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Is Retool starting to feel like a mismatch for your team?
As teams build more internal tools, many hit roadblocks with pricing, flexibility, or control. Many are now turning to platforms that better fit their budget, tech stack, and hosting preferences. From open-source options to low-code builders, the shift is clear—teams want more choice.
This article looks at top Retool alternatives, including UI Bakery, Superblocks, Budibase, and ToolJet. Each one offers different features, customization, and hosting.
Which one suits you?
Let’s look at what sets them apart and which suits your needs best.
UI Bakery offers a seamless drag-and-drop interface for developers and non-tech users alike. Its 80+ pre-built components, smooth UI rendering, and AI development assistant help users quickly create custom internal tools with minimal effort.
drag-and-drop canvas with absolute positioning
AI assistant to speed up building processes
Integrations with 18 databases and 20 APIs
Git sync (not full version control yet)
self-hosted version with audit logging, access control, and custom roles
Ideal for SMBs and enterprises, UI Bakery supports self-hosting, offers robust enterprise tier features, and helps teams deliver performant apps quickly. Its focus on user-friendly design makes it a strong choice even for teams without full-time developers.
Superblocks enables developers to manage complex business logic, external databases, and custom internal applications with deep code-level extensibility.
Infinite extensibility using Node.js, Python, React
Supports workflows, jobs, and internal web apps
Built-in observability tools like Datadog and Splunk
Lightweight self-hosting with secure on-premise agents
Elastic back-end scaling for large data sources
If you're dealing with complex backend APIs, stringent data security requirements, or vast business processes, Superblocks is built for you. However, native mobile apps are missing, and full air-gapped deployments aren't supported.
As one of the top open-source retool alternatives, Budibase is ideal for teams wanting control and flexibility while building custom internal tools.
Full drag-and-drop interface with reusable components
Connects to SQL, NoSQL, Google Sheets, and REST APIs
Free SSO and RBAC for secure access control
Automated CRUD logic and audit logging
Flexible self-hosted version (including Kubernetes and air-gapped support)
Budibase is suitable for building custom internal applications. It supports custom widgets and external AI models if needed. While it's user-friendly, advanced customization might require moderate technical knowledge.
ToolJet’s strength lies in community-driven improvements and a highly extensible framework. It’s particularly good for small teams looking to create internal tools with existing tech stacks.
Visual drag-and-drop interface (UI builder has some bugs)
Native PostgreSQL database, plus support for cloud services and APIs
Version control, SSO, IP whitelisting, and audit logging
Live collaboration and real-time editing
Strong self-hosting options
Despite its rich feature set, ToolJet suffers from UI quality issues like element overlaps. Still, its extensibility, active GitHub repo, and enterprise tier readiness make it a compelling option for teams looking for alternatives to Retool.
Ply is unique—it doesn’t aim to replace Retool for internal apps, but rather to extend functionality in platforms like Gmail, Salesforce, or Airtable using a no-code approach.
Focuses on browser-based add-ons
Ideal for customizing business applications without writing full apps
Great for operations teams working inside existing tools
No self-hosted version or support for native mobile apps
Use Ply if your goal is enhancing workflows, not building standalone CRUD apps. It’s great for integrating custom actions inside familiar tools, making it more of a low-code platform extension tool than a full development platform.
| Platform | Open-Source | self-hosting | Drag & Drop | AI Support | Best For | Enterprise Tier | Mobile Support | Audit Logging | Version Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UI Bakery | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | SMBs, Enterprises | Yes | Partial | Yes | Sync Only |
| Superblocks | No | Yes | Partial | Yes | Large Enterprises | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Budibase | Yes | Yes (Air-gap) | Yes | Optional | Customizable Open-Source | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes |
| ToolJet | Yes | Yes | Yes (Buggy) | Limited | Developer-Led Small Teams | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ply | No | No | N/A | No | Extending Existing Platforms | No | Browser Only | No | No |
Choosing the right low-code development platform depends on:
Team Size & Technical Skill
For non-technical users: UI Bakery or Ply
For technical teams: Budibase or Superblocks
Hosting & Security Requirements
Need for self-hosted version or fine-grained access control? Pick Budibase, ToolJet, or UI Bakery
For air-gapped deployments: Budibase is your go-to
Functionality Overlaps with Retool
All platforms offer drag-and-drop interfaces, version control, and custom components
Some outperform Retool in areas like audit logging, access control, and open-source flexibility
Budget & Scalability
If per-user pricing is a concern, open-source tools like Budibase and ToolJet offer unlimited users
Enterprises needing enterprise support and robust security measures may lean toward Superblocks or UI Bakery
Retool alternatives give teams more control, offering custom data connections, granular access controls, and tailored internal workflows without sacrificing usability or security.
Platforms like UI Bakery, Superblocks, Budibase, and ToolJet support many needs while fitting within most budgets and compliance requirements.
When comparing tools, consider how well each platform fits your team’s logic, user roles, app complexity, and long-term development plans.
The best choice doesn’t just support app building—it helps your team move faster and build smarter, without being boxed in by rigid tools.
