ToolJet vs Retool: Low-code platforms comparison

In the rapidly evolving world of low-code and no-code development, ToolJet and Retool have emerged as popular platforms for developers looking to accelerate the development of internal tools and applications. Both platforms offer a robust set of features designed to streamline the process of building applications without the need for extensive coding. While Retool is known for its flexibility and power in creating highly customizable solutions, ToolJet stands out as an open-source alternative with a more budget-friendly approach.

This ToolJet vs Retool comparison will dive into the specifics of both platforms, analyzing their key features, ease of use, security measures, integrations, pricing, benefits, limitations, and best use cases.

Key features

ToolJet

• Open-source: ToolJet’s open-source model allows for full customization and self-hosting, which appeals to companies with unique requirements.
• Multi-platform support: It supports building applications for web, mobile, and desktop, making it versatile.
• Drag-and-drop builder: ToolJet provides a straightforward drag-and-drop interface to design UI components with minimal effort.
• Workflow automation: It has built-in automation features that allow developers to configure workflows between tools and data sources.

Retool

• Customizable components: Retool provides a wide range of pre-built components like tables, forms, and charts, which are fully customizable.
• SQL and API support: Retool integrates deeply with databases and APIs, allowing complex queries and API requests within the platform.
• Advanced logic: You can write JavaScript anywhere in Retool to control complex logic, enabling more granular control.
• Built-in security and user management: Retool has enterprise-grade features for managing permissions and users, making it suitable for larger organizations.

Ease of use

ToolJet

ToolJet’s drag-and-drop interface makes it accessible even to non-technical users. However, because it’s open-source, users may need to manage their infrastructure when self-hosting, which requires some technical know-how. It’s ideal for developers who want flexibility and control over the infrastructure but still value simplicity in app-building.

Retool

Retool is designed to help developers move fast by connecting to any database or API and quickly building interfaces around them. The learning curve can be slightly steeper for non-developers, but for developers familiar with JavaScript and SQL, Retool feels intuitive and efficient.

Security and data privacy

ToolJet

Being open-source, ToolJet allows developers to host the platform on their own servers, giving them full control over security protocols and data handling. This is crucial for industries with strict compliance requirements. However, the responsibility for maintaining security updates and patches also falls on the user in self-hosted environments.

Retool

Retool, particularly in its enterprise version, offers robust security features like role-based access control, audit logs, and single sign-on (SSO). Retool’s cloud-hosted platform is regularly updated with security patches, ensuring that users benefit from the latest security protocols. For companies that require more control, Retool also offers an on-premise version.

Integrations

ToolJet

ToolJet supports integrations with several third-party services, including databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB, as well as platforms like Google Sheets, Slack, and Twilio. Its open-source nature allows users to build custom integrations as needed.

Retool

Retool excels in integrating with virtually any API or database. It supports a vast range of data sources such as SQL databases, REST APIs, Firebase, and more. Retool’s ability to easily connect with internal APIs and build custom integrations makes it a powerful tool for building complex apps that need to access multiple data sources.

Pricing

ToolJet

• 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.

Retool

• Free plan: $0/month per any user (limited features and up to 5 users)
• Team plan: $12/month per standard user; $7/month per end user
• Business plan: $65/month per standard user; $18/month per end user (monthly billing)
• Enterprise plan: Custom plan for teams & orgs operating at scale

For budget-conscious teams, ToolJet offers more cost-effective options, especially if self-hosting is a viable option. However, Retool pricing often justifies itself with more advanced features and better security for enterprise use.

Benefits

ToolJet

• Cost-effective, especially for teams capable of self-hosting.
• Open-source flexibility, with the ability to customize to fit specific business needs.
• Easy-to-use UI for building multi-platform applications.

Retool

• Comprehensive integrations with APIs and databases.
• Strong security and access control features.
• Highly customizable components, making it suitable for building complex, data-driven applications.

Limitations

ToolJet

• While open-source, it may require more technical management when self-hosting.
• Fewer built-in components and pre-built templates compared to Retool.

Retool

• Higher cost, particularly for teams that need enterprise features.
• More suitable for developers, which might make it harder for non-technical users to get started.

Best use cases

ToolJet

• Teams looking for a cost-effective solution with control over hosting.
• Companies that need to build internal tools with multi-platform support.
• Startups or small teams that prioritize customization without high costs.

Retool

• Mid to large-sized enterprises that need to build complex internal tools with robust security.
• Teams that rely heavily on integrating data from multiple sources like databases and APIs.
• Developers who need granular control over the logic and behavior of their apps.

Why UI Bakery is a good alternative

UI Bakery offers a compelling alternative to both ToolJet and Retool by providing a highly customizable and low-cost platform that focuses on ease of use and speed of development. 

Here’s why:

• Simplified pricing model: UI Bakery offers a more transparent and budget-friendly pricing structure compared to Retool, without sacrificing the essential features needed for app development. Additionally, UI Bakery offers a Shared Permissions Groups pricing model, which allows big teams to collaborate on the same app for a fixed fee. 
• 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 use: 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.

Conclusion

Both ToolJet and Retool offer excellent solutions for developing internal tools, but each platform caters to slightly different needs. ToolJet is ideal for teams that need open-source flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while Retool is a great choice for enterprises that need powerful features, advanced integrations, and enhanced security.

For teams looking for a balanced alternative that combines the ease of use, a modern interface, and a transparent pricing structure, UI Bakery stands out as a strong contender in the low-code space. It provides an optimal mix of power, flexibility, and affordability, making it a viable option for businesses of all sizes.