What is Retool?
Retool is a developer-focused platform for building internal tools, workflows and AI agents connected to databases and APIs. It offers drag-and-drop components, JavaScript customisation and self-hosting.
Best for: Engineering teams, Operations teams.
Key features
- Drag-and-drop UI
- Database and API connectors
- Retool Agents
- Workflows
- Self-hosting
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fast for CRUD and admin tools
- Huge connector library
- Enterprise-grade permissions
Cons
- Needs some coding skill
- Per-user pricing adds up
Retool pricing
| Pricing model | Free plan |
|---|---|
| Starting price | Free |
| Platforms | Web |
| Launched | 2017 |
Prices change often. Check the Retool website for current plans.
Our verdict
Retool scores 8.5/10 in our review. Its biggest strength: fast for CRUD and admin tools. The main drawback: needs some coding skill. If it isn't the right fit, Shopify is the closest alternative.
Frequently asked questions
What is Retool?
Retool is a developer-focused platform for building internal tools, workflows and AI agents connected to databases and APIs. It offers drag-and-drop components, JavaScript customisation and self-hosting.
Is Retool free?
Retool has a free plan with limits.
What are the best Retool alternatives?
Popular alternatives include Shopify, Zapier, Claude Code, Figma.
Who is Retool best for?
Retool is best for engineering teams, operations teams.