5 Open Source Alternatives To Retool

The best Internal Tool tools similar to Retool

Appsmith stands out as a leading open-source alternative to Retool. For those seeking different features or workflows, we've curated a comprehensive list of Retool alternatives, each offering unique strengths.

Notable mentions in the Retool alternative space include: Tooljet, Budibase, Illa, Lowdefy.

The Retool ecosystem primarily consists of Internal Tool solutions. Explore these alternatives to discover tools that align with your specific Retool-related requirements, whether you're looking for enhanced features, different user experiences, or specialized functionalities.

Appsmith iconAppsmith

34,172
Appsmith screenshot

Appsmith is a powerful low-code platform designed to help developers build, deploy, and maintain custom software applications more efficiently. Whether you need to create admin panels, internal tools, or dashboards, Appsmith provides the tools and flexibility to get the job done faster and more effectively. Integrate with over 25 databases and any API to consolidate your data into one seamless application.

  • Connect: Source data from any database, SaaS tool, or REST/GraphQL API. Self-host for secure access to internal data.
  • Build: Use drag-and-drop widgets to quickly assemble responsive UIs. Create your own custom widgets using JS/HTML/CSS.
  • Customize: Manipulate data, appearance, and business logic in JavaScript. Import and utilize external libraries in your apps.
  • Deploy and Maintain: Version control and merge updates with Git. Automatically deploy merged changes from designated environment branches.

Appsmith is a developer-first low-code platform that eliminates the need for over-abstraction, custom scripting, and proprietary SDLC processes. With features like a centralized JS IDE, external JavaScript library support, and Git integration, Appsmith ensures a seamless development experience. Its open-source edition, under the Apache 2.0 license, is community-supported and maintained, offering high transparency and low vendor risk. For enterprise use, Appsmith provides robust security and governance features, including self-hosting options, SAML and OIDC SSO, role-based access controls, SCIM-based user provisioning, audit logging, and SOC 2 Type II compliance. Appsmith is lightweight, fast, and developer-focused, making it easy to get started and build custom applications tailored to your business needs.

Tooljet iconTooljet

30,219
Tooljet screenshot

ToolJet is an open-source low-code platform designed to help you build and maintain your entire internal tool stack with fewer resources. It enables you to create scalable, secure, and enterprise-ready tools without requiring extensive engineering effort. ToolJet makes it easy to develop custom business applications quickly and efficiently, providing all the flexibility and scalability of code on a drag-and-drop platform. Here's how ToolJet can transform your application development process:

  • Visual App Builder: Create stunning front-end interfaces without dedicated engineers using a drag-and-drop interface.
  • Integrations: Seamlessly connect data from diverse sources, including databases, cloud storages, GraphQL, API endpoints, Airtable, Google Sheets, OpenAI, and more.
  • ToolJet Database: Utilize a scalable, in-built no-code database built on top of PostgreSQL to store, manage, and organize data.
  • Workflows: Automate complicated manual business processes with less engineering effort, streamlining operations and boosting productivity.
  • Access Control and Security: Implement robust security measures through self-hosted deployment, RBAC, audit logs, and more to ensure data protection.
  • Customization: Enhance your applications by importing custom React components and extending functionality with code.
  • Flexible Deployment: Deploy applications on cloud or on-premise, across different containers to suit your needs.
  • Multiple Workspaces: Prevent unauthorized access with workspace-specific settings, applications, and credentials.
  • Audit Logs: Monitor platform activity through automatically captured detailed logs.
  • Git Synchronization: Sync workspace apps with a Git repository, streamlining application management and version control.

ToolJet is trusted by thousands of teams worldwide, including organizations that handle complex data, foster collaboration, and prioritize user experiences. With ToolJet, you can build critical business applications without stretching your budget, making it an essential tool for modern enterprises.

Budibase iconBudibase

22,440
Budibase screenshot

Budibase is a low-code platform designed to help teams build business applications and automate workflows quickly and efficiently. It's trusted by over 100,000 teams for creating powerful apps and workflows from any data source, and it offers a range of features that make it easy to deploy professional-grade solutions across your organization.

  • Management Apps: Create robust management applications, from ticketing systems to inventory management.
  • Portals: Design custom experiences for clients, suppliers, or partners.
  • Approval Flows: Implement unique approval processes for holiday requests, work assignments, and more.
  • Forms: Build secure forms that store data within your own database.
  • Admin Panels: Develop admin panels for tasks like password resets and client refunds.
  • Connect Any Datasource: Integrate with external databases, Rest APIs, import CSVs, or use Budibase's built-in database.
  • One-Click App Generation: Turn your data into apps, forms, and workflows in seconds without coding.
  • Beautiful Design: Use over 40 pre-built components and templates to create apps that look great on any device.
  • Automations: Automate manual processes to streamline operations.
  • Scalability: Features like custom RBAC, SSO, SAML, and audit logs support scaling.
  • Open-Source and Self-Hosting: Budibase can be self-hosted via Docker or Kubernetes, or managed by Budibase.
  • Enterprise-Grade Security: ISO 27001 certified, ensuring ongoing compliance and security.
  • Public API: Extend your apps and benefit from interoperability.
  • Flexibility: Extend functionality with JavaScript, plugins, and external embeds.

Budibase is built to save time and money by transforming workflows and enabling rapid app development. Its open-source nature allows for secure operations within your infrastructure, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.

Illa iconIlla

11,517
Illa screenshot

ILLA Cloud is an open-source low-code platform designed to help you quickly build business applications. It allows you to create internal tools such as dashboards, CRUD apps, admin panels, CRMs, and CMSs with ease, just like assembling blocks. The platform supports a wide range of data sources and integrations, making it versatile and powerful for various business needs. Here's a closer look at its features:

  • Drag and Drop UI Components: Easily design your user interface by dragging and dropping components.

  • Data Source Integration: Connect to various data sources including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, Firebase, and more.

  • AI Integration: Configure and connect to AI agents to build AI-driven applications.

  • Workflow Automation: Automate your workflows using schedules or webhooks to streamline operations.

  • Component Variety: Utilize a wide range of components such as tables, charts, uploads, switches, and select options.

  • Extensive Integrations: Supports multiple integrations including Supabase, GraphQL, Rest API, Hugging Face, Redis, and Microsoft SQL Server.

  • User Testimonials: Trusted by users for its comprehensive integration capabilities.

ILLA Cloud simplifies the app-building process, enabling you to create any internal tool you need in just minutes. Its intuitive design and robust features make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance their operational efficiency.

Lowdefy iconLowdefy

2,656
Lowdefy screenshot

The product is a configurable web stack designed to simplify the development of business applications. It allows you to build internal tools, client portals, web apps, admin panels, dashboards, websites, and CRUD apps using YAML or JSON configuration files. This approach minimizes the need for extensive coding, making it easier to create robust and scalable applications quickly and efficiently.

  • Internal Tools: Create custom internal tools to streamline your business processes.
  • Client Portals: Develop secure client portals to enhance customer interaction.
  • Web Apps: Build versatile web applications for various business needs.
  • Admin Panels: Design intuitive admin panels for better management and control.
  • Dashboards: Create informative dashboards to visualize key metrics and data.
  • Web Sites: Develop professional websites with ease.
  • CRUD Apps: Quickly build Create, Read, Update, Delete applications with minimal effort.

This web stack leverages the simplicity of YAML and JSON to configure various aspects of your application, reducing development time and increasing productivity. Its flexibility and ease of use make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to develop high-quality applications without the overhead of traditional coding.