Top 10 Free Alternatives to Retool in 2025

As internal tool building evolves, 2025 has brought forth an impressive array of alternatives to Retool, many offering robust features at zero or low cost. Whether you’re looking for open-source solutions or platforms with flexible integrations, this list explores the top 10 free alternatives to Retool, providing detailed insights on features, pricing, and community engagement.

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1. Appsmith

Description: An open-source platform based in India for building internal tools, admin panels, and dashboards.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop interface
Connects to any API, database, or GraphQL source
Allows writing logic with Javascript objects
Cloud and on-premise deployment options
Active community on GitHub with ~28k stars
Data Points:
Open Source: Fully auditable and contributions welcome
Funding: $41MM (June 2022)
Community: 200+ contributors on GitHub
Deployment: Cloud or on-premise (can be air-gapped)
Limitations: Does not support automated workflows or scheduled jobs
Learn more about Appsmith

2. Budibase

Description: An open-source, low-code platform for building internal tools.
Key Features:
Drag-and-drop interface
Customizable templates
Version control
Self-hosted deployment
Connects to various data sources
Offers a free open-source version
Data Points:
Open Source: Free to use
Pricing: Premium paid tier available
Customization: Offers extensive customization options
Deployment: Self-hosted option for more control
Community: Growing community of users and contributors
Learn more about Budibase

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3. ToolJet

Description: An open-source, full-stack platform for building internal dashboards and applications.
Key Features:
Low-code framework
Open-source
Connects to various data sources and APIs
Suitable for internal dashboards and tools
Designed for minimal engineering effort
Data Points:
Open Source: Available for free use, with a community-driven approach
Full-Stack: Offers capabilities for both front-end and back-end development
Flexibility: Can connect to many different APIs and databases
Community: Growing community of users and contributors
Ease of Use: Built for minimal engineering requirements
Learn more about ToolJet

4. UI Bakery

Description: A platform focused on crafting internal business tools and applications, often considered a less expensive alternative to Retool.
Key Features:
Suitable for small to midsize businesses
AI development assistant
Offers Workflows and scheduled jobs
Data Points:
Target Audience: Suitable for smaller teams with less complex requirements
Pricing: Offers a less expensive alternative to Retool
AI Capabilities: AI development assistant and OpenAI API connection
Product Suite: Apps, workflows, and scheduled jobs
Headquarters: Located in the EU
Learn more about UI Bakery

5. Softr

Description: A no-code platform focused on simplifying web application development.
Key Features:
Ready-to-use templates
Seamless integration with Airtable
Ideal for non-technical creators
User-friendly design
Data Points:
Simplicity: Focus on ease of use for beginners
Integration: Integrates well with Airtable
Templates: Offers a variety of ready-to-use templates
Target Users: Ideal for non-technical individuals
Pricing: Free tier available, with paid plans starting at $59/month
Learn more about Softr

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6. Glide

Description: A platform for building mobile apps from Google Sheets, without code.
Key Features:
No-code platform
Transforms spreadsheets into apps
Mobile-first approach
Suitable for data-driven applications
Data Points:
Data Source: Uses spreadsheets as the primary data source
Focus: Mobile-first app development
Ease of Use: Easy to create good-looking apps
Target Audience: Businesses that rely on data-driven applications
Pricing: Free plan for individuals with paid plans starting at $60/month
Learn more about Glide

7. Zapier Interfaces

Description: An app-building platform by Zapier, primarily focused on automation.
Key Features:
Automation-focused app building
Integrates with thousands of apps
Customizable client portals
Data Points:
Automation: Strong focus on integrating apps and automating workflows
App Integration: Integrates with thousands of applications
Use Case: Ideal for businesses requiring connected and automated processes
Pricing: Free plan available with paid plans from $20/month
Client Portals: Can be used to build custom client portals
Learn more about Zapier

8. Google AppSheet

Description: A no-code development platform that creates mobile and web apps from data sources like Google Sheets and databases.
Key Features:
No-code app development
Creates apps from spreadsheets and databases
Mobile and web app creation
Data Points:
Data Source: Can use data from Google Sheets, Excel, and databases
App Types: Supports both mobile and web applications
User Reviews: High ratings on platforms such as G2 and Capterra
Ease of Use: Suitable for creating internal tools from existing data
Connectivity: Easy to connect to various data sources
Learn more about Google AppSheet

9. DronaHQ

Description: An India-based platform in the internal tooling space, offering a narrower feature set at a lower cost.
Key Features:
Offers a more affordable alternative to Retool
Provides apps, workflows, and scheduled jobs
Data Points:
Pricing: Viable for organizations on a limited budget
Features: Provides Apps, Workflows, and Scheduled Jobs
Market Focus: A player in the internal tooling space
Location: Based in India
Alternative: Considered a viable low-cost alternative to Retool

10. Openblocks

Description: An open-source React framework for building internal tools.
Key Features:
Open-source
Connects to data sources and APIs
Offers 50+ UI components
Enables sharing with colleagues and customers
Data Points:
Open Source: Completely free to use and modify
React Framework: Built on React for increased flexibility
Components: Comes with a library of 50+ UI components
Connectivity: Can connect to various data sources and APIs
Sharing Capabilities: Allows sharing applications with colleagues and customers
Learn more about Openblocks

This list provides a range of options for different needs, whether you prioritize open-source solutions, ease of use, or specific features. Each alternative offers a unique approach to internal tool building and should be evaluated based on your project's specific requirements.

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FAQ

1. What is Appsmith and what are its key features?

Appsmith is an open-source platform for building internal tools, admin panels, and dashboards featuring a drag-and-drop interface, connection to various APIs and data sources, and cloud or on-premise deployment options. Learn more about Appsmith

2. What makes Budibase a suitable alternative for building internal tools?

Budibase is an open-source, low-code platform that provides a drag-and-drop interface, customizable templates, version control, and self-hosted deployment options. Discover Budibase

3. What is ToolJet and what does it offer?

ToolJet is an open-source, full-stack platform designed for building internal dashboards and applications, offering a low-code framework and flexibility in connecting to various APIs and databases. Explore ToolJet

4. How can UI Bakery help small to midsize businesses?

UI Bakery focuses on crafting internal business tools with features like AI development assistant, workflows, and scheduled jobs, making it suitable and cost-effective for smaller teams. Learn more about UI Bakery

5. What type of users is Softr ideal for?

Softr is ideal for non-technical users looking to simplify web app development through ready-to-use templates and integration with Airtable. Check out Softr

6. How does Glide transform spreadsheets into apps?

Glide is a no-code platform that builds mobile apps from Google Sheets, suitable for data-driven applications with a mobile-first approach. Discover Glide

7. What is Zapier Interfaces and its main focus?

Zapier Interfaces is an automation-focused app-building platform that integrates with thousands of apps, ideal for businesses requiring connected and automated processes. Explore Zapier Interfaces

8. What types of apps can Google AppSheet create?

Google AppSheet allows no-code development for both mobile and web apps using data sources like Google Sheets, Excel, and databases. Learn more about Google AppSheet

9. What cost-effective features does DronaHQ offer?

DronaHQ provides an affordable alternative to Retool with features such as apps, workflows, and scheduled jobs, making it a viable option for organizations on a limited budget.

10. What benefits does Openblocks offer for building internal tools?

Openblocks is an open-source React framework that offers connectivity to various data sources and APIs, a library of 50+ UI components, and sharing capabilities for collaborative use. Check out Openblocks

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.