Bubble vs Retool: Full Comparison (2026)
Pricing, features, scores, and a clear verdict on which one is right for you.
The bottom line
Bubble positions itself as "visual full-stack no-code app builder" while Retool goes after "low-code platform for building internal tools" — so the right pick depends on which problem you're actually solving. Both use freemium pricing, but Bubble charges flat while Retool charges per seat — a meaningful difference for larger teams. Bubble (founded 2012) has had more time to build out its ecosystem and integrations, while Retool (2017) tends to move faster on modern UX and newer workflows.
At a glance
| Bubble | Retool | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 71/100 | 80/100 |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Visual full-stack no-code app builder | Low-code platform for building internal tools |
Pricing comparison
Calculate your cost
Feature comparison
core
| Feature | Bubble | Retool |
|---|---|---|
| Visual builder | Yes | No |
| Database (built-in) | Yes | No |
| Workflows/logic | Yes | No |
| API integrations | Yes | Yes |
| User auth | Yes | No |
| Drag-and-drop builder | No | Yes |
| Database connections | No | Yes |
| JavaScript logic | No | Yes |
| Pre-built components | No | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
What the data tells us
How costs scale
Bubble's pricing curve is steeper — the jump from its entry plan to its top tier is more dramatic than Retool's. If you're a growing team, model the 12-month cost at your projected team size, not just today's. Retool tends to stay more predictable as you add seats or usage.
Key capabilities you'd miss
Choosing Bubble means going without Drag-and-drop builder, Database connections, JavaScript logic (which Retool offers). Choosing Retool means losing Visual builder, Database (built-in), Workflows/logic. 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
Bubble (51-200 employees) has the engineering bench to ship features across many fronts but may iterate slower on individual requests. Retool (501-1,000 employees) typically ships faster on its core product but may lag on peripheral features. Consider which matters more for your roadmap.
Choose Bubble if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value powerful features over simplicity
- You need enterprise-grade capabilities
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 Bubble or Retool better?
Retool scores 80/100 compared to Bubble's 71/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — Bubble excels at ease of use (7/10) while Retool scores 8/10.
How much does Bubble cost compared to Retool?
Bubble starts at free (free tier available). Retool starts at free (free tier available). Bubble is the more affordable option.
Does Bubble or Retool have a free plan?
Yes, both Bubble and Retool offer free tiers, so you can try each before committing to a paid plan.
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