AWS Amplify vs Retool: Full Comparison (2026)
Pricing, features, scores, and a clear verdict on which one is right for you.
The bottom line
AWS Amplify positions itself as "full-stack hosting and backend for web and mobile apps on aws" while Retool goes after "low-code platform for building internal tools" — so the right pick depends on which problem you're actually solving. They take different commercial approaches — AWS Amplify uses a usage-based-based model and Retool a freemium approach, which affects how costs scale as your team grows.
At a glance
| AWS Amplify | Retool | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 68/100 | 80/100 |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Full-stack hosting and backend for web and mobile apps on AWS | Low-code platform for building internal tools |
Pricing comparison
Calculate your cost
Feature comparison
core
| Feature | AWS Amplify | Retool |
|---|---|---|
| Git push deploys | Yes | No |
| Preview environments | Yes | No |
| Custom domains | Yes | No |
| Automatic HTTPS | Yes | No |
| Build pipeline | Yes | No |
| Drag-and-drop builder | No | Yes |
| Database connections | No | Yes |
| API integrations | No | Yes |
| JavaScript logic | No | Yes |
| Pre-built components | No | Yes |
advanced
| Feature | AWS Amplify | Retool |
|---|---|---|
| Auth (Cognito) | Yes | No |
| API (AppSync/API GW) | Yes | No |
| Storage (S3) | Yes | No |
| Functions (Lambda) | Yes | No |
| Hosting SSR | Yes | No |
| Workflows (automation) | No | Yes |
| Retool AI | No | Yes |
| Mobile apps | No | Business+ |
| Self-hosted | No | Business+ |
| Custom components | No | Yes |
integrations
| Feature | AWS Amplify | Retool |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub | Yes | No |
| GitLab | Yes | No |
| Bitbucket | Yes | No |
| All AWS services | Yes | No |
| AWS CodeCommit | Yes | No |
| PostgreSQL | No | Yes |
| MySQL | No | Yes |
| MongoDB | No | Yes |
| Salesforce | No | Yes |
| REST APIs | No | Yes |
| GraphQL | No | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
What the data tells us
Key capabilities you'd miss
Choosing AWS Amplify means going without Drag-and-drop builder, Database connections, API integrations (which Retool offers). Choosing Retool means losing Git push deploys, Preview environments, Custom domains. These are the features that typically drive the final decision — check whether your workflow depends on any of them before committing.
What company size tells you
Retool (501-1,000 employees) has the engineering bench to ship features across many fronts but may iterate slower on individual requests. AWS Amplify (100,000+ employees) typically ships faster on its core product but may lag on peripheral features. Consider which matters more for your roadmap.
Choose AWS Amplify if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value powerful features over simplicity
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Choose Retool if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- You need enterprise-grade capabilities
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS Amplify or Retool better?
Retool scores 80/100 compared to AWS Amplify's 68/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — AWS Amplify excels at ease of use (6/10) while Retool scores 8/10.
How much does AWS Amplify cost compared to Retool?
AWS Amplify starts at free (free tier available). Retool starts at free (free tier available). AWS Amplify is the more affordable option.
Does AWS Amplify or Retool have a free plan?
Yes, both AWS Amplify and Retool offer free tiers, so you can try each before committing to a paid plan.
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