Retool Alternatives
6 Tools Like Retool
Quick answer: Top Retool alternatives include Appsmith, Budibase and ToolJet. For open source, look at Appsmith and Budibase. Glide and Softr are free or have free plans.
Retool is a platform for building internal tools quickly.
Teams look for Retool alternatives for open-source self-hosting or lower per-user pricing.
- 6 alternatives
- 3 with a free plan
- 3 open source
- 3 self-hostable
The best Retool alternatives
#1Appsmith
appsmith.com
Open-source low-code builder for internal tools.
Read more
In Appsmith’s own words: “Stop grappling with data, scouring for the perfect React library, and coding everything from scratch. Build custom software 10X faster with Appsmith.”
Appsmith is open source and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Retool often consider Appsmith.
#2Budibase
budibase.com
Open-source low-code platform for internal apps and workflows.
Read more
In Budibase’s own words: “Build AI agents, chat and automate internal workflows instantly. The fastest way to automate internal business processes.”
Budibase is open source and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Retool often consider Budibase.
#3ToolJet
tooljet.com
Open-source low-code platform for internal tools.
Read more
In ToolJet’s own words: “ToolJet is the open-source, AI-native low-code platform for internal tools. Build with AI, coding agents or a visual builder, on ToolJet Cloud or self-hosted.”
ToolJet is open source and can be self-hosted.
People switching from Retool often consider ToolJet.
#4Glide
glideapps.com
Build apps from spreadsheets and data without code.
Read more
In Glide’s own words: “Build custom business apps & agents with AI from a spreadsheet or a prompt. Ready in minutes, not months. Start free.”
Glide has a free plan.
People switching from Retool often consider Glide.
#5Softr
softr.io
No-code portals and internal tools on Airtable or databases.
Read more
In Softr’s own words: “Build and launch custom AI-powered portals and internal tools in minutes, no code required. Drag and drop. Sync with any data source. 100s of ready templates.”
Softr has a free plan.
People switching from Retool often consider Softr.
#6Airtable
airtable.com
Spreadsheet-database hybrid for building custom workflows.
Read more
In Airtable’s own words: “500,000+ brands use Airtable to enable real-time collaboration, automate repetitive tasks & manual work, and streamline business processes in minutes. Join them.”
Airtable has a free plan.
People switching from Monday.com, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets and Retool often consider Airtable.
Listed for information; LaunchStall isn’t affiliated with these companies. Features and plans change — check each site for current details.
How these Retool alternatives compare
| Tool | Best for | Where it beats Retool | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appsmith | Open-source internal tools | Open source and self-hostable, with a similar builder. | A less polished set of components. |
| Budibase | Open-source forms and workflows | Self-hostable, with a quick start on data apps. | Fewer advanced components. |
| ToolJet | Open-source low-code apps | Open source, with many data sources. | A smaller community. |
| Glide | No-code apps from spreadsheets | Very easy for non-developers. | Less flexible for complex logic. |
| Softr | Portals built on Airtable and more | Quick client portals with no code. | Limited custom logic. |
| Airtable | Teams whose tool is mostly data | A database with simple interfaces built in. | Less suited to custom developer tools. |
Which should you choose?
- You want to self-host: Appsmith or Budibase
- You don’t code: Glide or Softr
Our editorial summary of each tool’s focus, written November 2026. Tools change quickly, so check the details on each site.
Built a Retool alternative?
Get it featured right here
Launch it on LaunchStall: a full week on the leaderboard, a permanent product page and a spot at the top of this list.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best Retool alternatives?
Popular Retool alternatives include Appsmith, Budibase and ToolJet. The best choice depends on whether you need a free plan, open-source software or specific features.
Is there a free alternative to Retool?
Yes. Glide, Softr and Airtable are free or have free plans.
Is there an open-source alternative to Retool?
Yes — Appsmith, Budibase and ToolJet are open source.
Why do people look for Retool alternatives?
Teams look for Retool alternatives for open-source self-hosting or lower per-user pricing.
More developer & hosting alternatives
- GitHub alternatives6 alternatives
- Heroku alternatives6 alternatives
- Vercel alternatives6 alternatives
- Firebase alternatives6 alternatives
- Cursor alternatives6 alternatives
- Postman alternatives6 alternatives
- Visual Studio Code alternatives7 alternatives
- React alternatives6 alternatives
- Next.js alternatives5 alternatives
- Flutter alternatives5 alternatives
- React Native alternatives6 alternatives
- Vite alternatives6 alternatives
- Tailwind CSS alternatives6 alternatives
- Supabase alternatives6 alternatives
- Cloudways alternatives7 alternatives
- Bluehost alternatives6 alternatives
- SiteGround alternatives6 alternatives
- HostGator alternatives6 alternatives
- BrowserStack alternatives5 alternatives
- Playwright alternatives5 alternatives
- Sentry alternatives6 alternatives
- LaunchDarkly alternatives6 alternatives
- SendGrid alternatives6 alternatives
Alternatives to other tools
NotionEvernoteConfluenceTrelloAsanaMonday.comClickUpJiraAirtableTodoistMiroCanvaFigmaAdobe PhotoshopAhrefsSemrushMozMailchimpAll alternatives →