Compare
Formbase vs Retool
Retool focuses on internal tools and data dashboards, not simple form backends.
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FormbaseBuild forms visually, get submissions instantly.
RetoolBuild internal tools on top of your dataWhich to pick
Pick Formbase if you want…
- Zero-code form backend
- A free tool
- Integrations with Slack, Webhooks or Email notifications (on Formbase's list, not Retool's)
Pick Retool if you want…
- Low-code internal tool builder with governance
- Building internal admin apps
- Integrations with PostgreSQL, Stripe or Okta (on Retool's list, not Formbase's)
Side by side
- What it is
- Formbase:Formbase provides a hosted backend for HTML/JS forms with a drag-and-drop visual builder and instant submissions.
- Retool:Retool lets you build, deploy, and manage internal tools that connect directly to databases, APIs, and LLMs.
- Best for
- Formbase:Zero-code form backend
- Retool:Low-code internal tool builder with governance
- Who it’s for
- Formbase:Web developers and product teams who need quick, serverless form handling.
- Retool:Product teams, engineers, and analysts building internal apps quickly
- Pricing
- Formbase:Free
- Retool:Freemium
- Plans
- Formbase:Standard Access $0
- Retool:Free $0 · Team $10 per builder/month · Business $50 per builder/month
- Works with
- Formbase:Slack, Webhooks, Email notifications, Headless API
- Retool:PostgreSQL, Stripe, Okta, Active Directory, GitHub, Segment, Google Analytics
Formbase features
- Visual Form Builder. Drag-and-drop interface with live preview to create forms without code.
- Team Spaces. Real-time collaborative environments for shared form projects.
- Anti-Spam ML Filtering. Machine-learning based spam protection for incoming submissions.
- Instant Edge Delivery. Forms are served from the edge for low-latency submissions.
- Webhooks. Send form payloads to any endpoint via configurable webhooks.
- Responsive Design. Forms automatically adapt to mobile and desktop layouts.
- Audit Logs. Developer-grade logs track submission history and changes.
- Slack Integration. Receive form notifications directly in Slack channels.
Retool features
- Unified app builder. Create production-ready internal apps via a visual UI or AI-generated prompts.
- AI agents integration. Use MCP server or CLI to build apps with AI agents and deploy within Retool.
- Direct data connections. Connect securely to any database, API, or LLM with existing permissions.
- Governance & security. Built-in auth, RBAC, audit logs, and SSO for enterprise compliance.
- Workflow automation. Design and run automated workflows with triggers, steps, and scheduling.
- Mobile & offline support. Deploy native iOS/Android/PWA apps with offline mode and push notifications.
- Reusable modules & themes. Share components, queries, and visual themes across apps.
- Versioning & source control. Track releases, revert changes, and integrate with Git.
Formbase vs Retool FAQ
Is Formbase or Retool free?+
Formbase is free. Retool has a free plan and paid plans.
Do Formbase and Retool integrate with the same tools?+
Their integration lists don't overlap: Formbase lists Slack, Webhooks, Email notifications and Headless API; Retool lists PostgreSQL, Stripe, Okta, Active Directory and 3 more.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.