UI Bakery vs Retool

1. UI library and component design

Both applications provide a wide range of components necessary for users to create a user interface for internal applications. In this case, users can choose based on the appearance of the application, preferring the more modern and trendy UI design of UI Bakery or the simpler, unpretentious, and office-style design of Retool.

Component library

Currently, Retool has more components than UI Bakery. However, UI Bakery still provides all the necessary components for building an interface, and users can also use custom JavaScript components to add their own components.

Retool

70+ components available.
Adding of component can be by two ways: by clicking and by drag-n-dropping on a working area.
Efficiently search for and organize components by their purpose.
Custom JS component is available.

120+ components available.
Adding of component can be only by drag-n-dropping on a working area.
Efficiently search for and organize components by their purpose.
Custom React component is available.

UI component design

Users have provided consistent feedback indicating that they consider UI Bakery's UI design to be the most fashionable and contemporary among other low-code applications currently available. Nonetheless, it's important to remember that design is a matter of personal preference, and both apps offer visually appealing end-user interfaces with high-quality UX components that provide a great user experience.

UI Bakery

2. UI building experience

Both tools employ a similar approach for designing interfaces, using drag-and-drop functionality to assemble components within a layout system based on columns.

Working area and canvas

UI Bakery boasts a more fine-tuned control over dimensions due to its more frequent layout on working area and in cards.

UI Bakery

UI Bakery
UI Bakery uses 24-column layout for working area and cards.
UI Bakery
UI Bakery uses 4px row layout for working area and cards.

Retool
Retool uses 12-column layout for working area and cards.
Retool
Retool uses 8px row layout for working area and cards.

Adding a component to a card

The methods of working with grids in both applications differ somewhat. UI Bakery utilizes a visual approach, allowing users to see what's happening in the workspace when adding a component. A blue skeleton is drawn where the component can be added, while other components turn red where it can't be located, and components shift in real-time. Retool presents a bar indicating where the new component will be located between existing components and the direction in which interface elements will move. If space permits, the component skeleton is also displayed. Retool's grid operates smoothly and minimizes interface distractions, but UI Bakery's visual approach provides a clear and useful framework for users to work with.

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Development mode

Overall, the interfaces are quite comparable. However, certain nuances exist, such as variations in the ease of use and accessibility of panels, as well as the level of customization available for interface panels.

UI Bakery

UI Bakery
UI Bakery implements a dark theme that is more conventional for developers to write code, and the dark theme also aids in distinguishing the developer interface from the user interface. This feature is beneficial for frequent use as it is more comfortable for the eyes.

Retool
Retool employs a typical light theme, which can at times visually obstruct both the end-user interface and the developer interface.

Templates

Retool offers a greater number of starter templates, although it's worth noting that several of these are not compatible with test datasources, making it challenging to assess their utility. On the other hand, UI Bakery provides templates that are not only more complex but also more functional.

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UI Bakery
UI Bakery provides 20+ templates.

Retool
Retool provides 40+ templates.

3. Datasources

Both apps let you connect to different types of data, which is really important for creating applications quickly and easily. Both have a lot of the same popular data sources and integrations available.

Number of datasources and integrations

While it is true that Retool is ahead in this aspect, it is noteworthy that UI Bakery offers a comprehensive selection of the most commonly-used and highly-requested data sources, third-party services, and APIs.

Retool

UI Bakery
16 - databases
19 - third-party services and APIs

Retool
22 - databases
27 - third-party services and APIs

4. Developer experience (Actions & logic)

The tools has similar development experience.

Development flow

In general, the development tools used for building applications share many similarities, and the underlying principles of the development process are often the same. To build an application, you will typically need to follow a few basic steps:
‍
- Connect your app to a data source (e.g., database, API).
Build your app with pre-built components and custom code.
- Use actions or queries to feed data into your app's components and create its logic.
- Publish your app and invite users to start using it by deploying it to a server, making it available through an app store or website, or sharing it directly.

While building your application, you may find that you need to extend its functionality beyond what is available through pre-built components. In this case, you can often use JavaScript to write custom code that integrates with your application and adds new capabilities. This can be a powerful way to create more flexible and customizable applications, without necessarily changing the underlying structure or framework that you are using.

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Action steps variety

Both UI Bakery and Retool feature interfaces and terminology that are easy for developers to grasp, facilitating quick engagement with actions and queries. The language in both platforms is straightforward, streamlining the development workflow and speeding up the implementation process. UI Bakery provides a more sophisticated workflow by enabling users to chain multiple action steps within a single action, along with a stable action sidebar behavior. In contrast, Retool adopts a simpler approach of one query per action, although its bouncing sidebar can be distracting and potentially confusing.

rather UI Bakery

UI Bakery
Multiple action steps within a single action.
Action folders.
Action scope: global and page-specific.
Auto-triggers for actions.
Logs available.
Performance information.
Scheduling back-end jobs and creating webhooks using automations.
Debug with UI Bakery AI Assistant
AI code generation

Retool
Action folders.
Auto-triggers for actions.
Logs available.
Performance information.
Scheduling back-end jobs and creating webhooks using automations.
AI Actions: AI queries for content and chats, store text in Retool, auto-fix queries, and connect to AI platforms. (You can use them only if you have access to Retool DB)
AI code generation
BUT: No global and page-specific actions. It’s hard to understand all query possibility until you set all first query settings before.

Multi-step actions

UI Bakery provides users with the capability to create multi-step actions, enabling users to have a more intricate and structured approach to actions.

rather UI Bakery

UI Bakery
Multi step actions are available.

Retool
Multi-step actions are only possible through custom code.

Scheduled CRON jobs and webhooks

Both UI Bakery and Retool offer the capability to create workflow automations on the server-side by utilizing a range of data sources, such as SQL databases and HTTP APIs. These automations can be activated through webhooks and scheduled using jobs similar to cron. This allows for the creation of more sophisticated and personalized business logic to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

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UI Bakery
Through Automations feature.

Retool
Through Workflow feature.

Environments

Both tools provide ability to use multiple environments.

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UI Bakery
With UI Bakery's environments feature, you can maintain multiple app versions within a single UI Bakery instance or by utilizing multiple self-hosted instances for separate environments.

Retool
Retool essentially has two environments: production and stage, with the option for users to add their own environments. It also allows for multi-instance deployments.

Performance

Both tools provide ability to use multiple environments.

rather UI Bakery

UI Bakery
With UI Bakery's environments feature, you can maintain multiple app versions within a single UI Bakery instance or by utilizing multiple self-hosted instances for separate environments.

Retool
Retool essentially has two environments: production and stage, with the option for users to add their own environments. It also allows for multi-instance deployments.

Custom Libraries

Both tools provide possibility to import custom JS libraries.

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UI Bakery
There are several embedded libraries. Could be added through the App settings.

Retool
Retool has the ability to support custom JavaScript code preloading, which can be added at either the application or organization level.

5. Workspace management and users

Currently, UI Bakery's user management is better organized and has more advanced features than Retool.

Roles management

Currently, UI Bakery boasts a more advanced level of roles management.

rather UI Bakery

UI Bakery
UI Bakery has three pre-defined roles (admin, editor, user) as standard options and the ability to create additional roles with fine-tuned access to data sources and applications. The option to create custom roles is only available in the Busness plan.

Retool
Retool has 3 pre-defined roles (admin, editor, all users) as standard options and ability to create additional roles with fine-tuned access to data sources and applications. The option to create custom roles is only available in the Business plan which is more expensive plan than UI Bakery offer.

Audit logs

Both tools provide audit logs for enhanced administrative control.

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UI Bakery
Audit logs for more admin control. Available from Busness plan.

Retool
Audit logs for more admin control. Available from Business plan.

Integrations with external analytics and logging solutions

UI Bakery provides integration with different external analytical tools.

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UI Bakery
Can be integrated with Datadog, Google Analytics 4, etc.

Retool
Can be integrated with Segment, Google Analytics 4, etc.

6. On-premises experience

Both apps have self-hosted versions.

Installation

Both applications offer self-hosted versions, allowing users to host and manage the tools on their own servers. This provides users with increased security and control over their data and infrastructure.

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UI Bakery
To try self-hosted version of UI Bakery, you can obtain a 14-day license key by copying and executing a CURL command. UI Bakery is delivered as a set of Docker containers that can be deployed using tools such as docker-compose or Kubernetes.

Retool
Retool's self-hosted version can be set up in just three steps: deploy Retool locally as a Docker container using a one-line script, add your auto-generated license key to the .env file, and connect to any local databases or internal APIs. By following these simple steps, you can set up Retool on your own servers and have complete control over your data and infrastructure.

7. Releases & version control

Both apps have git version control in release.

Git version control

UI Bakery and Retool both provide integration with Git control, enabling teams to manage versions and collaborate effectively. This integration allows developers to work together on the same project, keep track of changes made to the code, and roll back to previous versions if needed.

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UI Bakery
By connecting to a Git repository, multiple users can develop apps in parallel. Changes can then be pushed to the Git repo and undergo code review before being merged into the default protected main branch.

Retool
Retool offers similar experience with Git that allows to develop apps in parallel and have protected branches.

Integrated version control option without Git

Both tools allow to use a more simple version control when Git is too much.

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UI Bakery
The feature is available.

Retool
The feature is available.

8. Internal database

The internal database is a powerful feature that can help you to streamline your development process and reduce the complexity of your application's architecture.

Internal database

Both tools offer an internal database that allows you to store and manage your data directly within the platform.

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UI Bakery
UI Bakery has a internal PostgreSQL database

Retool
Retool has an internal PostgreSQL database

9. Mobile support

Both tools support mobile responsiveness, but Retool also supports building native mobile apps.

Responsive control

UI Bakery mobile responsiveness can have more granular settings.

UI Bakery

UI Bakery
In UI Bakery, you can select between a desktop and a mobile layout for your applications. By default, a desktop layout is applied to an app.

Retool
Responsiveness supported by creating different views for mobile/tablet/desktop from scratch which might not be very convenient.

Native mobile app support

Retool has the ability to create versions of mobile apps.

Retool

UI Bakery
Does not support.

Retool
Supports, but the feature is still at the early stage.

10. Onboarding process and studying materials

Both plamforms pay high attention for study and onboarding of users to their platforms.

Onboarding

Retool and UI Bakery have distinct approaches to their onboarding process, each catering to the unique needs of their users. Retool's 5-step guide is concise and accompanied by illustrative GIFs, while UI Bakery's well-crafted Tour is designed to provide a seamless and intuitive experience for users.

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UI Bakery
The onboarding process for UI Bakery includes a discreet tour that allows you to learn the basics of using the application, from connecting a data source to adding users to an organization. The tour is unobtrusive and offers the option to exit or navigate to documentation links.

Retool
Retool's onboarding features a quick 5-minute, step-by-step guide to introduce essential features, enabling users to start using the app effectively right away.

Studying materials

While both tools offer educational resources to help users learn how to use their respective applications, they take slightly different approaches to providing support. UI Bakery prides itself on offering a personalized approach to customer support, where users can receive dedicated assistance and guidance from their support team. This personalized approach ensures that users have access to the help and support they need to overcome any obstacles they may encounter while using the platform.

On the other hand, Retool encourages users to take an active role in their own learning and empowers them to find solutions to problems using video tutorials and community.

rather Retool

UI Bakery
UI Bakery offers comprehensive documentation and helpful videos available on YouTube. Enterprise customers can benefit from a shared Slack channel, where they can receive immediate engineering assistance in real-time. Additionally, paying users have access to exceptional one-to-one support, enabling them to ask questions and receive advice directly from the experienced developers and support team at UI Bakery.

Retool
Retool's extensive collection of educational resources includes a variety of tutorials and guides, designed to help users of all levels get up to speed with the platform.

11. Security

Both of these tools implement various security measures to safeguard the sensitive data source credentials of their customers, thereby ensuring the utmost protection of their valuable information.

Security and compliance

Both tools offer encryption of data source credentials to protect their clients' sensitive information.

rather Retool

UI Bakery
UI Bakery has implemented multiple security measures to protect their clients' data source credentials, including encryption. You can find the full list of security measures on their website at https://docs.uibakery.io/security.

Retool
Retool is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant, which means they have met strict security standards to protect their clients' data.

12. AI integration

Since AI became an integral part of our lives, many products have incorporated AI technologies into their applications. Both platforms have added AI functionality for their users.

AI Assistance

Currently, UI Bakery leverages AI capabilities slightly more for internal interface development. Beyond standard code generation tips, UI Bakery allows for code debugging using an AI Assistant.

rather UI Bakery

UI Bakery
Generate AI code
UI Bakery
Debug with UI Bakery AI Assistant
UI Bakery
AI Chat Assistant

Retool
Generate AI code
Retool
AI-recommendations UI Block

13. Pricing

Both of the products offer free plans with limited features and paid plans with advanced features.

Both pricing structures are determined by the number of app users. While Retool charges more for a similar feature set for both end-users and developers, UI Bakery offers the option for teams with a large number of internal or external users (vendors) to acquire unlimited seats for a set price - Shared Permission Group. This approach positions UI Bakery as a more economical choice for sizable teams.

Both applications have cloud and self-host pricing models that don't differ in the number of plans or their prices. The difference lies in the features. Each model offers 4 plans: 1 free, 2 standard plans, and 1 Enterprise with negotiable pricing.

Pricing

UI Bakery plans offers similar capabilities for a much more affordable cost. Besides, UI Bakery has Shared Permission Groups that makes UI Bakery more cost-effective for large teams.

rather UI Bakery

UI Bakery
UI Bakery offers both a free version with basic features for less than 5 users and paid versions with more advanced features.
The pricing for the paid versions starts from $10 per user per month to $40 per user per month.
Shared Permission Group is available from Business plan.
UI Bakery
The self-hosted version of UI Bakery presents four pricing tiers: a free option, two standard plans, and an Enterprise plan with flexible pricing. While the free version is entirely complimentary, it comes with restricted features and user limits. Starting with the standard plan, it supports over 5 users, and the Business plan introduces the Shared Permission Group. The Enterprise plan's cost is tailored based on the specific needs of the customer.
To calculate the pricing for a particular use case, schedule a call with UI Bakery tech expert.
UI Bakery
Enterprise prices are visible and predictable.

Retool
Retool offers both a free version with basic features for less than 5 users in team and paid versions with more advanced features.
The pricing for the paid versions ranges from $10 per user per month to $50 per user per month.
Retool
Retool's self-hosted version offers three plan options, which are designed to cater to businesses of varying sizes. The completely free version is available, although it has limited features. The Team and Business plan has a limit on the number of users, and the Enterprise subscription offers more features but is dependent on the needs of the customer. The cost of the Enterprise subscription will vary depending on the customer's specific requirements.