Replacement Guide

How to Build Your Own Retool

Replace Retool with a custom build. Build internal software better, with AI

Weekend Project
51 features7 integrationsOne weekend

Estimated Timeline

Based on 51 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.

1
Setup & scaffolding
2 hours
2
Core features
4-6 hours
3
Polish & deploy
2 hours

Recommended Tech Stack

Next.js 14

Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components

Supabase

PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions

Tailwind CSS

Utility-first styling for rapid UI development

Key Features to Replicate

Top features across 8 categories. See all 51 features

AI(8 features)

Agent EvaluationsAIPremium

Evaluate and test agents to optimize performance and decision-making

Agent ObservabilityAIPremium

Monitor and track agent behavior to understand performance and efficiency

Agent TuningAIPremium

Control parameters like temperature and max iterations of a wide array of model choices

AgentsAIPremium

AI-powered digital workers that use LLMs to complete tasks, make decisions, and automate labor-intensive workflows

AI AppGenAI

Generate apps from natural language prompts that are schema-aware, contextually grounded, and fully editable

+3 more in this category

Development(7 features)

Code Editor

Full customization in code - write, edit, and debug directly in the IDE and insert custom code anywhere

Custom React ComponentsPremium

Create and use custom React components in your Retool applications

Modules

Reuse groups of components and queries between Retool applications

Platform APIsPremium

Programmatically manage your Retool projects with full access to all API scopes

Query Library

Build, share, and reuse queries for any database or API with Retool's IDE

+2 more in this category

Security(7 features)

Agent Access ControlAIPremium

Restrict agent and tool access with robust RBAC controls

Audit LoggingPremium

Track every query run against your databases and APIs, as well as user actions taken in Retool

Biometric AuthenticationPremium

Protect access to apps using on-device facial or fingerprint recognition

Custom SSOPremium

Integrate with Okta, Active Directory, or any other SAML or OpenID SSO provider

Orchestrated GovernancePremium

Trigger custom logic in response to events in Retool, like org invitations or password reset requests

+2 more in this category

Automation(6 features)

Custom Error Handling

Trigger custom error messages and set automatic retry policies in the event of a workflow failure

Schedule Trigger

Run your workflow on a set schedule

Webhook Trigger

Trigger event-based workflows with a webhook event or API call

Workflow Runs

Execute workflows with 500 runs/month on Free tier, 5,000 on Team and Business tiers, additional runs available for purchase

Workflow Steps

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)

Connection StringsPremium

Get external access to the PostgreSQL database via connection strings

Schema MigrationsPremium

Migrate schema changes between environments with isolated tables for each environment

SQL Query Builder

Build apps that read and write from data sources using SQL

Analytics(2 features)

Interactive Dashboards

Create business intelligence dashboards and admin panels for data visualization and analysis

Usage AnalyticsPremium

Monitor usage across all apps and users to understand consumption patterns

Application Type(2 features)

Mobile AppsPremium

Build native mobile apps and deploy on iOS, Android, or as a PWA with support for offline mode and push notifications

Web Apps

Build browser-based applications with unlimited web apps across all plans

Branding(2 features)

Custom BrandingPremium

Customize headers, sign-up and login pages, email invites, and more in app presentation mode

Full White-labelingPremium

Fully white-label apps and launch your own branded app to iOS and Android app stores

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying Retool

Monthly$90/mo
Yearly$1.1k/yr
5-Year Total$5.4k

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~4 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 YearSave $840
SaaS
$1.1k
DIY
$240
3 YearsSave $2.5k
SaaS
$3.2k
DIY
$720
5 YearsSave $4.2k
SaaS
$5.4k
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 51 features at very easy complexity.

Ready to Build?