Tooljet vs Retool: Which One is Better in 2025?

When it comes to building internal tools, Tooljet and Retool 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. Users can also create custom widgets to meet specific requirements, enhancing the platform's flexibility.
• Data Source Integration: Tooljet supports integration with multiple data sources, including databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and APIs. This allows users to connect and manipulate data from various origins 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 addition of custom plugins to extend its functionality. Examples include authentication plugins for secure login and data visualization plugins for advanced reporting.
• 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, revert to previous versions, and manage application updates efficiently.
• Deployment Options: Tooljet offers flexible deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premises solutions. This allows businesses to choose the deployment method that best suits their infrastructure and security needs.

Tooljet's Reviews

Overall, user feedback on Tooljet highlights its ease of use and powerful features, though some users note performance issues and a learning curve.

Ratings from Trusted Platforms:

• G2: 4.8/5

User Reviews:

• "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." - Benjamin B., 5/5
• "User-friendly experience with a lot of customization options, but sometimes it can be slow when handling large datasets." - Abdullah K., 5/5
• "Ease of usage and great customer support, but the initial setup can be a bit challenging." - Samarth P., 4.5/5
• "Solid tool for internal dashboards and KPIs, though occasional bugs with new updates can be frustrating." - Hakhil N., 5/5
• "Tooljet is one of the best tools for beginners to professionals, but the limited number of templates can be a drawback." - Asim C., 5/5

Positive Aspects:

• Easy to build applications
• Simple connections to databases and file storages
• New AI features
• Great customer support
• Intuitive and user-friendly interface

Common Concerns:

• Performance issues when too many components are used
• Initial setup can be challenging
• Occasional bugs with new updates
• Limited number of templates
• Repetition of solved bugs in new versions

Retool: Overview and Key Features

Retool is a powerful platform for building internal tools, offering a range of features tailored to business needs.

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Retool provides a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create complex applications without writing code. This feature simplifies the design process and accelerates development.
• Pre-Built Templates: Retool offers a variety of pre-built templates for common use cases like admin panels, dashboards, and CRUD apps. These templates help users get started quickly and efficiently.
• Data Source Integration: Retool supports integration with multiple data sources, including databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and APIs. Users can connect and manipulate data from various origins directly within the platform.
• Custom Components: Retool allows the creation of custom components using JavaScript and React. This feature provides flexibility for users to build unique functionalities tailored to their specific needs.
• Role-Based Access Control: Retool includes role-based access control, enabling administrators to define user roles and permissions. This ensures that sensitive data is only accessible to authorized personnel.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Retool supports real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for teams working remotely.
• Deployment Options: Retool offers flexible deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premises solutions. Businesses can choose the deployment method that best suits their infrastructure and security needs.

Retool's Reviews

Overall user feedback on Retool highlights its ease of use and flexibility, though some users mention performance issues and high costs.

Ratings from Trusted Platforms:

• G2: 4.6/5

User Reviews:

• "Retool is a great tool to write your low-code/no-code app. It has a lot of handy features that save hours of work." - Verified User, Small-Business, 4/5
• "I've used Retool to build internal tools, and I appreciate its flexibility and integration." - Antonio A., Small-Business, 4/5
• "A great tool for developers who want to leverage abstraction and built-in front-end components." - George K., Small-Business, 4/5
• "Retool can truly be used in every way possible for software development!" - Hugo L., Small-Business, 4/5
• "The ultimate versatile platform for in-house data-based apps." - Yaakov G., Small-Business, 4/5

Positive Aspects:

• Ease of use with drag-and-drop interface
• Flexibility and integration with multiple data sources
• Time-saving features for rapid development
• Strong community support and helpful resources

Common Concerns:

• High cost for public app deployment
• Learning curve for new users
• Performance issues like lagging in the app editor
• Limited customization options for certain components

Feature Comparison: Tooljet vs. Retool

Similarities

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

• Drag-and-Drop Interface: Both platforms offer a visual, drag-and-drop interface for building applications without coding.
• Data Source Integration: Each supports integration with multiple data sources, including databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL, and various APIs.
• Role-Based Access Control: Both provide role-based access control to manage user permissions and secure sensitive data.
• Custom Components: Users can create custom components to meet specific needs, enhancing the flexibility of both platforms.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Both platforms support real-time collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
• Deployment Options: Each offers flexible deployment options, including cloud-based and on-premises solutions.

Differences

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

• AI Integration: Tooljet offers AI-native features, including AI agents and AI-powered app building, which are not available in Retool.
• Built-In Database: Tooljet includes an in-built no-code database built on PostgreSQL, whereas Retool requires external database connections.
• Pre-Built Templates: Retool provides a variety of pre-built templates for common use cases, while Tooljet focuses more on custom widgets and plugins.
• Developer-Centric Features: Retool emphasizes developer-centric features like a full IDE for coding and extensive React component libraries, which are less prominent in Tooljet.
• Security and Compliance: Retool offers enterprise-grade security features such as SOC 2 Type II compliance and custom SSO, which are not highlighted in Tooljet's offerings.

Pricing Comparison: Tooljet vs. Retool

Tooljet Pricing

Tooljet offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different business needs, from small teams to large enterprises.

• 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
  • 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
  • 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 (requires scheduling a call)
  • All features of the Team plan
  • Custom AI credits
  • Custom AI model options
  • Custom data retention policies
  • Premium SLAs
  • Dedicated support manager
  • Optional: Dedicated expert
  • Optional: Custom training

Retool' Pricing

Retool offers a variety of pricing plans to accommodate different business needs, from small teams to large enterprises.

• Free Plan:
  • Cost per standard user: Free
  • Cost per end user: Free
  • Includes unlimited web & mobile apps, 500 workflow runs/month, 5GB of data storage, and up to 5 users
• Team Plan:
  • Cost per standard user: $10/month
  • Cost per end user: $5/month
  • Includes everything in Free, plus 5,000 workflow runs/month, staging environment, app release versions, and more than 5 users
• Business Plan:
  • Cost per standard user: $50/month
  • Cost per end user: $15/month
  • Cost per external user:
    • 0-250: $8/month
    • 251-500: $6/month
    • Over 500: Free (only available for business tier pricing)
  • Includes everything in Team, 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 (contact support for details)
  • Includes 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, and dedicated support

Subframe, a Better Alternative to Tooljet and Retool

Subframe is a visual UI design tool that stays in sync with code. We combine a drag-and-drop editor with real, component-based design, allowing precise control for pixel-perfect, responsive layouts. Subframe 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 integration 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.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Work with your team in real-time, ensuring everyone stays on the same page and can contribute to the design process simultaneously.
• Free to Get Started: Enjoy free access to Subframe's visual design tools with no credit card required, making it easy to start designing immediately.

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: Contact for pricing
  • 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 see how Subframe can transform your UI design process.

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.

Ratings from Trusted Platforms:

• Product Hunt: 5/5

User Reviews:

• "Just joined, will spend more time on it but so far it is incredible, really love it." - Laura Sinisterra
• "Great product, amazed by the accuracy of the pages generated by the AI." - Filmon Arefayne
• "Loved this product! The visual editor saves loads of time and is really a cool feature." - Raunak Shaw

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

Tooljet, Retool, and Subframe each offer unique strengths tailored to different needs. Tooljet excels with its AI-native features and built-in no-code database, making it ideal for those who prioritize AI integration and internal tool development. Retool stands out with its extensive developer-centric features and pre-built templates, perfect for those who need robust customization and enterprise-grade security.

However, if you seek a seamless integration of design and code, Subframe is the optimal choice. It combines a drag-and-drop editor with real, component-based design, allowing you to generate production-ready React and Tailwind code effortlessly. This makes Subframe the best option for those looking for both design flexibility and efficient code generation in a single platform.

Get started on Subframe for free to see how it can streamline your workflow and elevate your UI design process.