Retool vs ToolJet — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Retool and ToolJet to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Retool takes the lead with a 4.3 rating and is best for engineering teams building internal admin panels, dashboards, and operational tools.. ToolJet (4.1) is the better pick if you need teams building internal tools with self-hosting requirement.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Retool | ToolJet |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.3(178) | ★★★★ 4.1(89) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | $10/user/mo (Team) | $20/user/mo (cloud) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web | Web, Self-hosted |
| Learning Curve | medium | Medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Engineering teams building internal admin panels, dashboards, and operational tools. | Teams building internal tools with self-hosting requirement |
| Verdict | recommended | Most Data Connectors |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Retool | ToolJet |
|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-drop UI builder | — | |
| Connect to any database or API | — | |
| SQL and JavaScript queries | — | |
| 100+ UI components | — | |
| Role-based permissions | — | |
| Mobile-responsive layouts | — | |
| Drag-and-Drop Builder | — | |
| 45+ Data Sources | — | |
| Workflow Automation | — | |
| Custom JS/Python | — | |
| Self-Hosting | — |
Retool
Pros
- ✓Dramatically faster than building internal tools from scratch
- ✓Connects to any database or API natively
- ✓Free tier for 5 users is enough for small teams
Cons
- ✕Not for customer-facing applications
- ✕Requires some technical knowledge (SQL/JavaScript)
- ✕Per-user pricing gets expensive for large teams
ToolJet
Pros
- ✓45+ built-in data sources
- ✓Full-featured self-hosted
- ✓Active development and community
Cons
- ✕Cloud pricing is steep
- ✕Documentation could be better
- ✕Less mature than Retool
The Bottom Line
Both Retool and ToolJet are solid tools in the No-Code & Automation space. Retool edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.3 vs 4.1) and is the better choice for engineering teams building internal admin panels, dashboards, and operational tools.. However, if you prioritize teams building internal tools with self-hosting requirement, ToolJet is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.