How to Build Your Own Retool
Replace Retool with a custom build. Build internal software better, with AI
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 51 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 51 features
AI(8 features)
Evaluate and test agents to optimize performance and decision-making
Monitor and track agent behavior to understand performance and efficiency
Control parameters like temperature and max iterations of a wide array of model choices
AI-powered digital workers that use LLMs to complete tasks, make decisions, and automate labor-intensive workflows
Generate apps from natural language prompts that are schema-aware, contextually grounded, and fully editable
+3 more in this category
Development(7 features)
Full customization in code - write, edit, and debug directly in the IDE and insert custom code anywhere
Create and use custom React components in your Retool applications
Reuse groups of components and queries between Retool applications
Programmatically manage your Retool projects with full access to all API scopes
Build, share, and reuse queries for any database or API with Retool's IDE
+2 more in this category
Security(7 features)
Restrict agent and tool access with robust RBAC controls
Track every query run against your databases and APIs, as well as user actions taken in Retool
Protect access to apps using on-device facial or fingerprint recognition
Integrate with Okta, Active Directory, or any other SAML or OpenID SSO provider
Trigger custom logic in response to events in Retool, like org invitations or password reset requests
+2 more in this category
Automation(6 features)
Trigger custom error messages and set automatic retry policies in the event of a workflow failure
Run your workflow on a set schedule
Trigger event-based workflows with a webhook event or API call
Execute workflows with 500 runs/month on Free tier, 5,000 on Team and Business tiers, additional runs available for purchase
Unlimited workflow steps representing blocks on the canvas that transform, read from, or write to your data
+1 more in this category
Data(3 features)
Get external access to the PostgreSQL database via connection strings
Migrate schema changes between environments with isolated tables for each environment
Build apps that read and write from data sources using SQL
Analytics(2 features)
Create business intelligence dashboards and admin panels for data visualization and analysis
Monitor usage across all apps and users to understand consumption patterns
Application Type(2 features)
Build native mobile apps and deploy on iOS, Android, or as a PWA with support for offline mode and push notifications
Build browser-based applications with unlimited web apps across all plans
Branding(2 features)
Customize headers, sign-up and login pages, email invites, and more in app presentation mode
Fully white-label apps and launch your own branded app to iOS and Android app stores
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Retool
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 51 features at very easy complexity.