Top 10 Retool Alternatives (The Ultimate List as of 2024)

Finding the right low-code development platform can streamline your workflow, reduce manual coding, and enable your team to build custom applications efficiently.

While Retool is a popular choice, it might not be the perfect solution for you or your organization.

In this blog post, we’ll help you discover the best platforms that serve as alternatives to Retool.

Here is our list of the top Retool alternatives:

  • Flatlogic
  • UI Bakery
  • OutSystems
  • Mendix
  • Microsoft PowerApps
  • Appian
  • Bubble
  • Zoho Creator
  • QuickBase
  • Caspio

Flatlogic

Flatlogic is a comprehensive alternative to Retool, perfect for developers and teams looking to expedite the creation of full-stack web applications. Catering to businesses of all sizes across industries like e-commerce, finance, and healthcare, Flatlogic allows you to generate fully functional applications with customizable frontend and backend code in just a few clicks.

What makes Flatlogic a great Retool alternative?

Flatlogic stands out by combining code generation with customizable templates, enabling developers to build applications using popular technologies such as React, Angular, or Vue.js for the frontend, and Node.js or Laravel for the backend. This flexibility lets teams choose their preferred tech stack, streamlining the development process with ready-to-use components and integrations.

Top Flatlogic Features

  • Full-Stack Application Generation: Quickly generate both frontend and backend code along with a structured database.
  • Technology Stack Choices: Select from React, Angular, or Vue.js for the frontend; Node.js or Laravel for the backend.
  • Customizable Templates: Start with high-quality templates that can be tailored to your project’s needs.
  • Database Integration: Supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, and SQLite databases.
  • User Authentication: Built-in user authentication and authorization features.
  • API Generation: Automatically generate RESTful APIs for your application.
  • Admin Dashboard: Includes an intuitive admin panel for managing application data.

Flatlogic Cons

  • Requires Coding Knowledge: Not a fully no-code solution; some programming experience is beneficial.
  • Limited Visual Editor: Lacks a drag-and-drop interface for UI design compared to some competitors.

Pricing

Trial: Free plan available with limited features

Billing: Monthly and annual billing options

  • Free: $0 per month
  • Individual: $33 per month
  • Professional: $333 per month
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing based on specific needs

UI Bakery

UI Bakery is a robust low-code platform designed to help businesses build custom internal tools and web applications quickly and efficiently. Ideal for teams in industries like e-commerce, logistics, finance, and more, UI Bakery offers an intuitive interface that combines the ease of drag-and-drop design with the flexibility of custom code when needed.

What makes UI Bakery a great Retool alternative?

UI Bakery stands out as a Retool alternative by providing a seamless blend of simplicity and customization. Its visual builder allows users to create sophisticated interfaces without deep coding knowledge, while still offering the option to insert custom JavaScript for added functionality. With extensive data source integrations and a rich component library, UI Bakery enables teams to tailor applications precisely to their business needs.

Top UI Bakery Features

  • Visual Drag-and-Drop Builder: Design user interfaces effortlessly with a user-friendly visual editor.
  • Extensive Component Library: Access a wide range of pre-built UI components that can be customized to fit your application’s style.
  • Data Source Integrations: Connect to various databases and APIs, including REST APIs, GraphQL, SQL databases like MySQL and PostgreSQL, and more.
  • Custom Code Insertion: Enhance your applications by adding custom JavaScript code where necessary.
  • User Authentication: Implement built-in authentication and authorization features to secure your applications.
  • Responsive Design: Create applications that are automatically optimized for desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
  • Team Collaboration: Collaborate with team members in real-time, enhancing productivity and workflow efficiency.
  • Version Control: Keep track of changes and revert to previous versions if needed.

UI Bakery Cons

  • Limited Free Plan: The free tier has restrictions on features and may not suffice for larger projects.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic features are easy to use, mastering advanced functionalities may require time and effort.
  • Pricing for Additional Editors: Costs can increase if multiple team members need editor access.

Pricing

  • Trial: Free plan available with limited features
  • Billing: Monthly and annual billing options
    • Free: $0 per month (limited to one editor and basic features)
    • Standart: $5 month per user
    • Business: $9 month per user
    • Enterprise: Custom pricing tailored to your organization’s needs

OutSystems

OutSystems is a leading low-code platform designed for enterprises aiming to develop, deploy, and manage custom applications swiftly and efficiently. Suitable for organizations across various industries—including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing—OutSystems enables teams to build scalable and secure applications with a focus on high productivity and rapid innovation.

What makes OutSystems a great Retool alternative?

OutSystems stands out as a Retool alternative by offering a comprehensive full-stack development environment that covers the entire application lifecycle. Its visual development tools, combined with extensive integrations and enterprise-grade capabilities, empower developers to create complex applications faster without compromising on customization or scalability.

Top OutSystems Features

  • Full-Stack Visual Development: Design both frontend and backend components using a visual interface, minimizing the need for manual coding.
  • Extensive Integrations: Seamlessly connect with various systems and databases, including REST and SOAP APIs, SQL databases, and popular enterprise software like SAP and Salesforce.
  • Scalability and Performance: Built to handle enterprise-level workloads with options for cloud, on-premises, or hybrid deployments.
  • Built-In Security: Incorporates robust security features such as role-based access control, multi-factor authentication, and data encryption.
  • Multi-Channel Deployment: Develop applications that are instantly available on web, mobile, and progressive web app (PWA) platforms.
  • Lifecycle Management: Offers tools for continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), monitoring, and performance analytics.
  • Collaboration Tools: Supports team collaboration with version control, impact analysis, and conflict resolution.
  • AI-Assisted Development: Utilizes artificial intelligence to suggest code optimizations and accelerate development processes.
  • Workflow and Business Process Management: Includes features for designing and automating business workflows.

OutSystems Cons

  • Higher Cost: Pricing can be substantial for small to mid-sized businesses or startups with limited budgets.
  • Learning Curve: Advanced functionalities may require a steep learning curve, especially for developers unfamiliar with low-code platforms.
  • Vendor Lock-In: Migrating applications away from OutSystems can be challenging due to proprietary components.
  • Resource Intensive: May require significant system resources for optimal performance, impacting hosting costs.

Pricing

  • OutSystem Personal edition: Free
  • OutSytem Developer Cloud: starts at $36,000 per year

Mendix

Mendix is a leading low-code platform tailored for enterprises aiming to accelerate their digital transformation by rapidly developing and deploying custom applications. Serving industries such as finance, manufacturing, healthcare, and the public sector, Mendix empowers both professional developers and business users to collaborate on building scalable and robust applications.

What makes Mendix a great Retool alternative?

Mendix stands out as a Retool alternative by offering a comprehensive, end-to-end platform that covers the entire application lifecycle—from ideation and development to deployment and maintenance. Its visual development environment enables rapid application building while still allowing for custom code when necessary. Mendix’s strong emphasis on collaboration, extensive integration capabilities, and support for multi-experience applications make it a powerful choice for organizations seeking flexibility and scalability.

Top Mendix Features

  • Visual Development Environment: Create applications using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, reducing the need for extensive coding.
  • Multi-Experience Support: Build applications for web, mobile, and wearable devices with a consistent user experience across all platforms.
  • AI-Assisted Development: Utilize AI and machine learning to enhance development efficiency through smart recommendations and automation.
  • Collaboration Tools: Facilitate seamless collaboration between IT and business teams with built-in feedback loops and project management features.
  • Extensive Integrations: Connect with a wide range of databases, APIs, and enterprise systems like SAP, Salesforce, and more.
  • Cloud and On-Premises Deployment: Deploy applications on the Mendix Cloud, public clouds (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), or on-premises environments.
  • Scalability: Designed to handle enterprise-grade workloads with options for scaling applications as your business grows.
  • Security and Compliance: Offers robust security features, including role-based access control, data encryption, and compliance with industry standards like GDPR and HIPAA.
  • Lifecycle Management: Includes tools for version control, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), and application monitoring.
  • Marketplace and Community: Access a rich ecosystem of widgets, connectors, and templates in the Mendix Marketplace, supported by an active user community.

Mendix Cons

  • Complex Pricing Structure: The pricing model can be intricate and may become costly for larger teams or extensive application portfolios.
  • Learning Curve: While basic features are user-friendly, mastering advanced functionalities may require significant training.
  • Vendor Lock-In Risk: Dependence on the Mendix platform could make it challenging to migrate applications to other environments.
  • Performance Considerations: Applications built entirely with low-code may face performance limitations compared to fully custom-coded solutions in certain scenarios.

Pricing

  • Trial: Free edition available with limited features suitable for small apps and initial exploration.
  • Basic: Starting at€52,50/month
  • Standart: Starting at€900/month
  • Premium: Upon request

Microsoft PowerApps

Microsoft PowerApps is a robust low-code platform that enables businesses to build custom applications quickly and efficiently. Ideal for organizations of all sizes across various industries—including finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing—PowerApps empowers both professional developers and non-developers (citizen developers) to create applications that streamline business processes and enhance productivity.

What makes Microsoft PowerApps a great Retool alternative?

PowerApps stands out as a Retool alternative due to its deep integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. If your organization already uses Microsoft services like Office 365, Dynamics 365, or Azure, PowerApps provides a seamless experience with unified data management and security models. Its intuitive interface and extensive set of connectors allow users to create powerful applications without extensive coding, making it accessible to a wide range of users within an organization.

Top Microsoft PowerApps Features

  • Seamless Microsoft Integration: Easily connect with other Microsoft products such as SharePoint, Excel, Dynamics 365, and Azure services.
  • Extensive Data Connectors: Access over 400 connectors to integrate with various third-party services and on-premises data sources, including SQL Server, Salesforce, Dropbox, and more.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Utilize a drag-and-drop visual designer to build applications rapidly without deep coding knowledge.
  • Canvas and Model-Driven Apps: Choose between flexible canvas apps for pixel-perfect design or model-driven apps for component-focused development.
  • AI Builder: Incorporate artificial intelligence capabilities like form processing, object detection, and prediction without writing code.
  • Power Automate Integration: Automate workflows and processes by integrating with Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow).
  • Responsive Design: Create applications that run seamlessly on web browsers and mobile devices (iOS and Android).
  • Data Versatility with Dataverse: Use Microsoft Dataverse (formerly Common Data Service) for secure and scalable data storage.
  • Security and Compliance: Benefit from enterprise-grade security features, including role-based access control and compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA.
  • Custom Code Support: Extend functionality using custom code with PowerApps Component Framework (PCF) and integrate with Azure Functions for advanced scenarios.

Microsoft PowerApps Cons

  • Complex Licensing Model: The pricing structure can be confusing, and costs may add up quickly, especially when scaling applications across many users.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features: While basic app creation is straightforward, leveraging advanced functionalities may require significant learning and technical expertise.
  • Performance Considerations: Applications with complex logic or large datasets may experience performance issues if not optimized properly.
  • Limited Offline Capabilities: Offline functionality exists but can be limited and may require additional configuration and testing.
  • Best Within Microsoft Ecosystem: Organizations not already using Microsoft products may not fully benefit from the platform’s integrations.

Pricing

  • Power Apps Developer Plan: Free
  • Power Apps Premium: $20.00 user/month
  • Power Apps Premium(with 2,000-seat minimum): $12.00 user/month

Appian

Appian is a leading low-code automation platform designed to help enterprises build powerful applications and streamline complex workflows rapidly.

Serving industries such as finance, healthcare, government, and manufacturing, Appian enables organizations to digitize and optimize their business processes, enhancing operational efficiency and agility.

What makes Appian a great Retool alternative?

Appian stands out as a Retool alternative by offering a unified platform that combines low-code development with full-stack automation capabilities, including business process management (BPM), robotic process automation (RPA), and artificial intelligence (AI). This holistic approach allows both professional developers and business users to collaborate effectively, building scalable and secure applications that meet enterprise-grade requirements. Appian’s focus on process automation and case management makes it particularly suitable for organizations looking to modernize legacy systems and automate complex workflows.

Top Appian Features

  • Low-Code Development Platform: Create applications rapidly using a visual interface, reducing the need for extensive coding.
  • Full-Stack Automation: Integrate BPM, RPA, and AI to automate end-to-end business processes.
  • Business Process Management (BPM): Design, execute, and optimize business workflows with advanced process modeling tools.
  • Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Automate repetitive tasks by integrating bots into your workflows.
  • Artificial Intelligence Integration: Leverage AI for intelligent document processing, predictive analytics, and decision management.
  • Case Management: Handle complex, unstructured processes with dynamic case management capabilities.
  • Unified Data Management: Access and manage data across various sources without the need for complex integrations.
  • Mobile Compatibility: Develop applications that are instantly accessible on mobile devices without additional coding.
  • Enterprise Security and Compliance: Benefit from robust security features, including role-based access control, encryption, and compliance with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and FedRAMP.
  • Scalability and Performance: Designed to support enterprise-scale applications with high availability and load balancing.
  • Extensive Integrations: Connect with a wide range of systems and databases using pre-built connectors and APIs.
  • Collaboration Tools: Enhance team productivity with integrated communication and project management features.
  • DevOps Support: Utilize built-in DevOps capabilities for continuous integration and deployment.

Appian Cons

  • Higher Cost: The platform can be expensive for small to medium-sized businesses or startups with limited budgets.
  • Steep Learning Curve: Mastering Appian’s comprehensive features may require significant training and expertise.
  • Complexity for Simple Apps: May be overkill for straightforward applications that don’t require advanced automation.
  • Vendor Lock-In Risk: Migrating away from Appian can be challenging due to proprietary components and custom configurations.
  • Customization Limitations: While powerful, the platform may have limitations when highly specialized customization is needed.

Bubble

Bubble is a no-code platform that empowers individuals and businesses to build web applications without writing code. Ideal for entrepreneurs, startups, and organizations looking to create custom, interactive, and database-driven applications quickly, Bubble provides a visual interface that simplifies the development process while offering robust functionality.

What makes Bubble a great Retool alternative?

Bubble stands out as a Retool alternative by allowing users to build full-featured web applications, not just internal tools. While Retool focuses on creating internal applications with a low-code approach, Bubble enables the development of both internal and customer-facing applications with complete control over design and functionality. Its no-code platform is accessible to non-developers, making it easier for teams without extensive coding expertise to bring their app ideas to life.

Top Bubble Features

  • Visual Design Editor: Use a drag-and-drop interface to design custom user interfaces without coding.
  • Responsive Design: Create applications that automatically adapt to different screen sizes, including desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
  • Integrated Database: Manage and store data securely with Bubble’s built-in database system.
  • Workflow Automation: Define complex logic and application behavior through an intuitive workflow editor.
  • API Integration: Connect your app to external services and APIs to extend its functionality.
  • Plugin Ecosystem: Enhance your application with a wide range of plugins for features like payments, maps, analytics, and more.
  • User Authentication: Implement user sign-up, login, and authentication flows with ease.
  • Custom Domain and Hosting: Launch your application on a custom domain with hosting included in all paid plans.
  • Collaboration Tools: Work with team members simultaneously on the same project.
  • Extensive Learning Resources: Access tutorials, documentation, and an active community forum for support.

Bubble Cons

  • Learning Curve for Complex Features: While basic apps are straightforward to build, mastering advanced functionalities may require time and practice.
  • Performance Optimization Needed: Applications may experience performance issues if not properly optimized, especially as they scale.
  • Limited Native Mobile App Support: Primarily designed for web applications; creating native mobile apps requires third-party solutions or additional steps.
  • Costs Can Add Up: Advanced features, increased server capacity, and better performance come with higher-tier plans, which may be costly for some users.

Pricing

  • Free: Best for learning how to use Bubble $0/ month
  • Starter: Best for launching your app and testing $29/ month
  • Growth: Best for growing your user base$119/ month
  • Team: Best for scaling your team and business$349/ month

Zoho Creator

Zoho Creator is a low-code application development platform designed to help businesses build custom applications with minimal coding effort. Suitable for organizations of all sizes across various industries—such as finance, retail, healthcare, and logistics—Zoho Creator enables users to automate workflows, manage databases, and deploy applications across web and mobile platforms seamlessly.

What makes Zoho Creator a great Retool alternative?

Zoho Creator stands out as a Retool alternative by offering an intuitive drag-and-drop interface combined with powerful scripting capabilities through its proprietary language, Deluge. This allows both non-developers and professional developers to create complex, scalable applications tailored to specific business needs. With extensive integration options and a strong focus on mobile app development, Zoho Creator provides a versatile solution for organizations seeking to streamline operations and enhance productivity.

Top Zoho Creator Features

  • Visual Application Builder: Create applications quickly using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface without extensive coding.
  • Custom Scripting with Deluge: Enhance applications with custom logic and automation using Zoho’s easy-to-learn scripting language.
  • Multi-Platform Deployment: Build apps that are instantly available on web browsers and mobile devices (iOS and Android).
  • Extensive Integrations: Connect with a wide range of third-party services like Salesforce, QuickBooks, Zapier, and other Zoho products.
  • Built-In Analytics and Reporting: Generate real-time reports and dashboards to gain insights into your data.
  • Workflow Automation: Automate routine tasks and complex business processes to improve efficiency.
  • User Access Controls: Implement role-based permissions to secure your applications and data.
  • AI and Machine Learning Capabilities: Incorporate features like predictive analytics, sentiment analysis, and language translation.
  • Collaboration Tools: Work collaboratively with team members on app development projects.
  • Compliance and Security: Benefit from enterprise-grade security features and compliance with standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO certifications.

Zoho Creator Cons

  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features: Mastering the Deluge scripting language and advanced functionalities may require additional time and training.
  • Limited Design Customization: UI customization options might be less flexible compared to platforms that offer pixel-perfect design control.
  • Performance Considerations: Complex applications may require optimization to maintain performance levels.
  • Pricing Structure Complexity: Understanding the pricing tiers and potential additional costs for extra features or users can be challenging.

Pricing

  • Standard: €8/user/month billed annually
  • Professional: €20/user/month billed annually
  • Enterprise: €25/user/month billed annually

Caspio

Caspio is a leading low-code platform that enables businesses to build custom database applications without extensive coding knowledge. Ideal for organizations of all sizes across industries such as healthcare, education, government, and non-profits, Caspio allows users to create scalable and secure web-based applications quickly and efficiently.

What makes Caspio a great Retool alternative?

Caspio stands out as a Retool alternative by offering a comprehensive platform that combines an integrated cloud database with a visual application builder. This fusion allows users to design, develop, and deploy feature-rich applications without managing separate backend systems. Caspio’s strong emphasis on data management and security makes it particularly suitable for businesses that handle sensitive information and require compliance with industry regulations.

Top Caspio Features

  • Visual Application Builder: Create forms, reports, and dashboards using a drag-and-drop interface, eliminating the need for coding.
  • Integrated Cloud Database: Utilize a built-in database optimized for web applications, removing the complexity of database management.
  • Scalability and Performance: Designed to handle applications of all sizes, ensuring high performance as your user base grows.
  • Security and Compliance: Offers enterprise-grade security features, including encryption, single sign-on (SSO), and compliance with standards like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS.
  • Custom Branding: Customize the look and feel of your applications to align with your organization’s branding.
  • Flexible Deployment: Embed applications directly into websites, intranets, CMS platforms, or portals using standard web technologies.
  • User Authentication and Access Control: Implement granular user permissions and roles to secure data and functionality.
  • REST API and Integrations: Extend application capabilities by integrating with third-party services and APIs.
  • Mobile-Friendly Applications: Develop responsive applications accessible on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
  • Comprehensive Support and Resources: Access tutorials, documentation, and customer support to assist in application development.

Caspio Cons

  • Pricing Structure: Costs can increase with higher data storage needs and user counts, which may be a concern for small businesses.
  • Learning Curve: While coding isn’t required, mastering the platform’s features may take time for non-technical users.
  • Limited Advanced Customization: May not offer the same level of flexibility for complex customizations as fully code-based solutions.

Pricing

  • Starter: Get started with the low-code leader and add the features you need. Starts at €81 €40,50* /mo
  • Professional: Advanced features and automation to transform your business. Starts at €486 /mo
  • Enterprise: Enterprise features, enhanced performance and white-glove services. Starts at €1.822,50 /mo

What’s the Best Retool Alternative for You?

Although Retool is a widely recognized platform for building internal tools and applications, it may not perfectly align with your specific needs or preferences. By identifying the features and capabilities that are most important to your projects, you can narrow down your options and choose a platform from our list that best fits your requirements.

If you’re interested in multiple low-code or no-code platforms, consider leveraging free trials or demo versions to explore their functionalities firsthand. This approach allows you to assess which tool most effectively supports your development goals and enhances your team’s productivity.