Tooljet vs Appsmith: Which One is Better in 2025?

When it comes to building internal tools, Tooljet and Appsmith 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.

Tooljet: Overview and Key Features

Tooljet is an open-source platform designed for building internal tools quickly and efficiently. It offers a range of features to cater to various business needs.

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Tooljet provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create complex applications without coding. This feature simplifies the design process and speeds up development.
• Custom Widgets: Tooljet includes a variety of pre-built widgets such as tables, charts, and forms. These widgets can be customized to fit specific requirements, making it easier to build tailored solutions.
• Data Source Integration: Tooljet supports integration with multiple data sources like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and REST APIs. This allows users to connect and interact with their existing databases seamlessly.
• Role-Based Access Control: Tooljet offers role-based access control, enabling administrators to define user roles and permissions. This ensures that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized personnel.
• Custom Plugins: Tooljet allows the creation of custom plugins to extend its functionality. Examples include plugins for third-party services like Slack and Google Sheets, which can enhance productivity.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Tooljet supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for teams working remotely.
• Version Control: Tooljet includes version control capabilities, enabling users to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed. This helps maintain the integrity of the application over time.
• Deployment Options: Tooljet offers flexible deployment options, including cloud and on-premise solutions. This allows businesses to choose the deployment method that best suits their needs.

Tooljet's Reviews

Overall, user feedback on Tooljet highlights its ease of use and fast development capabilities, though some users mention performance issues and a learning curve.

1. G2: 4.8/5

• Benjamin B. (5.0 out of 5): "The easy building of applications, the simple connections to databases and file storages, the new AI features make writing python or JS code functions simple. I think they could add some additional functionality for WebSockets but they are happy to help with ways around this."
• Abdullah K. (5.0 out of 5): "User friendly experience. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. No significant dislikes mentioned."
• Samarth P. (4.5 out of 5): "Ease of usage. It's simple to use without much coding. However, there are occasional software bugs that need addressing."

Positive Aspects:

• Ease of use
• Intuitive interface
• Fast development
• No coding required
• Good customer support

Common Concerns:

• Performance issues
• Occasional software bugs
• Learning curve

Appsmith: Overview and Key Features

Appsmith is an open-source platform designed for building internal tools with ease and flexibility.

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Appsmith offers a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create complex applications without writing code. This feature simplifies the design process and accelerates development.
• Custom Widgets: Appsmith includes a variety of pre-built widgets such as tables, charts, and forms. These widgets can be customized to meet specific needs, making it easier to build tailored solutions.
• Data Source Integration: Appsmith supports integration with multiple data sources like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and REST APIs. Users can connect and interact with their existing databases directly.
• Role-Based Access Control: Appsmith provides role-based access control, allowing administrators to define user roles and permissions. This ensures that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized personnel.
• Custom Plugins: Appsmith allows the creation of custom plugins to extend its functionality. Examples include plugins for third-party services like Slack and Google Sheets, enhancing productivity.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Appsmith supports real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for remote teams.
• Version Control: Appsmith includes version control capabilities, allowing users to track changes and revert to previous versions if needed. This helps maintain the integrity of the application over time.

Appsmith's Reviews

Overall user feedback on Appsmith highlights its ease of use and quick development capabilities, though some users mention performance issues and limited features.

1. G2: 4.7/5

• Michael W. (5.0 out of 5): "The speed of development is incredible. Being able to connect to data sources and present the data in a table is quick and easy."
• Verified User (4.5 out of 5): "Una productividad excepcional para aplicaciones internas. Highlights the utility for CRUD use cases and API/database connectors."
• Ritankar D. (5.0 out of 5): "Easy to use low code application. The only thing I don't like about Appsmith is sometimes it does become laggy."
• Lucian M. (5.0 out of 5): "Dramatic productivity boost, delivering value from day 1. The speed of development is incredible."

Positive Aspects:

• Ease of use with a drag-and-drop interface
• Quick development and deployment of applications
• Wide range of integrations with databases, APIs, and SaaS applications
• Significant time savings in application development
• Strong community support and helpful customer service

Common Concerns:

• Occasional performance issues and lag during extensive usage
• Limited features and some missing functionalities
• Documentation could be improved
• Challenges with creating responsive layouts for mobile devices and detailed user permissions

Feature Comparison: Tooljet vs. Appsmith

Similarities

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

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Both platforms offer a visual, drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create applications without coding.
• Custom Widgets: Each platform includes a variety of pre-built widgets such as tables, charts, and forms, which can be customized to meet specific needs.
• Data Source Integration: Both support integration with multiple data sources like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and REST APIs, enabling seamless database connectivity.
• Role-Based Access Control: Administrators can define user roles and permissions on both platforms, ensuring that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized personnel.
• Custom Plugins: Tooljet and Appsmith allow the creation of custom plugins to extend their functionality, including integrations with third-party services like Slack and Google Sheets.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Both platforms support real-time collaboration, enabling multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, which is particularly useful for remote teams.

Differences

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

• AI Integration: Tooljet incorporates AI-native features, allowing users to build apps using natural language. Appsmith does not offer this level of AI integration.
• Database Management: Tooljet includes a built-in database management system, providing a spreadsheet-like interface for handling data. Appsmith relies on external databases and does not have an integrated database management system.
• Security and Compliance: Appsmith offers advanced security features like SOC 2 Type II compliance and SCIM-based user provisioning. Tooljet does not emphasize these specific security certifications.
• Open-Source Community: Appsmith has a strong focus on its open-source community, with extensive GitHub integration and community-driven development. Tooljet, while open-source, does not highlight community involvement to the same extent.
• Customization Flexibility: Appsmith allows extensive customization using JS/HTML/CSS and supports importing external libraries. Tooljet focuses more on low-code and natural language interfaces for customization.

Pricing Comparison: Tooljet vs. Appsmith

Tooljet Pricing

Tooljet offers a range of pricing plans to accommodate different business needs and team sizes.

• Free: $0 per builder/month
  • 2 builders
  • 50 end users
  • 2 apps
  • 30 AI credits/month
  • Pre-defined user roles
  • Community support via Slack
• Pro: $79 per builder/month
  • All features of the Free plan, plus:
  • 100 end users
  • 5 apps
  • 200 AI credits per builder/month
  • Application white labeling
  • Custom styling
  • Version control
  • Email support
• Team: $199 per builder/month
  • All features of the Pro plan, plus:
  • Unlimited end users
  • Unlimited apps
  • 500 AI credits per builder/month
  • SSO integration
  • Custom user groups
  • Entire platform white labeling
  • Audit logs
  • Git sync
  • Multi-environment (dev/staging/prod)
  • Priority support portal access
• Enterprise: Custom pricing
  • All features of the Team plan, plus:
  • Custom AI credits
  • Custom AI model options
  • Custom data retention policies
  • Premium SLAs
  • Dedicated support manager
  • Optional: Dedicated expert
  • Optional: Custom training

Appsmith' Pricing

Appsmith offers a range of pricing plans designed to cater to different team sizes and requirements.

• Free: $0
  • Up to 5 users
  • 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

Subframe, a Better Alternative to Tooljet and Appsmith

Subframe is a visual UI design tool that syncs seamlessly with code. We combine a drag-and-drop editor with real, component-based design, allowing precise control for pixel-perfect, responsive layouts. Our platform 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 the UI design tool for the AI era, offering a seamless blend of design and code.

• Component-Based Design: 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: Access 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: Generate 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: Enjoy free access to visual design tools with no credit card required.
• AI-Powered Design: Leverage AI capabilities to quickly turn ideas into interfaces and adapt to your design style.

Subframe's Pricing

Subframe pricing is designed to cater to different needs:

• 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: Let's talk
  • Unlimited projects
  • Unlimited page designs
  • Integrate your components
  • Dedicated Slack support
  • Figma plugin
  • Unlimited AI

For more details, visit the Subframe pricing page. Book a demo with us to explore how Subframe can meet your specific needs.

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.

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

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

Tooljet excels in AI-native features and built-in database management, making it ideal for enterprises looking to automate processes and manage data seamlessly. Appsmith stands out with its open-source community, extensive customization options, and robust security features, catering to developers and enterprises needing high compliance standards.

If you prioritize AI integration and built-in database management, Tooljet is a great fit. For extensive customization and strong security, Appsmith may be the better choice. However, for those seeking a seamless blend of design flexibility and efficient code generation, Subframe stands out.

Subframe integrates design and code effortlessly, offering a visual editor that generates production-ready React and Tailwind code. Get started on Subframe for free to see how it can streamline your workflow and elevate your UI design process.