- More features on the lower plans: It includes SSO and the ability to embed public or private apps on the free plan.
Pros
- Budibase includes a built-in CouchDB database for quick starts. But you can also connect to your own databases, APIs, or data sources such as Google Sheets.
- It recently added AI features for connecting your LLMs to power your workflows and an AI-powered CRON generator for scheduling tasks.
Cons
- Budibase offers fewer templates out of the box compared to Retool.
- It doesn’t integrate with streaming platforms natively.
Pricing
Budibase is free for up to 5 users on the cloud or 20 users self-hosted. Paid plans start at $50 per creator and $5 per app user per month (billed annually), with custom enterprise pricing available.
Bottom line
Budibase is a good fit if you want an open-source platform with a strong visual builder. If you prefer writing code and need deeper extensibility, you’ll be happier with a tool like Appsmith.
Read more on how Budibase compares to Retool.
5. ToolJet
ToolJet is an open-source internal app builder that offers more AI-native features compared to the other open-source alternatives in this list. It comes with an AI app builder and integrates with LLM providers so you can build AI-powered apps and agents.
Why it beats Retool
- Open-source with flexible deployment: ToolJet's codebase is fully auditable on GitHub. You can self-host on-prem or deploy in a private cloud.
- Built-in database and extensive integrations: ToolJet includes a PostgreSQL-based database with visual table management. But it also connects to 75+ data sources, including databases, APIs, SaaS tools, and cloud storage.
- AI-assisted development with code support: The AI app builder generates layouts, schemas, and queries from prompts. You can refine them with more prompts or switch to the code editor for manual adjustments.
Pros
- ToolJet makes app creation faster with templates, prompt-based generation, and the ability to import apps from your device.
- It's open-source with full self-hosting capabilities and flexible deployment options.
- It supports both JavaScript and Python for custom logic and data transformations.
Cons
- Running it on your own infrastructure takes technical know-how for deployment, maintenance, and scaling.
Pricing
The free plan includes 2 builders, 2 apps, 50 end users, and 100 AI credits per month, but it doesn’t allow add-on AI credits. You’ll need the starter plan, which costs $19/builder per month for that option. Teams that need enterprise features like SSO, audit logs, and Git sync, plus unlimited users and apps, will need the Team plan at $199/builder per month.
Bottom line
Use ToolJet if you want an open source tool with more AI features than Retool and no per-end-user pricing. The Team plan looks expensive on a per-builder basis, but because it supports unlimited end users, it might save you money as your apps scale.
Read more on how ToolJet compares to Retool.
6. UI Bakery
UI Bakery is a low-code platform for building internal tools and workflows. It started out with only a visual builder that supported custom code, but now includes an AI app generator. You can spin up custom apps or components with prompts, then refine them with code.
Why it beats Retool
- AI app generation with code support: UI Bakery can generate full apps or custom components from prompts. You can polish the design in the visual builder or dive into the code editor when you need more control.
- Multi-step APIs without complexity: The platform supports multi-step backend APIs, which process data server-side. That cuts down on network overhead and makes complex logic much easier to manage.
- Python support for backend logic: UI Bakery runs Python on the server-side, giving you more flexibility than Retool's browser-based JavaScript execution. This means better performance for data processing and access to Python's extensive library ecosystem.
Pros
- UI Bakery's flat-rate pricing model ($250/month for unlimited users and $40/month per developer) is more cost-effective than Retool as your team grows.
- Server-side code execution provides better performance than browser-based alternatives.
Cons
- It does not support streaming, so you’re limited to batch processing and polling for real-time applications.
Pricing
The free plan supports unlimited apps and data sources, 1,000 workflow executions per month, and up to 5 users. The paid plans start at $5/user and $10/developer per month (billed annually) for more than 5 users, 3 standard roles, and release history. The unlimited plan costs $250 for unlimited end users plus $40/developer per month. Self-hosting costs the same.
Bottom line
UI Bakery is a strong choice if you want an AI app generator with the flexibility to refine apps visually or through code, but keep in mind you can’t export your code outside the platform.
7. Glide
Glide is a no-code platform that turns spreadsheets into mobile and web applications. You start with data from Google Sheets, Excel, Airtable, or Glide's native tables, then transform it into functional apps.
Why it beats Retool
- Direct spreadsheet-to-app conversion: Glide instantly converts your existing spreadsheet data into an app. You skip the complex setup and data modeling that Retool often requires.
- Progressive web apps without the hassle: Glide apps run on mobile browsers and can be saved as PWA shortcuts. You get mobile-friendly functionality without dealing with app store submissions or native development.
- Instant deployment: Glide lets you publish and share apps with a simple link.
Pros
- Glide has an intuitive interface that anyone comfortable with spreadsheets can learn quickly.
- Glide AI supports automations and user-triggered transformations like audio-to-text, text generation, image text extraction, and converting text into structured formats.
- It offers a huge template library with pre-built options for common business use cases.
Cons
- It has limited design customization options compared to other platforms. You're mostly locked into Glide's design system.
Pricing
Glide offers a free plan for learning and basic use. The starting plan costs $19/month for individuals and $199/month for businesses. Pricing scales on factors such as updates (data changes), data sources, and the number of users.
Bottom line
Glide excels if you have existing spreadsheet data and want to quickly turn it into a web app. Non-technical teams will love how fast it gets you from data to a usable product. However, developers may feel limited by Glide’s design constraints and basic AI functionality.
8. Softr
Softr is a no-code platform with a visual builder for creating client portals, internal tools, CRMs, and marketplaces on top of your business data.
Why it beats Retool
- Ease of use: Softr is one of the easiest no-code tools to pick up. Pre-built templates and components help you launch quickly, unlike Retool’s developer-heavy approach and steeper learning curve.
- Huge template library: It offers a wide range of templates across use cases and industries, so you rarely have to start from scratch.
- AI features: The AI app builder creates apps from your descriptions. Its AI assistant can answer questions about your data.
Pros
- Responsive design so apps work across desktops, tablets, and smartphones automatically.
- It has a built-in database and also supports external data sources.
Cons
- The AI app generator doesn’t support extra prompting after initial generation. You have to use the visual editor.
- Softr gates certain prebuilt components behind higher-tier plans, which can feel restrictive as your app grows or use case changes.
Pricing
Softr offers a free plan supporting 1 published app, 10 app users, and 50,000 Softr database records. Paid plans start at $49/month billed annually for 3 published apps, 20 app users, 2 user groups, and 50,000 Softr database records.
Bottom line
Softr excels if you're building client portals, internal dashboards, or simple business apps. It’s user-friendly and gets you to your first app fast. Just be aware that the AI features are basic, and the component gating can get frustrating.
Retool vs Superblocks vs open source alternatives
The fundamental difference between these platforms lies in how much control you retain over your builder, apps, and data.
Here’s how their approaches differ:
Open source reality check
Open source alternatives promise transparency and freedom, but the reality is more complex. Most open source builders gate essential features behind commercial licenses. Budibase limits free self-hosted deployments to 20 users. ToolJet's community edition strips out AI features, user management, Git sync, and multi-environment support.
So while you get the transparency, you might have to pay for premium features. You’ll also need to handle the infrastructure and maintenance costs, plus upgrades.
Retool’s closed approach
Retool's new Assist feature operates within its closed ecosystem. This is great for consistency since apps instantly inherit enterprise controls and use pre-built components, but it doesn’t fix the platform’s design limitations.
There’s still significant vendor lock-in risk if your needs eventually outgrow what Retool supports.
Superblocks’ hybrid model
Superblocks splits the difference with a hybrid approach that gives you more control without the complexity. You always have access to your app’s source code. You can edit it locally in your preferred IDE and host it elsewhere if you need to.
For sensitive data needs, deploying the lightweight on-premise agent keeps your data on-prem. The app builder and the user management features stay in Superblocks Cloud. It’s less complex to deploy and cheaper to maintain than full on-premise solutions. You also receive updates immediately instead of waiting for slow enterprise upgrade cycles.
Learn more about the difference between low-code and high-code.
Key use cases: Retool vs alternatives
The platforms we’ve discussed excel at different types of applications. Here's where each tool performs best:
- Retool: Internal tools like admin panels, dashboards, and CRUD interfaces, AI agents, AI-powered workflows, and mobile apps.
- Superblocks: Enterprise-grade internal tools, real-time apps, AI-powered workflows, and scheduled jobs.
- Appsmith and Budibase: Dashboards, CRUD UIs, middle-tier admin systems
- ToolJet: Internal tools, AI agents, and workflows.
- Glide and Softr: Employee directories, inventory trackers, or simple CRMs. Softr builds client, customer, and vendor portals.
- Bubble: SaaS products, marketplaces, and multi-user platforms
My final verdict: Which Retool alternative is right for you?
After testing these 8 platforms, here are my recommendations:
- Choose open source (Appsmith, Budibase, ToolJet) if you value platform transparency and want to self-host your builder. Make sure you have a technical team that can handle deployments and maintenance.
- Choose Retool if you want native mobile app capabilities in addition to internal apps.
- Choose Superblocks if you want the convenience of a managed enterprise platform while maintaining control over your applications and data.
- Choose Glide or Softr if you only want lightweight business apps on top of your data.
- Choose Bubble if you’re building customer-facing apps.
Build secure and governed internal tools with Superblocks
Superblocks provides an enterprise-grade AI development platform that's more open and flexible than Retool. It’s fully extensible, and the hybrid deployment model reduces the complexity and management overhead of keeping data on-prem.
I have mentioned most of the Superblocks’ features that enable this, but to recap:
- Flexible development modalities: Teams can use Clark to generate apps from prompts, the WYSIWYG drag-and-drop editor, or code. Superblocks syncs the changes you make in code and the visual editor.
- AI guardrails: Every app built with Clark abides by organizational standards for data security, permissions, and compliance. This addresses the major LLM risks of ungoverned shadow AI app generation.
- Centrally managed governance layer: It supports granular access controls with RBAC, SSO, and audit logs, all centrally governed from a single pane of glass across all users. It also integrates with secret managers for safe credentials management.
- Keep data on prem: It has an on-prem agent you can deploy within your VPC to keep sensitive data in-network.
- Extensive integrations: It can integrate with any API or database. These integrations include your SDLC processes, like Git workflows and CI/CD pipelines.
Ready for fast, secure internal tool generation? Book a demo with one of our product experts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Retool free?
No, Retool is not free, but it offers a free tier that supports up to 5 users with basic features and 5GB of storage. The free plan includes unlimited apps but limits you to 500 monthly automation runs.
Is Retool open source?
No, Retool is not open source, because it's entirely proprietary software. You cannot access, modify, or audit the underlying code.
Can you self-host Retool?
Yes, you can self-host Retool, but you'll need to handle infrastructure management, security updates, and feature upgrades manually with potential downtime.
Retool vs Superblocks: Which is better for enterprises?
Superblocks is better for enterprises because it offers AI-native app generation with no lock-in. Retool also has an AI builder, but it assembles apps from Retool-specific components, so it's restricted.
Does Retool support AI workflows?
Yes, Retool includes AI Actions and Agents for automating workflows, along with an AI app builder that can generate internal web apps from prompts.
What is the best Retool alternative in 2025?
Superblocks is the best Retool alternative for enterprises because it's fully extensible and has an on-premise agent that’s easier to deploy than Retool.
