AdminJS vs Retool

AdminJS is a self-hosted, web-based admin panel for Node.js applications. It puts data management for application resources in one interface, with create, read, update, and delete operations. ORM and ODM integrations supply validation rules, data types, and relationships, while adapters connect SQL and NoSQL databases and APIs. Users can filter records using multiple criteria and run custom actions on one record, several records, or an entire resource. Authentication and role-based access control are included, with restrictions set for resources or records. Developers familiar with React and Node.js can change panel behavior, styling, CSS, and rendered components. Its React design system uses styled components for layouts and interface changes. Listed connectors include MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle, SAP HANA, Microsoft SQL, MongoDB, and ORM/ODM models. The open-source edition is free under the MIT license. Paid services include training, consulting, and development packages.

Retool provides tools for building apps and automations that connect to a business’s own data and can run in its infrastructure or the cloud. Its AI-native app builder generates a working app from a description for users to refine. The product supports web apps, progressive web apps, and native iOS and Android apps; mobile apps can take photos, scan barcodes, capture signatures, and read NFC tags. Workflows support scheduled and webhook triggers, custom error handling, and automatic retry policies. Listed connections include REST API, Google Sheets, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Firebase, GraphQL, Snowflake, Salesforce, and Slack. Retool lists role-based access controls, audit logging, SSO, independent workspaces, and self-hosting among its security capabilities. It says queries run against customers’ own data sources and that it does not store their data. Hosting can be in the cloud or self-hosted in a customer VPC, with Docker setup listed for self-hosting. The free plan supports up to five users. Team costs $10 a month per builder and $5 a month per internal user, with the listed Team features including 5,000 workflow runs and 1,000 AI credits monthly.