Retool vs Softr
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Retool starts at $12/mo and Softr starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- AI app generation
- Database and API connectors
- Retool Agents
- Workflows
- Self-hosting
- AI app generation
- Softr Databases
- Airtable and Sheets sync
- User permissions
- Workflows
| Feature | Retool | Softr |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Build internal tools and AI apps on your company data | AI app builder for business apps, portals and internal tools |
| Category | Coding | Coding |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | $12/mo | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Retool | Softr |
| Based in | United States | Germany |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
|
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Both offer: AI app generation, Workflows.
Pricing compared
Retool starts at $12/mo and Softr starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
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
Retool
- Huge connector library
- Strong permissions and audit
- Free plan for small teams
- Enterprise contracts are costly
- Apps live inside Retool
Softr
- Easy for non-technical teams
- Good for portals
- Connects to existing data
- Less flexible than code
- Limits on records and workflows
Which one should you choose?
Choose Retool if you want:
- Huge connector library
- Strong permissions and audit
- Free plan for small teams
Watch out: enterprise contracts are costly.
Choose Softr if you want:
- Easy for non-technical teams
- Good for portals
- Connects to existing data
Watch out: less flexible than code.
Retool vs Softr FAQ
What is the difference between Retool and Softr?
Retool: Build internal tools and AI apps on your company data. Softr: AI app builder for business apps, portals and internal tools. Both are coding tools.
Is Retool or Softr cheaper?
Retool starts at $12/mo and Softr starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Retool and Softr have free plans?
Retool: Yes. Softr: Yes.
Who makes Retool?
Retool is made by Retool, based in United States.
Who makes Softr?
Softr is made by Softr, based in Germany.
Which should I choose, Retool or Softr?
Choose Retool if you value huge connector library and strong permissions and audit. Choose Softr if you value easy for non-technical teams and good for portals.