DronaHQ vs Retool: Which One is Better in 2025?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of low-code development platforms, DronaHQ and Retool have emerged as prominent contenders. This article delves into a detailed comparison of their features, pricing, and limitations.

Whether you're a developer seeking efficiency or a business aiming for agility, understanding the nuances of these platforms can guide your decision-making process. Let's explore how DronaHQ and Retool stack up against each other.

Overview of DronaHQ and Retool

What is DronaHQ?

DronaHQ is a low-code platform that enables engineering teams to build custom applications and internal tools quickly and efficiently. It offers enterprise-grade security and governance, making it suitable for both startups and large enterprises.

The platform features an app builder with a visual drag-and-drop interface, over 150 ready UI controls, and extensive integration capabilities with databases and APIs. Additionally, it provides tools for debugging, deployment, and customization, including options for writing JavaScript code and managing CI/CD across environments.

What is Retool?

Retool is a platform that allows developers to build custom internal software by connecting databases, using pre-built components, and customizing with code. It aims to accelerate mundane tasks, freeing up time for more critical work.

Retool supports seamless integration with various databases and APIs, making it easier to create internal tools like admin panels, dashboards, and workflows. The platform offers over 100 extensible React components, tools for debugging, and options for deployment in various environments.

Features of DronaHQ & Retool

Similarities

Both DronaHQ and Retool offer robust features that cater to the needs of developers and businesses looking to build custom applications efficiently.

• Integration Capabilities: Both platforms support extensive integrations with databases and APIs, including REST and GraphQL.
• Customizable UI Components: They provide a wide range of pre-built UI components, with DronaHQ offering over 150 and Retool offering over 100 React components.
• Code Flexibility: Both allow for custom coding, supporting languages like JavaScript and SQL, enabling more complex and tailored solutions.
• Debugging Tools: Each platform includes tools for debugging and reviewing applications, such as stack traces and query visualizations.
• Deployment Options: Both offer flexible deployment options, including CI/CD capabilities and the ability to deploy in various environments.

Differences

Here are the key differences in features between DronaHQ and Retool:

• Mobile App Development: DronaHQ offers tools for building offline native mobile apps, a feature not available in Retool.
• Managed Add-ons: DronaHQ includes managed services like a Postgres database, file storage, and PDF generation, which Retool does not provide.
• Full IDE: Retool provides a full integrated development environment (IDE) for coding, whereas DronaHQ focuses more on a visual drag-and-drop interface.
• Git Integration: Retool supports Git integration for branching, reviewing, and pushing changes, a feature not present in DronaHQ.
• Granular Permissions: Retool offers granular permissions with role-based access control (RBAC) and data-level permissions, which are more advanced compared to DronaHQ's offerings.

Pricing of DronaHQ & Retool

DronaHQ Pricing

Understanding the pricing structure of DronaHQ is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions. Here is a summary of their pricing plans:

• User-based Plans:
  • Starter: $12/month or $10/month (billed annually). Includes unlimited web & mobile apps, Google sign-in, case-based support, version release and history, and more.
  • Business: $28/month or $25/month (billed annually). Includes everything in Starter plus app catalogs, app themes, data environments, custom controls, custom domain & white labeling, SAML/OpenID connect SSO, and more.
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing. Includes everything in Business plus custom connectors, granular permissions, audit logs, offline access for mobile apps, enterprise support, multiple SSO support, and more. Contact support for pricing.
• Usage-based Plans:
  • Starter: $140/month or $100/month (billed annually). Includes unlimited apps, connectors, Google sign-in, 100+ UI components, rules & validation, version release & history, reusable queries & APIs, and more.
  • Business: $700/month or $500/month (billed annually). Includes everything in Starter plus app catalogs, app themes, data environments, custom domain & white labeling, custom controls, SAML/OpenID connect SSO, and more.
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing. Includes everything in Business plus custom connectors, granular permissions, audit logs, offline access for mobile apps, multiple SSO support, enterprise support, and more. Contact support for pricing.

Retool Pricing

Retool offers a range of pricing plans designed to cater to different needs, from individual developers to large enterprises.

• Free Plan: $0/month
  • Unlimited web & mobile apps
  • 500 workflow runs/month
  • 5GB of data storage
  • Up to 5 users
• Team Plan: $10/month per standard user, $5/month per end user
  • Everything in Free, plus...
  • 5,000 workflow runs/month
  • Staging environment
  • App release versions
  • More than 5 users
• Business Plan: $50/month per standard user, $15/month per end user
  • 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

Reviews of DronaHQ & Retool

DronaHQ Reviews

Overall, users have given DronaHQ a mixed reception, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5. While some appreciate its features, others find certain aspects frustrating.

"The platform is powerful but has a steep learning curve, making it difficult for new users to get started." - John D., 3.5/5

"Customer support is slow to respond, which can be frustrating when encountering issues that need immediate attention." - Sarah K., 3/5

Retool Reviews

Retool has received mixed reviews from users, with an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5. While some users appreciate its capabilities, others find the platform challenging to navigate and the customer support lacking.

"The interface is not intuitive, making it difficult to find features and settings." - Alex P., 3/5

"Customer support is slow and unresponsive, which is frustrating when dealing with urgent issues." - Jamie L., 2.5/5

Subframe, a Better Alternative to DronaHQ and Retool

Subframe is a code-first design tool that enables users to build user interfaces quickly and efficiently. With features like a drag-and-drop visual editor, real-time collaboration, and pixel-perfect React + Tailwind code generation, Subframe bridges the gap between design and development.

Pros of Subframe

Subframe stands out as a unique tool for building user interfaces quickly and efficiently, offering several distinct advantages:

• Design with real components, not mockups: Subframe's visual UI editor allows users to drag-and-drop on an intuitive, responsive canvas, ensuring pixel-perfect UI every time.
• Stunning UI templates, personalized to you: With hundreds of templates inspired by world-class products and built with reusable components, Subframe ensures you never start from scratch.
• Skip handoff, get high-quality code: Subframe generates high-quality React and Tailwind CSS code, allowing users to copy and paste front-end code directly into their codebase, saving time on pixel-pushing CSS.
• Real-time collaboration: The platform supports real-time collaboration, making it easier for teams to work together seamlessly on UI projects.
• Start building UI visually for free: Subframe offers a free plan with no credit card required, allowing users to start building UI visually without any upfront costs.

Subframe's Pricing

At Subframe, we offer a range of pricing options to suit different needs:

• Free Plan: $0 per user/month. Includes 1 project, up to 3 page designs, up to 3 team members, and access to 200+ UI templates & snippets.
• Pro Plan: $29 per user/month. Includes up to 3 projects, unlimited page designs, unlimited team members, custom components, and access to 200+ UI templates & snippets.
• Custom Plan: Let's talk. Includes unlimited projects, unlimited page designs, custom fonts, integration of your own components, dedicated Slack support, and a Figma plugin.

For more details, visit our Subframe Pricing page. Ready to see Subframe in action? Book a demo with us today!

What Are Others Saying?

Users have given Subframe an overall rating of 5 out of 5. They particularly appreciate its ease of use, real-time collaboration, and high-quality code generation.

• "I love how easy this is to get started, especially with templates." - Dakota
• "Turning ideas into code is one of the most critical tasks I've ever had. Subframe is super useful and user-friendly." - Germán Merlo
• "Finally something that's not just a mockup. Would give you 5 upvotes, if I could!" - Aris Nakos

Why Choose DronaHQ, Retool or Subframe?

If you're an engineering team looking for a low-code platform with extensive integration capabilities and tools for building offline native mobile apps, DronaHQ might be the right choice for you. It's particularly suited for businesses that need enterprise-grade security and governance, from startups to large enterprises.

On the other hand, if you're a developer seeking a platform with a full integrated development environment (IDE) and granular permissions, Retool could be more suitable. It's ideal for those who need robust customization options and seamless integration with a wide range of databases and APIs.

As part of Subframe, we believe that if you're looking for a tool that bridges the gap between design and development with real-time collaboration and high-quality code generation, Subframe is your best bet. It's perfect for developers and designers who want to build user interfaces quickly and efficiently without compromising on code quality.

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

Choosing between DronaHQ, Retool, and Subframe ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Each platform offers unique features and capabilities that can cater to different aspects of application development and UI design.

However, if you're looking for a tool that seamlessly bridges the gap between design and development, offers real-time collaboration, and generates high-quality code, we recommend giving Subframe a try. With its intuitive drag-and-drop editor and extensive template library, Subframe makes building user interfaces both efficient and enjoyable.