ToolJet vs Appsmith: What you need to know

In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, developers and organizations are increasingly turning to low-code platforms to build internal tools and custom applications quickly. Two popular contenders in this space are ToolJet and Appsmith. In this article, we’ll compare these two platforms across several key categories: features, ease of use, security, integrations, pricing, and more. If you're a developer or part of a technical team looking for the best low-code platform, this guide is for you.

ToolJet vs Appsmith: Overview

ToolJet

Tooljet is an open-source low-code platform focused on building internal tools. It allows developers to connect with various data sources, design interfaces using drag-and-drop components, and deploy applications with ease. It’s known for its simple UI and powerful integrations with databases, APIs, and third-party services.

Appsmith

Appsmith is also open-source, and is designed to create internal applications quickly without writing extensive code. It offers a similar drag-and-drop interface to ToolJet but includes more advanced features for API integrations and database management. Appsmith is particularly favored for its robust community support and pre-built connectors.

While both platforms offer low-code solutions for developers, they each have strengths in specific areas, which we’ll dive into below.

Key features

ToolJet:

• Open-source
• Drag-and-drop UI with custom widgets
• Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and more databases
• REST, GraphQL, and SOAP API integrations
• Pre-built templates for quick app creation
• Growing plugin ecosystem
• Git integration for version control

Appsmith:

• Open-source
• Drag-and-drop UI with custom widgets
• Supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Airtable, and more databases
• REST and GraphQL API integrations
• Extensive pre-built templates and connectors
• Strong community plugin support
• Git integration for version control

Both platforms offer a wide range of features suitable for building custom applications, with Appsmith having a slight edge in pre-built connectors and database options.

Ease of use

ToolJet provides a clean and intuitive interface that allows developers to design applications quickly. The drag-and-drop UI is simple and effective for building applications, though some advanced customizations may require deeper technical knowledge.

Appsmith is similarly easy to use but offers more robust customization features. While beginners may find the learning curve slightly steeper than ToolJet, its API integrations and UI design tools make it a powerful option for more experienced developers.

ToolJet is more beginner-friendly, whereas Appsmith, while slightly more complex, offers deeper flexibility for advanced users.

Security and data privacy

ToolJet includes features like role-based access control (RBAC), audit logging, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). It also allows developers to self-host the platform, which is a significant plus for organizations focused on data privacy and security.

Appsmith offers similar security features, including role-based access control, single sign-on (SSO), and encrypted communication. Like ToolJet, it also allows for self-hosting, providing control over data storage and access.

Both platforms offer solid security features, but the choice may depend on which specific features align with your organization’s security requirements.

Integrations

ToolJet supports a wide range of integrations, including databases like PostgreSQL, MySQL, and MongoDB, and third-party services like Slack and Stripe. Its integration with REST and GraphQL APIs makes it versatile for custom setups.

Appsmith excels in the integrations department, with support for REST, GraphQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and even more niche databases like Airtable. Appsmith also provides pre-built connectors for popular third-party services, making it easier to integrate without manual configuration.

Appsmith edges out slightly with its more extensive integration options, especially for connecting to external services and APIs.

Pricing

Both ToolJet and Appsmith offer free, open-source versions with the option to self-host. However, each platform also has premium tiers designed for enterprise users.

ToolJet pricing:

• Basic: Free open-source version with community support.
• Business plan: $24/month per builder + $8/month per end user.
• Custom price: For enterprise features such as advanced support, additional security, and premium integrations.

Appsmith pricing:

Appsmith is free to use in its open-source form, which makes it highly attractive for startups and smaller teams.

• Free: Appsmith offers a free tier with basic functionality, including unlimited apps, unlimited users, and access to open-source features.
• Business Plan: Paid plans start at $250/month, which includes advanced features like SSO, audit logs, and priority support.
• Custom Enterprise Plans: For organizations with custom needs, they offer enterprise-level pricing with added benefits.

Both platforms have competitive pricing, but you’ll need to contact sales for enterprise-level details. For small teams or individual developers, the free tier should suffice in most cases.

Benefits

ToolJet benefits:

• Beginner-friendly with a straightforward drag-and-drop interface.
• Growing plugin ecosystem for extended functionality.
• Self-hosting option for full control over data.
• Ideal for teams needing quick, simple internal tools.

Appsmith benefits:

• Robust API and database integrations.
• Strong community support with plenty of pre-built templates.
• Customization options for advanced users.
• Excellent for complex internal applications and API-heavy tools.

Limitations

ToolJet limitations:

• Limited customization options compared to Appsmith.
• Smaller community and plugin support (though growing).
• Fewer pre-built templates and connectors.

Appsmith limitations:

• Slightly steeper learning curve, especially for beginners.
• More complex setup for teams without advanced technical knowledge.
• Some enterprise features are locked behind premium tiers.

Best use cases

• ToolJet is ideal for teams or individual developers who want to build simple internal tools quickly without a steep learning curve. Its growing plugin library makes it a good choice for extending functionality as needed.
• Appsmith is better suited for teams that need more robust features, especially for API-heavy applications or complex internal tools. It's also a great fit for organizations that require extensive customization and integration with multiple external services.

Why UI Bakery is a good alternative

While ToolJet and Appsmith are both strong contenders, UI Bakery provides a compelling alternative, especially for teams looking for a more polished user interface and additional flexibility in UI design.

• Shared permission groups: Makes managing access for multiple users straightforward.
• Modern UI/UX: Offers a sleek, more visually appealing design compared to ToolJet and Appsmith.
• Powerful data integrations: Seamlessly connect with databases, APIs, and third-party services.
• Ease of гse: Balances simplicity for beginners with advanced features for experienced developers.
• Transparent pricing: UI Bakery’s pricing model offers more clarity, making it easier to scale without hidden costs.

If your team needs a balance between ease of use, customization, and beautiful interfaces, UI Bakery could be the better choice.

Conclusion

Both ToolJet and Appsmith offer powerful solutions for building internal tools and applications, with each platform excelling in different areas. ToolJet is ideal for those who prioritize simplicity and a growing ecosystem of plugins, while Appsmith offers more advanced integration capabilities for complex use cases. However, for teams looking for a polished, user-friendly alternative with transparent pricing, UI Bakery might be the best option.

Ultimately, the right platform for you depends on your team’s needs, technical expertise, and the complexity of your applications. Consider testing all three to see which one fits best with your workflow.