kitio.aiBase44 vs Retool
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Retool has the lower starting price: about $12 a month, against $20 for Base44.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Built-in database
- User authentication
- Built-in integrations
- Visual editor
- Custom domains
- AI app generation
- Database and API connectors
- Retool Agents
- Workflows
- Self-hosting
| Feature | Base44 | Retool |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Wix-owned AI builder for apps with backend included | Build internal tools and AI apps on your company data |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $20/mo | $12/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Wix | Retool |
| Based in | Israel | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Retool has the lower starting price: about $12 a month, against $20 for Base44.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
5 plans
Free
Free
- 25 message credits / month
- 100 integration credits / month
- Up to 5 apps
Starter
$20/mo
- 100 message credits / month
- 2,000 integration credits / month
- Connect a custom domain
Builder
$50/mo
- 250 message credits / month
- 10,000 integration credits / month
- GitHub integration
Pro
$100/mo
- 500 message credits / month
- 20,000 integration credits / month
Elite
$200/mo
- 1,200 message credits / month
- 50,000 integration credits / month
- Premium support
4 plans
Free
Free
- Up to 5 users
- Retool Cloud
- Production environment only
Team
$12/mo
- Per builder, internal users extra
- Unlimited users
- Staging and production
Business
$65/mo
- Per builder, internal users extra
- External users and embedded apps
- Audit logs, rich permissions
Enterprise
Custom
- Cloud, self-hosted or air-gapped
- Audit log streaming
- Bring your own AI key
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Base44
- Backend works without configuration
- Beginner-friendly
- Good for internal tools
- Two credit meters to track
- Limited control over hosting
Retool
- Huge connector library
- Strong permissions and audit
- Free plan for small teams
- Enterprise contracts are costly
- Apps live inside Retool
Which one should you choose?
Choose Base44 if you want:
- Backend works without configuration
- Beginner-friendly
- Good for internal tools
Watch out: two credit meters to track.
Choose Retool if you want:
- Huge connector library
- Strong permissions and audit
- Free plan for small teams
Watch out: enterprise contracts are costly.
Base44 vs Retool FAQ
What is the difference between Base44 and Retool?
Base44: Wix-owned AI builder for apps with backend included. Retool: Build internal tools and AI apps on your company data. Both are coding tools.
Is Base44 or Retool cheaper?
Retool has the lower starting price: about $12 a month, against $20 for Base44.
Do Base44 and Retool have free plans?
Base44: Yes. Retool: Yes.
Who makes Base44?
Base44 is made by Wix, based in Israel.
Who makes Retool?
Retool is made by Retool, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Base44 or Retool?
Choose Base44 if you value backend works without configuration and beginner-friendly. Choose Retool if you value huge connector library and strong permissions and audit.