Softr vs Retool
Which automation & integration tool is right for you? Compare features, pricing, and user reviews to make the best choice.
Softr
Operations, HR and client-service teams who want to build portals and simple internal apps themselves, without a developer.
Retool
Engineering teams building many internal apps on production databases and APIs, who want the widest connector set and are fine paying per builder and per internal user.
Side by side
| Softr | Retool | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free; paid from $19/month (annual) | Free (5 users); Team from $10/builder + $5/internal user/month |
| G2 Rating | Not yet verified | Not yet verified |
| Best For | Operations, HR and client-service teams who want to build portals and simple internal apps themselves, without a developer. | Engineering teams building many internal apps on production databases and APIs, who want the widest connector set and are fine paying per builder and per internal user. |
Pros and cons
Softr
Pros
- Truly no-code: ops staff can build without writing SQL or JavaScript
- Built-in database plus many no-code data sources
- Flat workspace price that includes users
- Free plan with up to 3 builders
Cons
- Cloud only; no self-hosting
- Not built for custom SQL, JavaScript or complex API logic
- SSO, SCIM and audit logs are Enterprise only
Retool
Pros
- Broadest mix of database and API connectors in this group
- Enterprise can run in Retool Cloud, self-hosted or air-gapped
- Team plan is cheap for small groups ($10 per builder, $5 per internal user, annual)
- Apps, Workflows and Agents live in one product
Cons
- Internal users are billed separately, so cost grows with headcount
- Audit logs start on Business ($50 per builder, annual); granular roles, SSO and self-hosting are Enterprise only
- SAML/OpenID SSO and Git source control are Enterprise only
Related comparisons
Best Internal Tools Builders
Pick Retool if developers will build many tools on your production data. Pick Budibase or Appsmith if you need open source and self-hosting, and Softr if the builder is not a developer.
Sarah ChenUpdated October 2026Best No-Code App Builders
Pick Bubble if you are building a real product without developers. Pick Glide or Softr for internal tools and portals on existing data, and FlutterFlow if you want to own the code.
Sarah ChenUpdated October 2026Retool alternatives
Stay with Retool if you need the most complete platform and can pay for Business or Enterprise. Pick ToolJet or Budibase if you need SSO without an enterprise contract, and Softr only if your builders are not developers.
Sarah ChenUpdated October 2026