Make vs Retool — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Make and Retool to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Make takes the lead with a 4.6 rating and is best for power users needing complex automation. Retool (4.0) is the better pick if you need engineering teams building internal tools who want to move faster than custom coding.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Make | Retool |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★★ 4.6(31) | ★★★★ 4.0(16) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $10.59/mo | $10/user/mo |
| Free Tier | No | No |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Learning Curve | moderate | moderate |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Power users needing complex automation | Engineering teams building internal tools who want to move faster than custom coding |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Make | Retool |
|---|---|---|
| Visual builder | — | |
| Branching | — | |
| Data transform | — | |
| Error handling | — | |
| 1000+ apps | — | |
| Scheduling | — | |
| Drag-and-drop UI builder | — | |
| Database connectors | — | |
| API integrations | — | |
| Custom code support | — | |
| Role-based access | — | |
| Version control | — |
Make
Pros
- ✓More powerful
- ✓Better pricing
- ✓Visual builder
- ✓Error handling
Cons
- ✕Steeper curve
- ✕Fewer integrations
- ✕UI overwhelming
Retool
Pros
- ✓Fastest internal tool building
- ✓Great database connectors
- ✓Custom code when needed
- ✓Good permission system
Cons
- ✕Internal tools only
- ✕Per-user pricing
- ✕Complex apps can be cumbersome
The Bottom Line
Both Make and Retool are solid tools in the No-Code & Automation space. Make edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.6 vs 4.0) and is the better choice for power users needing complex automation. However, if you prioritize engineering teams building internal tools who want to move faster than custom coding, Retool is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.