Side by side
Mendix vs Retool
Both stand on no-code app builders. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+4
Mendix combines visual application development with custom code, integrations, and several deployment options. The free plan lacks support and guaranteed availability, while paid Standard plans have listed monthly prices and cloud deployment may add cost.
Visit Mendix
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+2
Retool brings app building, mobile capabilities, and workflow automation together around a business’s data. Check plan user limits, workflow allowances, and AI credit terms before choosing a tier.
Visit RetoolThe facts
| Mendix | Retool | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Android, API, iPhone, Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Standard — One App: $1,090 a month | Team: $10 a month |
| Plans published | 7 | 4 |
| Maker | Mendix | Retool |
| Website | mendix.com | retool.com |
| On no-code app builders | #6 of 177 | #10 of 177 |
Mendix: what it does well
- Visual models cover logic, data, workflows, and UX.
- Supports custom code alongside visual development.
- Can connect external LLMs, agents, and tools.
- Offers public-cloud and on-premises deployment.
- Free plan includes unlimited users.
What to know first
- Free plan excludes product support.
- Free plan has no guaranteed availability.
- Cloud deployment may cost extra on Standard plans.
Retool: what it does well
- Build web, progressive web, and native mobile apps.
- Workflows support scheduled and webhook triggers.
- Self-hosting in a customer VPC is available.
- Queries run against customers’ own data sources.
- Mobile apps can scan barcodes and capture signatures.
What to know first
- Free plan is limited to five users.
- Team includes 5,000 workflow runs per month.
- AI credits renew monthly and do not roll over.
Alternatives to Mendix Alternatives to Retool The whole list