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Retool

Freemium
low-codeinternal toolsdeveloper toolsadmin paneldashboarddatabase guijavascriptsqlapiapp builder

Retool is a low-code development platform designed for engineers to rapidly build and deploy custom internal tools, such as dashboards and admin panels, by connecting to any database or API.

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Retool is a developer-focused low-code platform for building custom internal business software with remarkable speed. It primarily serves software engineers, IT teams, and data scientists who need to create applications like admin panels, CRUD front-ends, and operational dashboards. Unlike no-code builders that can be restrictive, Retool's unique value proposition is its 'developer-first' approach, providing a drag-and-drop UI with pre-built components while allowing for custom JavaScript and SQL queries anywhere. This hybrid model drastically accelerates development time compared to building from scratch without sacrificing the power and flexibility that technical users require. The platform is designed to connect to virtually any database or API, making it a versatile central hub for internal operations.

Pros

  • Developer-centric approach allows writing custom JavaScript and SQL for high flexibility.
  • Extensive library of pre-built UI components accelerates front-end development.
  • Connects natively to dozens of databases and any REST, GraphQL, or gRPC API.
  • Supports Git-based version control for robust development and deployment workflows.
  • Offers both cloud and self-hosted deployment options for enhanced security and control.

Cons

  • Steep learning curve for non-technical users due to its reliance on code.
  • UI customization options can be limited compared to building with a traditional front-end framework.
  • Per-user pricing can become expensive for large teams, especially for plans that bill for end-users.
  • Performance can degrade on complex applications with numerous queries and components.

Key features

  • Drag-and-drop UI builder with over 90 components
  • Native connectivity to most SQL/NoSQL databases and APIs
  • Ability to write JavaScript almost anywhere in the application
  • Version control via Git integration and multiple deployment environments
  • Role-based access control (RBAC) for managing user permissions
  • Self-hosting capabilities for on-premise deployment
  • Retool Workflows for building cron jobs and backend automation
  • AI-powered features to build apps and write queries faster

Integrations

PostgreSQLMySQLMongoDBSnowflakeGoogle BigQueryMicrosoft SQL ServerStripeSalesforceGitHubSlack

Target audience

Software engineers, developers, IT staff, and data scientists needing to create internal applications, admin panels, and dashboards for business operations and customer support teams.

Ratings & Reviews

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Key Metrics

Founded

2017

Headquarters

San Francisco, USA

Pricing Tiers

Free

For up to 5 users. Includes all integrations, core components, and the ability to build unlimited apps.

Free

Team

For teams needing collaboration. Includes everything in Free, plus custom components, and deployment environments. End users are free.

$12/mo

Business

For teams needing advanced security. Adds granular permissions, audit logs, and paid end-user seats for app interaction.

$65/mo

Enterprise

For organizations needing enterprise-grade features. Includes self-hosting, advanced security features, and dedicated support.

Custom

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Alternatives to Retool

Appsmith

An open-source alternative that appeals to developers who prioritize self-hosting and want to avoid vendor lock-in.

Budibase

Another open-source low-code platform often considered easier for non-technical users to learn than Retool's developer-centric model.

Internal.io

A no-code tool that is quicker for non-developers to create simple tools, but it offers less logical customization than Retool.

Microsoft Power Apps

An enterprise-focused alternative that is a strong choice for companies heavily invested in the Microsoft Office 365 and Azure ecosystem.

Ready to get started?

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