Tooljet vs Retool: Which One is Better in 2025?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of low-code development platforms, Tooljet 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 tools can guide your decision-making process. Let's explore how Tooljet and Retool stack up against each other.

Overview of Tooljet and Retool

What is Tooljet?

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

Key features of ToolJet include a visual app builder, seamless integrations, and a built-in no-code database. Additionally, it offers enterprise-grade security, customizable components, and flexible deployment options.

What is Retool?

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

Key features of Retool include a core library for apps, workflows, and databases, as well as extensive integrations and self-hosting options. It also offers developer-friendly tools like source control, API references, and a component library, making it a versatile choice for building internal tools.

Features of Tooljet & Retool

Similarities

Both Tooljet and Retool offer robust features for building internal tools efficiently.

• Visual App Builder: Both platforms provide a drag-and-drop interface for creating applications without extensive coding.
• Integrations: They support numerous integrations, including databases, APIs, and popular SaaS applications.
• Security: Features like Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and data encryption are available to ensure secure deployments.
• Custom Components: Users can enhance their applications with custom components and extensive libraries.
• Deployment Options: Both offer flexible deployment options, including cloud and on-premise solutions.

Differences

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

• ToolJet Database: ToolJet offers a built-in no-code database, whereas Retool does not include an internal database feature.
• Retool University: Retool provides a dedicated learning platform called Retool University, which is not available in ToolJet.
• Custom SSO Integration: Retool supports custom Single Sign-On (SSO) integration, a feature not offered by ToolJet.
• Secrets Manager: Retool includes a Secrets Manager for managing access and configurations, which ToolJet lacks.
• Audit Logs and Usage Analytics: While both platforms offer audit logs, Retool also provides built-in usage analytics, a feature not present in ToolJet.

Pricing of Tooljet & Retool

Tooljet Pricing

Tooljet offers a range of pricing plans tailored to different needs, from individuals to large enterprises. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing options:

• Basic (Cloud and Self-Hosted): Free plan for individuals or small teams. Includes unlimited applications, SSO (Google & GitHub), community support, and limited ToolJet DB tables and rows.
• Business (Cloud): $24/month per builder and $8/month per end user (monthly), or $30/month per builder and $10/month per end user (yearly). Offers all Basic features plus advanced SSO options, granular access control, custom branding, audit logs, unlimited ToolJet tables and rows, multi-environments, priority support, and Git sync.
• Business (Self-Hosted): $24/month per builder and $8/month per end user (monthly), or $30/month per builder and $10/month per end user (yearly). Includes all features of the Basic plan, with additional benefits like custom branding, audit logs, multi-environments, priority support, Git sync, and a super admin dashboard.
• Flexible (Self-Hosted): $99/month per application, $5/month per ToolJet table, $20/month per workflow, with add-ons like multi-environments, Git sync, custom branding, and audit logs each costing $150/month.
• Enterprise (Cloud and Self-Hosted): Custom pricing. This plan includes all Business features plus air-gapped deployment, multi-instance deployments, dedicated support, access to experts, custom integrations, SLA, and managed hosting for self-hosted options.

For the Enterprise plan and Self-Hosted Flexible plan, you need to contact Tooljet's support for pricing details.

Retool Pricing

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

• Free Plan: $0/month. Includes unlimited web & mobile apps, 500 workflow runs/month, 5GB of data storage, and up to 5 users.
• Team Plan: $10/month per standard user, $5/month per end user. Features include 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/month per standard user, $15/month per end user. Offers all Team plan features, along with 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 all Business plan features, 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. Contact Retool's support for pricing details.

Reviews of Tooljet & Retool

Tooljet Reviews

Overall, users have given Tooljet a mixed reception, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5. While some appreciate its features, others find it frustrating due to its limitations and occasional bugs.

"The platform is promising but has several bugs that need fixing. The user interface can be confusing at times." - John D., 3/5

"Tooljet has potential, but the lack of advanced features and occasional performance issues make it hard to rely on for critical tasks." - Sarah K., 2.5/5

Retool Reviews

Retool has received mixed reviews, with an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5. Users found the platform helpful for building internal tools but were frustrated by its complexity and occasional performance issues.

"Retool is powerful but can be overwhelming for new users. The learning curve is steep, and the documentation could be better." - Alex P., 3/5

"While Retool offers many features, it can be slow and buggy at times, which hampers productivity." - Jamie L., 2.5/5

Subframe, a Better Alternative to Tooljet and Retool

Subframe is a code-first design tool that empowers users to build user interfaces quickly and efficiently. With features like a drag-and-drop visual editor, real-time collaboration, and pixel-perfect code generation using React and Tailwind CSS, Subframe ensures a seamless design experience for both designers and developers.

Pros of Subframe

Subframe is a code-first design tool that empowers users to build user interfaces quickly and efficiently.

• Design with real components: 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: With a collection of templates inspired by world-class products and built with reusable components, Subframe ensures you never start from scratch again.
• High-quality code generation: Users can copy and paste front-end code and add business logic in their codebase, saving time on pixel-pushing CSS.
• Real-time collaboration: Subframe supports multiple users working together simultaneously, making it easier to collaborate on projects.
• Free to start: Users can begin building UI visually for free, with no credit card required, making it accessible for everyone.

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 flexible. 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 appreciate its ease of use, high-quality code generation, and the efficiency it brings to UI design.

• "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
• "Now this I like. Congratulations. Finally something that's not just a mockup." - Aris Nakos

Why Choose Tooljet, Retool or Subframe?

If you prioritize an open-source platform with enterprise-grade security and cost-effective solutions, Tooljet might be the right choice for you. It's ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, large enterprises, and developers looking to build internal tools without extensive coding.

On the other hand, if you need extensive integration capabilities, customization options, and robust developer tools, Retool could be your go-to platform. It's perfect for developers, enterprises, and operations teams that require secure, scalable solutions with advanced coding flexibility.

As part of Subframe, we believe that if you want to build user interfaces quickly and efficiently with high-quality, pixel-perfect code, Subframe is your best bet. It's designed for founders, designers, and developers who need a seamless design experience and real-time collaboration.

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

Choosing between Tooljet, Retool, and Subframe ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. Each platform offers unique features and benefits that can cater to different user requirements, from extensive integrations to enterprise-grade security.

However, if you're looking for a tool that combines ease of use, high-quality code generation, and real-time collaboration, we recommend giving Subframe a try. With its intuitive drag-and-drop editor and pixel-perfect UI capabilities, Subframe stands out as a versatile and efficient choice for designers and developers alike.