Retool vs Webflow: Which One is Better in 2025?

In the ever-evolving landscape of web development, choosing the right tools can make all the difference. This article delves into a detailed comparison between Retool and Webflow, two popular platforms that cater to different aspects of building and managing web applications.

From features to pricing, and limitations, we will explore what each platform has to offer, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and goals.

Overview of Retool and Webflow

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 routine tasks, freeing up time for more critical work.

Key features include over 70 integrations with databases and APIs, a library of 100+ React components, and options for self-hosting. Retool also offers tools for source control, debugging, and role-based access control, making it versatile for various internal applications.

What is Webflow?

Webflow is a website experience platform that enables marketers, designers, and developers to collaboratively build, manage, and optimize web experiences. It combines the power of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in a visual canvas, allowing users to create high-performing, custom websites without needing to write code.

Main features include visual control over HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, a comprehensive CMS for content management, and tools for creating complex interactions and animations. Webflow also offers advanced roles and permissions for collaboration, secure hosting, and native integrations with other tools and apps.

Features of Retool & Webflow

Similarities

Both Retool and Webflow offer robust platforms designed to streamline the development process for different types of applications.

• Integration Capabilities: Both platforms support extensive integrations with databases, APIs, and popular SaaS applications, enabling seamless connectivity and data management.
• Customizable Components: Retool and Webflow provide pre-built, customizable components that allow users to tailor their applications or websites to specific needs without starting from scratch.
• Visual Design Tools: Each platform offers visual design tools that simplify the creation process, whether it's for internal software or web experiences, reducing the need for extensive coding.
• Collaboration Features: Both platforms include advanced roles and permissions, facilitating collaboration among team members and ensuring secure access control.
• Deployment Options: Retool and Webflow offer flexible deployment options, including self-hosting and secure hosting solutions, to meet various organizational requirements.

Differences

When comparing Retool and Webflow, several key differences in their features stand out:

• Internal Software vs. Public Websites: Retool focuses on building custom internal software, while Webflow is designed for creating public-facing websites.
• Code Customization: Retool allows extensive code customization for developers, whereas Webflow emphasizes a no-code approach with its visual design tools.
• Content Management: Webflow offers a comprehensive CMS for managing website content, a feature not available in Retool.
• AI Tools: Webflow includes AI-powered tools for personalization and content generation, which are not part of Retool's offerings.
• Hosting and Compliance: Webflow provides secure hosting and compliance tools for public websites, while Retool offers self-hosting options tailored for internal applications.

Pricing of Retool & Webflow

Retool Pricing

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

• Free Plan: $0 per month per standard user, $0 per month per end user. Includes unlimited web & mobile apps, 500 workflow runs/month, 5GB of data storage, and up to 5 users.
• Team Plan: $10 per month per standard user, $5 per month per end user. Includes everything in the Free plan, plus 5,000 workflow runs/month, a staging environment, app release versions, and support for more than 5 users.
• Business Plan: $50 per month per standard user, $15 per month per end user. Includes everything in the Team plan, plus audit logging, rich permission controls, portals and embedded apps, unlimited environments, unlimited modules, access to external user pricing, and custom branding.
• Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing. Includes everything in the Business plan, plus SAML/OpenID Connect SSO, source control, error monitoring and observability, full white-labeling, independent workspaces, platform APIs and workflow triggers, volume-based discounts, and dedicated support. Users need to contact support for details.

Webflow Pricing

Webflow offers a variety of pricing plans tailored to meet the needs of different users, from individuals to large enterprises.

• Starter: Free. Includes Webflow.io domain, 2 pages, 20 CMS collections, 50 CMS items, 50 form submits (lifetime), and 1 GB bandwidth.
• Basic: $14/month (billed yearly). Includes custom domain, 150 pages, unlimited form submits, 10 GB bandwidth, and surge protection.
• CMS: $23/month (billed yearly). Includes custom domain, 150 pages, 20 CMS collections, 2,000 CMS items, unlimited form submits, 50 GB bandwidth, surge protection, 3 legacy Editor users, and site search.
• Business: $39/month (billed yearly). Includes custom domain, 300 pages, 40 CMS collections, customizable CMS items, unlimited form submits, customizable bandwidth, surge protection, 10 legacy Editor users, site search, and form file upload.
• Enterprise: Custom pricing. Includes enterprise-ready scale, advanced collaboration, guaranteed SLA, enterprise security, customer success, and enterprise support. Contact Webflow for a demo.

Reviews of Retool & Webflow

Retool Reviews

Overall, users have mixed feelings about Retool, giving it an average rating of 3.8 out of 5. While some appreciate its functionality, others find it frustrating due to its complexity and occasional bugs.

"Retool has a steep learning curve, and the interface can be overwhelming for new users. The documentation is not always clear, making it difficult to get started." - John D., 3.5/5

"The platform is powerful but has frequent bugs that disrupt workflow. Customer support is slow to respond, which can be frustrating when issues arise." - Sarah K., 3/5

Webflow Reviews

Webflow has received an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5. Users have found the platform's learning curve and occasional bugs frustrating, while others appreciate its functionality.

"Webflow's interface is not intuitive, making it hard for new users to navigate. The documentation is also lacking in detail." - Alex P., 3/5

"The platform is powerful but has frequent bugs that disrupt workflow. Customer support is slow to respond, which can be frustrating when issues arise." - Sarah K., 3/5

Subframe, a Better Alternative to Retool and Webflow

Subframe is a cutting-edge design tool that enables users to build user interfaces swiftly and efficiently through a code-first approach. It features a drag-and-drop visual editor, real-time collaboration, and generates pixel-perfect React and Tailwind CSS code, making it a favorite among designers and developers alike.

Pros of Subframe

Subframe is a cutting-edge design tool that enables users to build user interfaces swiftly and efficiently through a code-first approach.

• Design with real components, not mockups: Subframe offers a visual UI editor that 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: Users can copy and paste front-end code directly into their codebase, adding business logic without spending time on pixel-pushing CSS.
• Start building UI visually for free: Subframe allows users to begin designing without requiring a credit card, making it accessible for everyone.
• Real-time collaboration: The platform supports real-time collaboration, enabling team members to work together seamlessly on the same project.

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?

Subframe has received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 from users. Customers have praised its ease of use, time-saving capabilities, and high-quality output. Here are some of the sentiments shared by our users:

• "I love how easy this is to get started, especially with templates" - Dakota
• "Great, congratulations on launch! Supported" - Konstantinos Christoforou
• "Now this I like. Congratulations. Finally something that's not just a mockup. Would give you 5 upvotes, if I could!" - Aris Nakos

Why Choose Retool, Webflow or Subframe?

If you're a developer or part of a team looking to build custom internal software with extensive coding and integration capabilities, Retool is the platform for you. Its seamless connection to databases and APIs, along with built-in integrations and customization options, make it ideal for enterprises and startups needing secure, scalable internal tools.

On the other hand, if you're a marketer, designer, or developer focused on creating public-facing websites with visual design control, Webflow is your go-to choice. Its comprehensive CMS, AI-powered tools, and integrated marketing features make it perfect for agencies, freelancers, and enterprises looking to optimize web experiences without extensive coding.

As part of Subframe, we believe our platform offers the best of both worlds for those who need to build user interfaces quickly and efficiently. With our code-first approach, real-time collaboration, and pixel-perfect React and Tailwind CSS code, Subframe is perfect for designers, developers, and product teams who want high-quality front-end code without the hassle of extensive handoff processes.

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

Choosing between Retool, Webflow, and Subframe ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals. Each platform offers unique strengths, whether it's Retool's robust internal software capabilities, Webflow's powerful website design tools, or Subframe's efficient UI building features.

However, if you're looking for a tool that combines ease of use with high-quality code output, we recommend giving Subframe a try. With its code-first approach, real-time collaboration, and pixel-perfect React and Tailwind CSS code, Subframe stands out as a versatile and efficient choice for designers and developers alike.