Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Bubble.io VS Retool

Compare Bubble.io VS Retool and see what are their differences

Bubble.io logo Bubble.io

Building tech is slow and expensive. Bubble is the most powerful no-code platform for creating digital products.

Retool logo Retool

Build custom internal tools in minutes.
  • Bubble.io Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-24
  • Retool Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-04

Bubble.io

Website
bubble.io
Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Release Date
-

Retool

Website
retool.com
$ Details
freemium $10.0 / Monthly (Startup)
Release Date
2017 January
Startup details
Country
United States
State
California
Founder(s)
David Hsu
Employees
10 - 19

Bubble.io features and specs

  • No Coding Required
    Bubble.io allows users to build web applications without requiring any coding knowledge, making it accessible for non-developers.
  • Customizable
    The platform offers a high degree of customization enabling users to design and create unique applications tailored to their specific needs.
  • Rapid Prototyping
    Helps in quickly building and testing application prototypes, which accelerates the development process and reduces time-to-market.
  • Built-in Database
    Includes an integrated database, simplifying data storage and management tasks within the application.
  • Expandable with Plugins
    Supports a variety of plugins to extend functionality, allowing for the incorporation of more complex features without needing to code.
  • Responsive Design
    Automatically handles responsive design, ensuring applications look good on both desktop and mobile devices.
  • Community and Resources
    Offers a robust community along with extensive documentation and tutorials, aiding users in troubleshooting and learning.

Possible disadvantages of Bubble.io

  • Learning Curve
    Despite being a no-code platform, there is still a learning curve associated with understanding and navigating Bubble.io's user interface and capabilities.
  • Performance
    Applications built on Bubble.io can sometimes suffer from performance issues, particularly as they scale.
  • Limited Native Mobile Support
    Direct support for native mobile application development is limited; additional tools and steps are required to convert Bubble.io applications into native apps.
  • Dependency on Platform
    Being a proprietary system, users are dependent on Bubble.io for hosting and platform updates, which could pose risks if the company changes its policies or faces downtime.
  • Cost
    While there is a free tier, more complex and feature-rich applications often require premium plans, which can be costly.
  • Scalability
    Though ideal for small to medium projects, Bubble.io might not be the best choice for very large and highly scalable applications due to its performance constraints.
  • Complex Conditional Logic
    Handling very complex conditional logic and workflows can become cumbersome and might require more advanced workarounds.

Retool features and specs

  • Speed of Development
    Retool allows developers to rapidly build internal tools with a drag-and-drop interface, reducing the time it takes to get functional applications up and running.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Retool supports integration with a wide range of databases, APIs, and other services, making it easier to connect different data sources and systems.
  • Customizability
    While Retool provides prebuilt components, it also allows for custom code and scripting, enabling developers to tailor applications to specific requirements.
  • Collaboration Features
    Retool supports collaborative features, such as sharing applications with team members and version control, making it easier to work in teams.
  • Security
    Retool provides robust security features, including access control and data encryption, to help protect sensitive information.

Possible disadvantages of Retool

  • Cost
    Retool can be relatively expensive compared to building internal tools from scratch or using some other platforms, potentially making it less accessible for smaller teams or startups.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, there can be a learning curve for new users who need to become familiar with its specific functionalities and scripting capabilities.
  • Customization Limitations
    Though Retool offers customizability, there might be certain limitations compared to fully bespoke solutions, impacting highly specific or complex use cases.
  • Dependency on Retool
    Relying heavily on Retool may create a dependency that could be problematic if the company changes its pricing, features, or discontinues services.
  • Performance
    For very large datasets or highly complex operations, performance can become an issue, as it is with many platform-based solutions.

Bubble.io videos

Bubble.io Tutorial: How to Build an App on Bubble in 2023

Retool videos

Retool - Logic Review

More videos:

  • Review - #Worth?! Ep.12 - Retool (Gameplay / Review)
  • Demo - February NY Enterprise Tech Meetup: Retool Demo

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Bubble.io and Retool)
No Code
70 70%
30% 30
Website Builder
100 100%
0% 0
Developer Tools
0 0%
100% 100
Application Builder
78 78%
22% 22

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Bubble.io and Retool

Bubble.io Reviews

10 Top Firebase Alternatives to Ignite Your Development in 2024
If you’re looking to quickly prototype an idea, validate a concept, or even launch a full-fledged product without getting bogged down in code, Bubble.io is your ticket. It’s also a fantastic learning tool for those who want to dip their toes into the world of app development without a steep learning curve.
Source: genezio.com
19 Best WordPress Alternatives in 2025
Bubble is a revolutionary platform that allows anyone to build web applications without writing a single line of code. It uses a visual programming interface where you drag and drop elements to create functionalities. Bubble is perfect for startups and non-technical users who want to quickly prototype and launch their ideas.
Source: www.pixpa.com
Top 10 Android Studio Alternatives For App Development
Bubble is a no-code application and development platform which was developed by Bubble Group which helps noncoder people to build website apps without writing a single line of code.
ILLA Cloud vs. Retool vs. Bubble - Unveiling the Best Low-Code Platforms
In the quest for the best low-code platform, Retool, Bubble, and ILLA Cloud all offer unique features and capabilities. While Retool shines with its self-hosted option and Bubble contributes to the open-source community, ILLA Cloud stands out as a powerful and flexible low-code platform. With its comprehensive feature set, affordable pricing models, and self-hosted...
13 Best Website Builders for Creators and Social Entrepreneurs(2023)
Bubble is the perfect platform for entrepreneurs and non-technical founders who want to bring their ideas to life quickly and efficiently. Get started today and launch your own fully functioning application in minutes!
Source: causeartist.com

Retool Reviews

Top 5 Dynobase alternatives you should know about - March 2025 Review
The choice ultimately depends on your environment and use case. Many teams use a combination of tools: for example, Dynomate for developers, and a Retool app for operations or support teams. By understanding the strengths of each alternative, you can select the tool (or combination of tools) that best integrates with your AWS workflow, making DynamoDB development smoother...
Source: www.dynomate.io
React UI Components Libraries: Our Top Picks for 2023
Retool offers extensive documentation and support. Its support is available on its Discourse forum, Slack (if you are a Retool power user), Intercom for live chat, and dedicated support for enterprise customers.
Source: kinsta.com
ILLA Cloud vs. Retool vs. Bubble - Unveiling the Best Low-Code Platforms
In the quest for the best low-code platform, Retool, Bubble, and ILLA Cloud all offer unique features and capabilities. While Retool shines with its self-hosted option and Bubble contributes to the open-source community, ILLA Cloud stands out as a powerful and flexible low-code platform. With its comprehensive feature set, affordable pricing models, and self-hosted...
Top 9 Low-Code Tools for 2023 for low-code development
Retool is a powerful low-code platform that enables developers to build internal tools and apps with ease. It offers a drag-and-drop interface and a wide range of pre-built components for seamless development. Retool integrates with various data sources and external services, allowing users to fetch data, perform calculations, and display results in real-time. Its...
Superblock vs Retool: A Comprehensive Comparison for Low-code development Platforms
Retool caters to a diverse audience, including developers, product managers, and business professionals. Developers benefit from Retool's low-code capabilities, allowing them to build applications quickly without sacrificing customization. Product managers can leverage Retool to streamline internal workflows and enable teams to be more productive. Business professionals can...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Bubble.io should be more popular than Retool. It has been mentiond 440 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Bubble.io mentions (440)

  • How to Use AI to Build Your Own Web App
    Bubble.io combines visual development with AI assistance to create a powerful platform for building complex web applications. While not purely AI-driven, Bubble has integrated AI features throughout its platform to assist with design decisions, workflow creation, and troubleshooting. - Source: dev.to / 5 days ago
  • Top 10 Programming Trends and Languages to Watch in 2025
    Low-code and no-code (LCNC) platforms are reshaping software development by enabling rapid application creation. Tools like OutSystems, Microsoft Power Apps, and Bubble facilitate development through drag-and-drop interfaces and pre-built components, minimizing the need for extensive coding. This empowers citizen developers and allows for quicker prototyping and deployment. - Source: dev.to / 3 days ago
  • The Ultimate Guide to Building Free Apps
    Bubble has established itself as one of the leading platforms for creating sophisticated web applications without code. Its free plan offers surprising depth for building fully functional apps. - Source: dev.to / 5 days ago
  • How Low-Code Platforms Are Changing the Future of App Development
    Bubble pioneered the visual development space and continues to offer one of the most comprehensive solutions for creating complex web applications without traditional coding. - Source: dev.to / 8 days ago
  • Top 15 Builder.ai Alternatives for 2025: Explore the Best App Development Platforms
    Best for: Customizable web apps without code Bubble allows users to build complex web apps without any coding. Its visual programming environment gives full control over logic, workflows, and design. - Source: dev.to / 12 days ago
View more

Retool mentions (99)

  • How Low-Code Platforms Are Changing the Future of App Development
    Retool has carved out a specific niche by excelling at internal tool creation. Companies use it to build dashboards, admin panels, and business process applications that would otherwise consume valuable engineering resources. - Source: dev.to / 8 days ago
  • Code or No Code? The AI Revolution in Web Development
    Retool – Low-code platform for business applications. - Source: dev.to / 2 months ago
  • I keep turning my Google Sheets into phone-friendly webapps, and I can't stop
    As mentioned by another poster, check out "Partner portals" section on https://retool.com/. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
  • How to Build Internal Tools 100x Faster
    It is possible to speed up the development and delivery process for many internal applications by using no-code or low code tools. These vary in offerings from open source to SaaS, including popular ones like AirTable, BudiBase, Retool, NocoDB and others. These can all greatly help speed up delivery times. - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • Do you need a No Code tool for Firebase?
    There are some No Code tools for Firebase. Some of them are fully integrated, some of them use some limited functions of Firebase through their API. If a tool allows you to integrate with a REST API, you probably can use it. Some of them are: FlutterFlow, JetAdmin, Retool, Bubble, etc. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Bubble.io and Retool, you can also consider the following products

Webflow - Build dynamic, responsive websites in your browser. Launch with a click. Or export your squeaky-clean code to host wherever you'd like. Discover the professional website builder made for designers.

Appsmith - Appsmith is an open source web framework for building internal tools, admin panels, dashboards, and workflows.

WiX - Create a free website with Wix.com. Customize with Wix' website builder, no coding skills needed. Choose a design, begin customizing and be online today

Airtable - Airtable works like a spreadsheet but gives you the power of a database to organize anything. Sign up for free.

WordPress - WordPress is web software you can use to create a beautiful website or blog. We like to say that WordPress is both free and priceless at the same time.

ToolJet - Open-source alternative for Retool