16 Open Source Alternatives to Retool

A list of 16 carefully selected open-source alternatives to Retool.

Adrian
Created by
Adrian
Mar 9, 2025Updated15 min read

The open-source alternatives are ranked based on our custom ranking system and score. This system takes into account various factors to determine the best alternatives.

If you’re looking for alternative features or workflows, here is a prepared detailed list of Retool open-source alternatives — each with its own distinctive strengths and key features.

#1
AppSmith logo

AppSmith

36,207
3,917

Appsmith is an open-source low-code platform crafted for developers to rapidly build custom admin panels, internal tools, and dashboards. It simplifies complex workflows by integrating with over 25 databases and APIs, enabling quick development without sacrificing control.

AppSmith screenshot

Key Features

  • Open-source under Apache 2.0 license
  • Drag-and-drop UI builder with JS customization
  • Integrates with 25+ databases, SaaS tools, and APIs
  • Git integration and CI/CD support
  • Enterprise-ready security features including SSO and RBAC

Appsmith connects to diverse data sources and offers a drag-and-drop UI builder combined with full JavaScript customization. Developers can create responsive applications with integrated Git workflows and CI/CD support, ensuring secure and scalable deployments. The platform is designed for speed and ease, reducing development hours and costs while allowing complete control over application logic and appearance.

#2
ToolJet logo

ToolJet

34,954
4,483

ToolJet is a low-code platform that empowers developers and business users to rapidly build enterprise-grade applications with a drag and drop interface and AI-powered assistance. It simplifies the creation of custom internal tools by seamlessly connecting to databases, APIs, and cloud storage solutions.

ToolJet screenshot

Key Features

  • Drag and drop visual app builder
  • AI-powered app generation and natural language processing
  • Seamless integrations with databases, APIs, and cloud storage
  • Enterprise-grade security and compliance (SOC2, GDPR, ISO)
  • Flexible deployment options including self-hosting and multi-workspace support

ToolJet enables you to craft sophisticated business apps from scratch without extensive coding. It connects effortlessly to various data sources including GraphQL, Airtable, and Google Sheets, while also integrating leading LLMs like OpenAI. The platform offers AI-guided support, automated schema generation, and robust security features, ensuring your applications are scalable and production-ready.

#3
Appwrite logo

Appwrite

47,572
4,215

Appwrite is an open-source backend platform designed to help developers build secure and scalable applications quickly. Integrating authentication, databases, functions, storage, and messaging, it empowers you to build production-ready backends with minimal hassle.

Appwrite screenshot

Key Features

  • Comprehensive suite including Auth, Databases, Functions, Storage, and Messaging
  • Supports multiple SDKs and programming languages for flexible development
  • Built-in security features such as encryption, GDPR compliance, and abuse protection
  • Realtime event updates and advanced caching for optimal performance
  • Flexible deployment options: self-hosted or cloud-based

Appwrite streamlines backend development by offering a comprehensive suite of services including 30+ authentication methods, robust databases with advanced permissions, serverless functions supporting 30+ runtimes, versatile messaging, secure file storage with encryption, and realtime event handling. Whether you choose self-hosting or cloud deployment, Appwrite provides the tools and flexibility needed to build and scale your application efficiently.

#4
NocoDB logo

NocoDB

52,804
3,670

NocoDB is an open-source no-code platform that transforms traditional databases into collaborative, spreadsheet-like applications. It empowers organizations to manage data with ease while offering versatility for users of all technical levels.

NocoDB screenshot

Key Features

  • Open-source Airtable alternative
  • Intuitive spreadsheet interface with multiple views
  • Connects seamlessly to external databases (Postgres/MySQL)
  • Robust API and SQL integration for data operations
  • Community-driven innovation with versatile use cases

NocoDB provides an intuitive spreadsheet interface for creating and managing online databases from scratch or by connecting to Postgres/MySQL. It offers versatile views including grid, kanban, gallery, form, and calendar, along with powerful API and SQL access. The platform supports seamless data integration, schema management, and robust collaboration, making it ideal for use cases from CRM and project management to inventory tracking.

#5
Budibase logo

Budibase

23,595
1,653

Budibase is an open-source no-code/low-code platform that lets you build business apps and automate workflows in minutes. It integrates with various databases and data sources, enabling teams to create secure, scalable internal tools without extensive coding.

Budibase screenshot

Key Features

  • Open-source no-code/low-code platform for rapid app development
  • Supports multiple data sources including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and more
  • Drag-and-drop interface with 40+ pre-built components and templates
  • Offers both self-hosted and cloud deployment options
  • Enterprise-grade security features including SSO, RBAC, backups, and audit logs

Budibase provides a versatile platform to design management apps, portals, forms, approval flows, and admin panels using a drag-and-drop interface and pre-built components. Connect to external databases, REST APIs, or use its built-in database while leveraging containerized deployment options such as Docker and Kubernetes for scalable, enterprise-grade security.

Abstra is a Python-based workflow engine that automates and manages custom business processes efficiently. It transforms complex tasks into streamlined workflows, harnessing the power of Python and AI to eliminate manual overhead. Ideal for teams seeking agile deployment of custom automation solutions.

Abstra screenshot

Key Features

  • Python-based engine for custom business process automation
  • Drag-and-drop UI design with VS Code integration
  • Native database management with PostgreSQL tables
  • Seamless integration with various data sources via connectors
  • Secure authentication with SSO/SAML and compliant logging
  • Flexible deployment options: cloud and on-premise hosting
  • Usage-based pricing model to scale with your needs

Abstra simplifies process automation by converting intricate business workflows into efficient, optimized solutions. It offers a drag-and-drop interface integrated with VS Code, native PostgreSQL table management, and seamless Git connectivity. With secure SSO, auditable logging, and flexible deployment options including cloud and on-premise hosting, Abstra ensures compliance and scalability for businesses of any size. Its extensive connector library and customizable widgets further enhance integration and user experience.

#7
Windmill logo

Windmill

12,442
635

Windmill is an open-source developer platform that transforms your scripts into interactive UIs, APIs, cron jobs, and workflows. It enables developers to build and deploy complex applications with speed and reliability, offering a powerful alternative to traditional orchestration tools like Airflow.

Windmill screenshot

Key Features

  • Auto-generated UIs and APIs from scripts
  • Robust workflow and pipeline orchestration
  • Multi-language support including Python, Go, TypeScript, and more
  • Low-code app editor for custom interfaces
  • High performance with a 13x speed advantage over Airflow
  • Scalable, self-hostable, or cloud-deployable infrastructure

Windmill turns scripts in languages such as Python, TypeScript, Go, and more into auto-generated user interfaces, APIs, and scheduled tasks. It allows you to compose workflows, data pipelines, and internal tools effortlessly with a low-code app editor and extensive integrations. The platform is designed for performance and scalability, letting you deploy on your own infrastructure or in the cloud with advanced logging, error handling, and permission management.

#8
Evidence logo

Evidence

4,918
240

Evidence is a lightweight open source framework designed to build polished data products using SQL and markdown. It enables developers and data teams to quickly create interactive, publication-quality data visualizations and apps.

Evidence screenshot

Key Features

  • Lightweight framework combining SQL, markdown, and UI components
  • Instant page loads through pre-built queries and static site deployment
  • Interactive data visualizations with user input options
  • Templated pages for scalable, dynamic content generation
  • Seamless integration with popular data warehouses and CI/CD workflows

Evidence empowers users to build sophisticated data apps with a code-driven workflow that combines SQL, markdown, and custom visualization components. It pre-builds queries and pages for instant performance and offers templated pages to dynamically generate thousands of data-driven reports. With seamless integration into existing data stacks and version control support via Git, Evidence is tailored for rapid iteration and collaboration.

#9
Refine logo

Refine

30,136
2,381

Refine is a powerful React framework designed to streamline the development of internal tools, admin panels, dashboards, and B2B applications. It automates repetitive code for CRUD operations and security, providing unmatched flexibility for enterprise-grade projects.

Refine screenshot

Key Features

  • 100% pure React code with no lock-in to proprietary solutions
  • Automates repetitive CRUD operations and UI logic
  • Seamless integration with over 15 services including REST and GraphQL APIs
  • Built-in support for enterprise security standards and identity providers
  • Community-driven open source with extensive documentation and support

Refine offers a comprehensive set of hooks and components that enable developers to quickly build robust web applications. It integrates seamlessly with various UI frameworks like Material UI, Ant Design, and Chakra UI, while supporting multiple backends and authentication providers. Its open-source architecture ensures full control over your project with scalable and secure infrastructure, reducing development time and complexity.

#10
Rowy logo

Rowy

6,479
515

Rowy is a low-code backend platform that allows you to manage your database with a familiar spreadsheet-like interface while building cloud function workflows in JS/TS right in your browser. It bridges the gap between no-code and traditional coding, empowering both developers and non-developers to create scalable and secure backends.

Rowy screenshot

Key Features

  • Spreadsheet-style UI for easy database management
  • In-browser backend code editor for cloud functions
  • Over 30 field types and extensive integration support
  • Automations with derivative and action fields
  • Granular access controls and auditing for team collaboration
  • Ready-to-use backend templates

Rowy lets you view and manage your data with an intuitive spreadsheet UI powered by your existing cloud database while writing custom backend logic directly on the screen. With over 30 field types, support for any npm package or API, and built-in automations like derivative and action fields, Rowy enables you to build APIs, scheduled jobs, and backend workflows swiftly. It integrates granular access controls and field validations to ensure data integrity and team collaboration.

#11
NocoBase logo

NocoBase

13,711
1,552

NocoBase is an extensibility-first, open-source no-code/low-code platform designed for building business applications and enterprise solutions. It enables development teams to rapidly create and customize applications without being hindered by traditional development constraints.

NocoBase screenshot

Key Features

  • Extensibility-first design with plugin architecture for enhanced customization
  • Data model-driven development separating UI from data structure
  • User-friendly interface with one-click switching between usage and configuration modes
  • Supports integration with multiple data sources and third-party systems
  • Robust logging, monitoring, and telemetry integration
  • Open-source core ensuring transparency and full control
  • Free open-source version with optional lifetime commercial licenses

NocoBase offers a data model-driven approach that separates the user interface from the underlying data structure, allowing both non-developers and technical teams to build complex business systems swiftly. Its plugin-based architecture supports limitless customization, seamless integration with third-party systems, and robust logging and monitoring, ensuring flexibility and control in every deployment.

#12
undb logo

undb

2,470
113

undb is a private-first, self-hosted no-code database and BaaS platform designed to help you build applications in minutes. It simplifies app development with diverse data views and an extensive library of templates.

undb screenshot

Key Features

  • Private-first open-source and self-hosted platform
  • Multiple customizable view options including grid, kanban, calendar, gallery, pivot, and form
  • Rich template library to jumpstart application development
  • Modern tech stack (Bun, Svelte, Tailwind CSS, SQLite)
  • Flexible pricing plans to suit individual, business, and enterprise needs

undb empowers users to create custom applications quickly using a self-hosted no-code platform. With multiple view options such as grid, kanban, calendar, gallery, pivot, and form views, it adapts to various data management needs. Built on modern stacks like Bun, Svelte, Tailwind CSS, and SQLite, undb also offers ready-to-use templates for project management, to-do lists, sales CRMs, and more.

Dropbase is an AI-driven developer platform that accelerates web app building and prototyping. It leverages prompt-based UI declaration, drag-and-drop adjustments, and automated code generation to streamline development while offering a local-first, self-hosted solution.

Dropbase screenshot

Key Features

  • Prompt-based app builder with natural language UI declaration
  • Drag-and-drop interface for effortless layout customization
  • Automated code generation and debugging capabilities
  • Seamless integration with popular tools and cloud services
  • Local-first and self-hosted architecture for full control

Dropbase enables developers to build and launch web apps quickly by declaring applications in natural language, adjusting UI components with a visual drag-and-drop interface, and automatically generating, previewing, and editing code. The platform integrates with popular tools and services, providing admin panels, approval dashboards, data editors, cloud consoles, and notification systems to support extensive backend operations.

OpenBlocks is an open source alternative to Retool that accelerates the development of both internal and customer-facing applications. It provides a comprehensive, visual IDE with flexible integrations and an extensive component library to speed up app creation.

OpenBlocks screenshot

Key Features

  • Visual UI builder with 50+ components
  • Module and Query Library for reusable elements
  • Support for custom components via React and SDK
  • Native database and API connections
  • JavaScript integration across the platform
  • Role-based access control (RBAC)
  • Auto-saved history and audit logs

OpenBlocks enables developers to build internal tools rapidly by connecting to any data source or API and designing interfaces with over 50 built-in components. The platform features a module and query library for reusability, supports custom components via React and an SDK, and provides native connections to multiple databases and services. Its robust system includes role-based access control, audit logs, and theme customization options, all aimed at streamlining app development.

#15
Illa logo

Illa

11,876
1,123

ILLA Cloud is an open source low-code platform that enables you to build custom business applications quickly without extensive coding. It lets teams create dashboards, CRMs, admin panels, and more by connecting to a variety of databases and APIs while automating workflows with AI-powered agents.

Illa screenshot

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop UI builder for rapid design
  • Seamless integration with multiple databases and APIs
  • Built-in AI Agent for intelligent content and analysis
  • ILLA Flow for automating repetitive tasks
  • Customizable modules for dashboards, CRM, CMS, and admin panels
  • Open source with community-driven enhancements

ILLA Cloud empowers users to design and deploy internal tools as easily as assembling blocks. With a drag-and-drop UI builder and native integrations with PostgreSQL, MySQL, Supabase, GraphQL, MongoDB, MSSQL, REST APIs, and more, the platform streamlines building responsive apps. It also supports AI Agent integration for intelligent analysis and utilizes ILLA Flow to automate workflows, making it a robust solution for rapid app development.

#16
Lowdefy logo

Lowdefy

2,759
169

Lowdefy is a configuration-based web stack designed for building modern business applications. It allows developers to create internal tools, client portals, dashboards, and CRUD apps using simple YAML or JSON, streamlining the web development process.

Lowdefy screenshot

Key Features

  • Build web apps with YAML or JSON configuration
  • Over 70 UI blocks and 150+ logic operators for rapid development
  • Responsive designs with breakpoints for mobile and web
  • Seamless API and database connections with minimal setup
  • Extendable via custom React components and NPM plugins
  • Secure authentication with Auth.js and role-based access control
  • Deployable on Next.js supported platforms such as Vercel and Docker

Lowdefy empowers developers to build dynamic web apps and internal tools with minimal coding. By leveraging a rich set of over 70 blocks, 150+ logic operators, and extensive React components, the tool simplifies UI creation and data integration. Its flexible, self-hosted framework runs as a Next.js app and supports secure connections, role-based access control, and plugin extensions.

Price comparison of Retool open-source alternatives

ToolTier 1Tier 2Tier 3Details
Appwrite logo
Appwrite
$0
Free
$15
Pro
$599
Scale
Learn more
NocoDB logo
NocoDB
$0
Startup
$19
Team
$99
Business
Learn more
Budibase logo
Budibase
$0
Free
$50
Premium
-
Enterprise
Learn more
Abstra logo
Abstra
-
Pay as you grow
--Learn more
NocoBase logo
NocoBase
-
Lifetime License Option
--Learn more
undb logo
undb
$0
Basic
$9
Pro
-
Custom
Learn more
Illa logo
Illa
$0
Free
$20
Premium
$50
Enterprise
Learn more

* Pricing shown is based on publicly available information and may not reflect current rates. Visit each tool's website for detailed pricing information and additional tiers.

About Retool

Retool is a brand that offers a wide range of products and services to help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, they have something for everyone. With their user-friendly interface and powerful features, you can easily create and customize tools to streamline your workflows. From building internal tools to automating processes, Retool has you covered. Their platform allows you to quickly connect to your data sources and integrate with popular services, giving you the flexibility to create exactly what you need. Don't worry if you encounter any issues along the way, as Retool provides excellent customer support to assist you. So why wait? Give it another shot and let Retool help you unlock your full potential.
This comparison data was compiled with AI assistance.
Retool logo

Retool

Retool is a fast way to build internal tools. We help thousands of companies of all sizes build mission critical apps to run their businesses.

Founded

2017

Employees

201

Location

San Francisco, United States

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