Are you searching for a Retool alternative that fits your budget and meets your specific needs? Retool is a powerful platform for building internal tools, but it might not be the perfect fit for everyone, especially considering its pricing model and per-user charges.

We dove into Reddit discussions to uncover what real users recommend as the best Retool alternatives. Here’s a curated list based on Redditors’ experiences and suggestions.

Flatlogic

Flatlogic is a platform that combines the ease of low-code development with the flexibility of custom coding. It enables developers and businesses to create full-stack web applications with minimal effort. Suitable for startups, SMBs, and enterprises, Flatlogic accelerates the development process by providing pre-built templates and automated code generation.

Why Redditors Recommend Flatlogic:

  • Full-Stack Development: Offers both frontend and backend code generation, saving time on boilerplate coding.
  • Customization Flexibility: Unlike some low-code platforms, Flatlogic allows you to access and modify the source code.
  • Technology Choices: Supports popular frameworks like React, Angular, Vue.js, and backend options like Node.js, Laravel, and Ruby on Rails.
  • No Per-User Fees: Pricing is based on the project, not the number of users, making it cost-effective as your team grows.

Key Features:

  • Automated Code Generation: Generate a fully functional CRUD application with database integration in minutes.
  • Wide Selection of Templates: Choose from a variety of responsive admin dashboard templates.
  • Database Integration: Supports databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB.
  • API Generation: Automatically creates RESTful APIs for your application.
  • Authentication Modules: Includes built-in user authentication and authorization features.
  • Hosting Flexibility: Deploy your application on any hosting service or cloud provider.
  • Documentation and Support: Provides comprehensive documentation and customer support.

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Technical Knowledge Required: A basic understanding of web development is necessary to make the most of the platform.
  • Limited No-Code Options: Not entirely suitable for non-developers looking for a pure drag-and-drop interface.
  • Learning Curve: Might require some time to get familiar with the platform’s features and customization options.

Appsmith

Appsmith is an open-source platform that enables developers to build custom internal tools quickly. It offers a rich set of pre-built widgets, integrations, and a flexible framework for creating interactive applications without the heavy lifting.

Why Redditors Recommend Appsmith:

  • Cost-Effective: Being open-source, Appsmith is free to use, which is ideal for teams looking to minimize costs.
  • Self-Hosting Options: You can host it on your own servers, giving you control over data and security.
  • Active Community: A vibrant community contributes to continuous improvements and offers support.

Key Features:

  • Drag-and-drop UI builder
  • Pre-built connectors for databases and APIs
  • Granular access controls
  • Real-time collaboration tools

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Learning Curve: May require some time to get familiar with the platform.
  • Limited Customization: While flexible, it might not offer all the customization options some complex projects require.

ToolJet

ToolJet is another open-source alternative that allows you to build internal tools using a low-code approach. It’s designed to be developer-friendly while also accessible to non-developers.

Why Redditors Recommend ToolJet:

  • Free and Open-Source: No licensing fees, reducing overall costs.
  • Easy to Use: Intuitive interface suitable for users with varying technical skills.
  • Extensible: Supports custom integrations and plugins.

Key Features:

  • Visual app builder with drag-and-drop components
  • Connects to various data sources like databases and APIs
  • Role-based access control
  • Plugin system for extended functionalities

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Performance Issues: Some users report that the platform can be slow with large datasets.
  • Community Support: Being relatively new, the community is smaller compared to other platforms.

Internal.io

Internal.io focuses on providing a secure and efficient way to build internal tools without extensive coding. It offers a combination of pre-built components and custom code options.

Why Redditors Recommend Internal.io:

  • No Per-User Fees: Offers pricing that isn’t based on the number of users.
  • Security Focused: Strong emphasis on data security and compliance.
  • Quick Deployment: Speeds up the development process significantly.

Key Features:

  • Pre-built UI components
  • Data connectors to various databases and services
  • Permission management and audit logs
  • Custom actions and workflows

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Pricing Transparency: Pricing details are not publicly available and require contacting sales.
  • Limited Customization: Might not offer the depth of customization needed for highly specialized tools.

Budibase

Budibase is an open-source, low-code platform for creating business applications. It allows you to build internal tools, dashboards, and forms with ease.

Why Redditors Recommend Budibase:

  • Open-Source: Free to use and customize.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Designed for speed and ease of use.
  • Self-Hosting Available: Provides control over your data and infrastructure.

Key Features:

  • Visual application builder
  • Supports various data sources
  • Automated data modeling
  • Responsive design for different devices

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Early Stage Development: Some features are still in development, which might limit functionality.
  • Community Size: Smaller user base may mean less community support.

Pricing:

  • Community Edition: Free and open-source
  • Cloud Hosting: Paid plans available with additional features

UI Bakery

UI Bakery offers a low-code platform for building internal tools with a focus on UI design and user experience. It’s suitable for teams that want more control over the application’s look and feel.

Why Redditors Recommend UI Bakery:

  • Design Flexibility: Offers extensive UI customization options.
  • One-Time Payment Options: Provides pricing models that are not per-user.
  • Integrations: Connects with various databases and APIs.

Key Features:

  • Drag-and-drop UI editor
  • Customizable templates
  • Data binding and state management
  • Team collaboration tools

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Pricing Tiers: Advanced features may require higher-tier plans.
  • Learning Curve: More design options might mean a steeper learning curve for some users.

Motor Admin

Motor Admin is an open-source admin panel that can be deployed within minutes. It helps you manage your data and build internal tools without compromising on security.

Why Redditors Recommend Motor Admin:

  • Self-Hosted: Full control over your data and environment.
  • Cost-Effective: Free to use with no licensing fees.
  • Quick Setup: Easy to install and get started.

Key Features:

  • CRUD interface for database management
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Role-based access control
  • SQL editor for advanced queries

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Limited Features: Focuses primarily on admin panel functionalities.
  • Less Customization: May not offer extensive customization options for complex applications.

WeWeb

WeWeb is a no-code front-end builder that allows you to create responsive web applications connected to any backend.

Why Redditors Recommend WeWeb:

  • Design-Oriented: Great for creating visually appealing applications.
  • Flexible Backend Integration: Connects with APIs and databases of your choice.
  • No Per-User Charges: Offers pricing models that aren’t based on the number of users.

Key Features:

  • Visual editor with responsive design capabilities
  • Data binding to external sources
  • Custom code injection for added functionality
  • Collaboration features for teams

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Backend Development Required: You’ll need to handle the backend separately.
  • Pricing: Advanced features may come at a higher cost.

Pricing:

  • Personal Plan: Starts at $29 per month
  • Professional Plan: $59 per month
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing

Windmill.dev

Windmill.dev is an open-source platform that helps you build internal tools by connecting scripts and data sources to a user interface.

Why Redditors Recommend Windmill.dev:

  • Open-Source and Free: Reduces costs associated with licensing.
  • Script Execution: Allows you to write scripts in multiple languages.
  • User Management: Includes role-based access controls.

Key Features:

  • Workflow automation
  • Supports Python, Node.js, and Go scripts
  • Real-time monitoring and logging
  • REST API support

Potential Drawbacks:

  • Technical Knowledge Required: Geared more towards developers comfortable with scripting.
  • Limited UI Components: Less emphasis on visual design tools.

Pricing:

  • Open-Source Edition: Free to use
  • Hosted Solutions: Contact for custom pricing

Airplane.dev

Airplane.dev is a developer-centric platform for building internal tools quickly using code. It transforms scripts into internal applications with minimal effort.

Why Redditors Recommend Airplane.dev:

  • Code-Based Approach: Ideal for developers who prefer coding over visual builders.
  • Quick Deployment: Turn scripts into apps rapidly.
  • No Per-User Fees: Pricing is based on usage rather than user count.

Key Features:

  • Supports multiple programming languages
  • Task scheduling and triggers
  • Role-based permissions
  • Audit logs and monitoring

Potential Drawbacks:

  • No Visual Builder: Not suitable for non-developers.
  • Limited UI Customization: Focuses on functionality over design.

Pricing:

  • Free Tier: Limited features
  • Pro Plan: Pricing based on usage
  • Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing

Conclusion

While Retool is a powerful tool for building internal applications, it’s not the only option available. Reddit users have highlighted several alternatives that offer similar functionalities without the per-user pricing model that can quickly become expensive.

Consider your team’s technical expertise, the complexity of the tools you need, and your budget when choosing the right platform. Many of these alternatives offer free tiers or trials, so you can test them out before making a commitment.

Explore these platforms to find the best Retool alternative that fits your needs and helps your team build effective internal tools efficiently and affordably.