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.
- UI Bakery
57 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.
- Retool
112 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.
.png)
.png)
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 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.
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
Dark theme.
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.-min.png)
- Retool
Standard light theme.
Retool employs a typical light theme, which can at times visually obstruct both the end-user interface and the developer interface.-min.png)
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.
- UI Bakery
UI Bakery provides 20+ templates.
- Retool
Retool provides 40+ templates.
2. 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.
- UI Bakery
18 - databases
17 - third-party services and APIs
- Retool
23 - databases
30 - third-party services and APIs
12. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
UI Bakery vs. DronaHQ
Read an article ↗