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 4.5 rating and is best for users who need more complex automation logic than zapier offers at a more affordable price.. 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 | ★★★★ 4.5(312) | ★★★★ 4.0(16) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $10.59/mo (Core, 10K ops) | $10/user/mo |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | web | Web |
| Learning Curve | medium | moderate |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Users who need more complex automation logic than Zapier offers at a more affordable price. | Engineering teams building internal tools who want to move faster than custom coding |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Make | Retool |
|---|---|---|
| Visual flowchart workflow builder | — | |
| Routers and conditional logic | — | |
| Iterators and aggregators | — | |
| Error handling | — | |
| 1,500+ app integrations | — | |
| Webhooks and HTTP modules | — | |
| Drag-and-drop UI builder | — | |
| Database connectors | — | |
| API integrations | — | |
| Custom code support | — | |
| Role-based access | — | |
| Version control | — |
Make
Pros
- ✓More powerful than Zapier for complex automation logic
- ✓Visual flowchart builder makes complex workflows understandable
- ✓More affordable than Zapier for high-volume, complex automations
Cons
- ✕Steeper learning curve than Zapier
- ✕Fewer app integrations than Zapier (1,500+ vs 6,000+)
- ✕Operation counting can be confusing initially
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 (4.5 vs 4.0) and is the better choice for users who need more complex automation logic than zapier offers at a more affordable price.. 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.