Appsmith vs Retool: Which One is Better in 2025?

When it comes to building internal tools, Appsmith and Retool are two popular options. Both offer robust features but serve different needs. In this article, we'll compare their key features, pricing, limitations, and user reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Appsmith: Overview and Key Features

Appsmith is an open-source platform designed for building internal tools quickly and efficiently. It offers a range of features tailored to developers' needs.

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Appsmith allows users to create complex UIs using a simple drag-and-drop interface. This feature eliminates the need for extensive coding, making it accessible for non-developers.
• Custom Widgets: Appsmith includes a variety of pre-built widgets such as tables, forms, and charts. These widgets can be customized to fit specific use cases, enhancing the functionality of internal tools.
• Data Source Integrations: Appsmith supports integrations with multiple data sources like PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and REST APIs. This enables users to connect and interact with their existing databases seamlessly.
• Role-Based Access Control: Appsmith offers role-based access control, allowing administrators to define user roles and permissions. This ensures that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized personnel.
• Version Control: Appsmith integrates with Git, enabling version control for applications. This feature allows teams to track changes, collaborate more effectively, and revert to previous versions if needed.
• Custom JavaScript: Appsmith allows users to write custom JavaScript code within the platform. This provides additional flexibility for creating complex logic and interactions that go beyond the built-in features.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Appsmith supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for teams working remotely.
• Deployment Options: Appsmith can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud. This flexibility ensures that organizations can choose the deployment method that best fits their security and infrastructure requirements.

Appsmith's Reviews

Overall, user feedback on Appsmith is positive, highlighting its ease of use and powerful features, though some users note areas for improvement.

• G2: 4.7/5

• Michael W. (Small-Business, Senior Developer): 5/5

  "Quick and easy to connect to data sources and present data in a table. Creating complex forms is straightforward, and the flexibility to add JavaScript code is very useful."

• Verified User (Small-Business): 4.5/5

  "Useful for CRUD use cases, well-supported API and database connectors, and quick migration from other platforms."

• Lucian M. (Small-Business, Freelance Data Consultant): 5/5

  "Built a personal finances app with many features from day 1. The speed of development is incredible, and the integration with PostgreSQL was smooth."

• Alen Y. (Small-Business, Founder): 5/5

  "Easy to get started, handles multiple data sources without additional configuration, and the free version is sufficient for current needs."

• Carlos S. (Small-Business, Senior Software Engineer): 5/5

  "Requires imagination and creativity, but significantly reduces development time. The community and support are great."

Positive Aspects:

• Simplifies custom application development
• Quick integration with multiple apps and data sources
• Drag-and-drop UI building tools
• Used by leading companies like Amazon, GSK, Allianz, ABB, Omron, and Twilio
• Significant time-saving in development processes

Common Concerns:

• Limited and missing features
• Performance issues during extensive usage
• Difficulty in creating responsive layouts for mobile devices
• Challenges in setting up detailed user permissions
• Documentation could be improved

Retool: Overview and Key Features

Retool is a powerful platform for building internal tools quickly and efficiently, offering a range of features tailored to developers' needs.

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Retool provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create complex UIs without extensive coding. This feature is ideal for non-developers who need to build functional tools quickly.
• Pre-Built Templates: Retool includes a variety of pre-built templates for common use cases like admin panels, dashboards, and CRUD applications. These templates help users get started faster and ensure best practices are followed.
• Data Source Integrations: Retool supports integrations with numerous data sources such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and REST APIs. This allows users to connect to their existing databases and services effortlessly.
• Custom Components: Retool allows users to create custom components using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. This feature provides the flexibility to build unique functionalities that are not available out-of-the-box.
• Role-Based Access Control: Retool offers role-based access control, enabling administrators to define user roles and permissions. This ensures that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized personnel.
• Version Control: Retool integrates with Git, allowing users to manage version control for their applications. This feature helps teams track changes, collaborate more effectively, and revert to previous versions if necessary.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Retool supports real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. This is particularly useful for teams working in different locations.

Retool's Reviews

Overall user feedback on Retool highlights its ease of use and flexibility, though some users note areas for improvement.

• G2: 4.6/5

• Verified User (Small-Business): 4/5

  "Retool is a great tool to write your low-code/no-code app. It has a lot of handy features that save hours of work."

• Antonio A. (Small-Business): 4/5

  "I've used Retool to build internal tools, and I appreciate its flexibility and integration."

• George K. (Small-Business): 4/5

  "A great tool for developers who want to leverage abstraction and built-in front-end components."

• Hugo L. (Small-Business): 4/5

  "Retool can truly be used in every way possible for software development."

• Yaakov G. (Small-Business): 4/5

  "The ultimate versatile platform for in-house data-based apps."

Positive Aspects:

• Ease of use with a drag-and-drop interface
• Flexibility and integration capabilities with various data sources and APIs
• Time-saving features that allow for rapid development of internal tools
• Strong community support and helpful resources

Common Concerns:

• High cost for deploying apps to the public
• Learning curve for new users, especially for advanced features
• Occasional performance issues and lag in the app editor
• Limited customization options for certain components

Feature Comparison: Appsmith vs. Retool

Similarities

Despite targeting slightly different audiences, Appsmith and Retool share some important similarities:

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Both platforms offer a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface for building complex UIs without extensive coding.
• Data Source Integrations: Each supports integrations with multiple data sources like PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and REST APIs.
• Role-Based Access Control: Both provide role-based access control to define user roles and permissions, ensuring data security.
• Version Control: Integration with Git for version control is available on both platforms, aiding in collaboration and change tracking.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Both support real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
• Custom Components: Users can create custom components using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS on both platforms, offering flexibility for unique functionalities.

Differences

Critical differences between Appsmith and Retool will likely influence your choice.

• Open-Source vs. Proprietary: - Appsmith: Open-source platform, allowing users to access and modify the source code. - Retool: Proprietary software, with no access to the underlying source code.
• Customization Options: - Appsmith: Extensive customization using JavaScript, including custom widgets and external libraries. - Retool: Customization through React components and multiple languages like SQL, JavaScript, and Python.
• Deployment Flexibility: - Appsmith: Offers both cloud and on-premises deployment options. - Retool: Primarily cloud-based, with self-hosting available for enterprise users.
• Integration Capabilities: - Appsmith: Connects to any database, SaaS tool, or REST/GraphQL API. - Retool: Integrates with 70+ databases and 25+ APIs, including popular SaaS apps.
• Security Features: - Appsmith: Includes role-based access control, SAML, and OIDC SSO. - Retool: Offers granular permissions, custom SSO, and built-in audit logs.

Pricing Comparison: Appsmith vs. Retool

Appsmith Pricing

Appsmith offers a straightforward pricing model designed to cater to different user needs and organizational sizes.

• Free: $0
  • Up to 5 users (for cloud)
  • 5 workspaces
  • Version control with Git (3 repos)
  • Google SSO
  • 3 standard roles for access control
  • Public apps
  • Community support
• Business: $15 per month per user
  • Everything in Free, plus:
  • Up to 99 users
  • Unlimited environments, Git repos, and workspaces
  • Workflows
  • Reusable packages
  • Custom roles and access controls
  • Audit logs
  • Remove “Powered by Appsmith” branding
  • Email/chat support
• Enterprise: $2,500 per month for 100 users
  • Everything in Business, plus:
  • SAML / OIDC SSO
  • User provisioning and group sync through SCIM
  • CI/CD
  • Private app embedding with shared logins
  • Airgapped edition (Add-on)
  • Managed hosting (Add-on)
  • Custom integrations
  • Dedicated support and SLAs

Retool' Pricing

Retool's pricing is structured to accommodate various organizational needs and sizes:

• Free Plan: $0 per month
  • Unlimited web & mobile apps
  • 500 workflow runs/month
  • 5GB of data storage
  • Up to 5 users
• Team Plan: $10 per standard user per month, $5 per end user per month (billed annually with 20% savings)
  • Everything in Free, plus:
  • 5,000 workflow runs/month
  • Staging environment
  • App release versions
  • More than 5 users
• Business Plan: $50 per standard user per month, $15 per end user per month (billed annually with 20% savings)
  • Everything in Team, plus:
  • Audit logging
  • Rich permission controls
  • Portals and embedded apps
  • Unlimited environments
  • Unlimited modules
  • Access to external user pricing
  • Custom branding
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing
  • Everything in Business, plus:
  • SAML / OpenID Connect SSO
  • Source control
  • Error monitoring and observability
  • Full white-labeling
  • Independent workspaces
  • Platform APIs and workflow triggers
  • Volume-based discounts
  • Dedicated support

Subframe, a Better Alternative to Appsmith and Retool

Subframe is a visual UI design tool that stays in sync with code. We combine a drag-and-drop editor with real, component-based design, allowing precise control for pixel-perfect, responsive layouts. Subframe instantly translates designs into clean, production-ready React and Tailwind code, removing the need for handoff and speeding up delivery.

Subframe's Features

Subframe is a visual UI design tool that stays in sync with code, offering a unique blend of design and development capabilities.

• Component-Based Design: Subframe helps create user interfaces with real, reusable components instead of static mockups. The visual editor includes a responsive drag-and-drop canvas for building precise, production-ready layouts.
• Pre-Built UI Templates: Subframe offers a library of customizable templates inspired by established design patterns. Each template is built with reusable components to help speed up the design process.
• Code Export: Subframe generates clean, production-quality React and Tailwind code. Designs can be copied directly into a codebase, reducing time spent on handoff and manual CSS adjustments.
• Free to Get Started: Subframe offers free access to its visual design tools with no credit card required.
• AI-Powered Design: Subframe leverages AI to assist in transforming ideas into interfaces quickly, adapting to your design needs and enhancing efficiency.

Subframe's Pricing

Subframe pricing is designed to cater to different user needs and organizational sizes:

• Free: $0 per user/month
  • 1 project
  • Up to 3 page designs
  • Up to 3 team members
  • 100s of UI templates
  • Limited AI features
• Pro: $29 per user/month
  • Up to 3 projects
  • Unlimited page designs
  • Unlimited team members
  • Custom components
  • 100s of UI templates
  • Full AI beta access
• Custom: Contact for pricing
  • Unlimited projects
  • Unlimited page designs
  • Integrate your components
  • Dedicated Slack support
  • Figma plugin
  • Unlimited AI

For more information, visit the Subframe Pricing page. Book a demo with us to see how Subframe can transform your UI design process.

Subframe's Reviews

Users have shared positive feedback about Subframe, noting its user-friendly interface, time-saving tools, and the quality of the UI designs it produces. The platform has earned a 5/5 rating on Product Hunt. Customers especially value the visual editor, drag-and-drop functionality, and AI features that help refine designs based on user input.

• "Without Subframe, the frontend build of this tool would've taken a lot longer and a lot more financial resources." - Erin Kim
• "Subframe helped us make a super clean UI for our console without designers." - Carl Peterson
• "Huge shoutout to Subframe guys! Super easy to create UI, and the support is great." - Amartya Jha

Appsmith, Retool or Subframe? Which is The Best Tool For You

Appsmith excels in offering an open-source platform with extensive customization through JavaScript, making it ideal for developers who need flexibility and control over their applications. Retool stands out with its robust integration capabilities and pre-built templates, perfect for teams looking to quickly build and deploy internal tools with minimal coding.

Subframe uniquely integrates design and code, providing a seamless transition from visual design to production-ready React and Tailwind code. This makes it the best choice for those who want both design flexibility and efficient code generation in one platform. If you prioritize open-source customization, Appsmith is a great fit; for rapid deployment with strong integration, Retool may be the better choice; but for those looking for a streamlined design-to-code workflow, Subframe stands out.

Get started on Subframe for free to see how it can streamline your workflow and elevate your UI design process.