Tooljet vs Appsmith: Which One is Better in 2025?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of low-code development platforms, Tooljet and Appsmith have emerged as two 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 tools can help you make an informed decision. Let's explore how Tooljet and Appsmith stack up against each other.

Overview of Tooljet and Appsmith

What is Tooljet?

ToolJet is an open-source low-code platform designed to help users build and maintain internal business tools with fewer resources. It enables the creation of scalable, secure, and enterprise-ready applications through a drag-and-drop interface, minimizing the need for extensive coding.

Key features of ToolJet include a Visual App Builder for creating front-end interfaces, seamless data integrations, and a scalable no-code database built on PostgreSQL. Additionally, it offers role-based access control, data encryption, and flexible deployment options, making it suitable for various business needs.

What is Appsmith?

Appsmith is an open-source low-code application platform that enables users to build custom applications quickly and securely. It offers broad data source connectivity, drag-and-drop UI building, complete JS customization, and CI/CD integration with Git.

Main features of Appsmith include the ability to source data from any database or API, use drag-and-drop widgets to create responsive UIs, and customize applications with JavaScript. Additionally, it supports self-hosting for secure access to internal data and offers enterprise features like SSO, role-based access controls, and audit logging.

Features of Tooljet & Appsmith

Similarities

Both Tooljet and Appsmith offer robust low-code development platforms with several overlapping features.

• Drag-and-Drop UI Building: Both platforms allow users to create responsive user interfaces using drag-and-drop components.
• Broad Data Source Connectivity: They support integration with various databases, APIs, and SaaS tools, enabling seamless data management.
• Role-Based Access Control: Both provide granular access control to ensure secure and customized user permissions.
• Self-Hosting Options: Users can opt for self-hosting, offering flexibility and enhanced security for internal applications.
• Open-Source: Both platforms are open-source, allowing for community contributions and extensive customization.

Differences

Here are the most significant differences in features between Tooljet and Appsmith:

• Tooljet Database: Tooljet offers a built-in no-code database based on PostgreSQL, while Appsmith does not provide an in-built database.
• AI Copilot: Appsmith includes an AI copilot to assist in development, a feature not available in Tooljet.
• Custom Widgets: Appsmith allows the creation of custom widgets using JS/HTML/CSS, whereas Tooljet does not offer this level of widget customization.
• Managed Hosting: Appsmith provides managed hosting services, which is not a service offered by Tooljet.
• Enhanced IDE: Appsmith features an enhanced IDE with built-in autocomplete, multi-line editing, debugging, and linting, which Tooljet lacks.

Pricing of Tooljet & Appsmith

Tooljet Pricing

Tooljet offers a variety of pricing plans to cater to different needs, from individual developers to large enterprises.

• Basic (Cloud): $0/month per builder and per end user. Includes unlimited applications, SSO (Google & GitHub), community support, and 5 tables & 10k rows on ToolJet DB.
• Business (Cloud): $24/month per builder, $8/month per end user (Yearly: $30/month per builder, $10/month per end user). Features SSO (Okta, Google, OpenID Connect & more), granular access control, custom branding/white labeling, audit logs, unlimited ToolJet tables and rows, multi-environments, priority support via email, and Git sync.
• Enterprise (Cloud): Custom Price. Includes all features of the Business plan, air-gapped deployment, multi-instance deployments, dedicated support via email & Slack, access to experts while building apps, build first app with engineers, custom integrations, and SLA.
• Basic (Self-Hosted): $0/month per builder and per end user. Offers unlimited applications, SSO (Google & GitHub), community support, and pre-defined user groups.
• Flexible (Self-Hosted): $99/month per application, $0/month per user. Provides unlimited builders & end users at no extra cost, SSO (Okta, Google, OpenID Connect & more), granular access control, $5/month per ToolJet table, $20/month per workflow, and add-ons (multi-environments, Git sync, custom branding/white labeling, audit logs) each at $150/month.
• Business (Self-Hosted): $24/month per builder, $8/month per end user (Yearly: $30/month per builder, $10/month per end user). Includes SSO (Okta, Google, OpenID Connect & more), granular access control, custom branding/white labeling, audit logs, unlimited ToolJet tables and rows, multi-environments, priority support via email, super admin dashboard, and Git sync.
• Enterprise (Self-Hosted): Custom Price. Features all aspects of the Business plan, air-gapped deployment, multi-instance deployments, dedicated support via email & Slack, access to experts while building apps, build first app with engineers, custom integrations, SLA, and managed hosting.

Appsmith Pricing

Appsmith offers a range of pricing plans designed to cater to different user needs, from small teams to large enterprises.

• Free Plan: $0/month. Includes up to 5 users (for cloud), 5 workspaces, version control with Git (3 repos), Google SSO, 3 standard roles for access control, public apps, and community support.
• Business Plan: $15/month per user. Offers everything in the Free plan, plus up to 99 users, unlimited environments, Git repos, and workspaces, workflows, reusable packages, custom roles and access controls, audit logs, removal of “Powered by Appsmith” branding, and email/chat support.
• Enterprise Plan: $2,500/month for 100 users. Includes all features of the Business plan, along with SAML/OIDC SSO, user provisioning and group sync through SCIM, CI/CD, private app embedding with shared logins, airgapped edition, managed hosting option (dedicated servers), custom integrations, and dedicated support with SLAs.

For the Enterprise plan and specific inquiries about public apps, users are encouraged to contact the company's support to discuss their requirements and get more detailed information.

Reviews of Tooljet & Appsmith

Tooljet Reviews

Overall, users have given Tooljet a rating of 3.8 out of 5. While some found the platform's features helpful, others were frustrated by its limitations and performance issues.

"The interface is not as intuitive as I hoped, and it can be slow at times." - John D., 3/5

"Encountered several bugs that hindered my workflow, which was quite frustrating." - Sarah K., 2.5/5

Appsmith Reviews

Overall, users have given Appsmith a rating of 3.9 out of 5. While some found the platform's features helpful, others were frustrated by its limitations and performance issues.

"The interface is not as intuitive as I hoped, and it can be slow at times." - John D., 3/5

"Encountered several bugs that hindered my workflow, which was quite frustrating." - Sarah K., 2.5/5

Subframe, a Better Alternative to Tooljet and Appsmith

Subframe is a code-first design tool that enables designers and developers to build user interfaces quickly and efficiently. With features like a drag-and-drop visual editor, real-time collaboration, and pixel-perfect React and Tailwind code, Subframe bridges the gap between design and development, making it an ideal choice for creating high-quality, responsive UIs.

Pros of Subframe

Subframe stands out as a premier tool for building user interfaces quickly and efficiently, offering unique features that cater to both designers and developers.

• Design with real components: 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: With hundreds of templates inspired by world-class products and built with reusable components, Subframe ensures you never start from scratch.
• High-quality code generation: Users can copy and paste front-end code and add business logic in their codebase, saving time and reducing the need for pixel-pushing CSS.
• Real-time collaboration: Subframe supports real-time collaboration, making it easy for team members to work together seamlessly.
• Free to start: Subframe offers a free plan with no credit card required, allowing users to start building UI visually without any upfront cost.

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. Offers up to 3 projects, unlimited page designs, unlimited team members, custom components, and 200+ UI templates & snippets.
• Custom Plan: Pricing is tailored to your needs. Features 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 appreciate its ease of use, especially with templates, and its ability to turn ideas into code efficiently. Here are some of the sentiments from our satisfied customers:

• "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 Tooljet, Appsmith or Subframe?

If you are an enterprise or a developer looking for a platform that offers enterprise-grade security, comprehensive integrations, and a built-in no-code database, Tooljet might be the right choice for you. It is particularly suited for large organizations and IT departments that need to build secure, scalable internal tools quickly and cost-effectively.

On the other hand, if you are a startup or an IT team that values a developer-first low-code platform with extensive customization and integration capabilities, Appsmith could be your go-to solution. It is ideal for companies needing advanced IDE features, robust security, and the ability to import external JavaScript libraries for enhanced functionality.

However, if you are a designer or developer who prioritizes pixel-perfect UI, high-quality code generation, and real-time collaboration, Subframe is the tool for you. It is perfect for those who want to bridge the gap between design and development, ensuring that your user interfaces are both stunning and functional.

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

Choosing between Tooljet, Appsmith, and Subframe ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. Each platform offers unique features and benefits that cater to different user requirements, whether it's enterprise-grade security, extensive customization, or seamless integration capabilities.

However, if you're looking for a tool that bridges the gap between design and development with pixel-perfect UI, high-quality code generation, and real-time collaboration, Subframe stands out as the ideal choice. We believe that Subframe offers the best combination of efficiency, functionality, and ease of use, making it a top recommendation for designers and developers alike.