Appsmith vs ToolJet vs Budibase
Low-code platforms for building internal tools, alternatives to Retool. Appsmith and ToolJet connect databases and APIs; Budibase brings a built-in database and a more polished no-code UX.
| Tool | ★ GitHub | License | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| | 40,127 | Apache-2.0 | Java, Docker, K8S |
| | 38,052 | GPL-3.0 | Nodejs, Docker, K8S |
| | 28,051 | ⊘ Proprietary | Nodejs, Docker, K8S |
Popularity (★ on GitHub)
Appsmith lets you quickly build internal admin panels and CRUD apps, connecting databases and APIs. It's the open source alternative to Retool, running on your own infrastructure.
ToolJet is a low-code framework for building and shipping internal tools with little engineering effort. Self-hosted, it's the alternative to Retool with your data under control.
Budibase builds internal apps, dashboards and CRUD flows in minutes, with a built-in or connected database. Hosted by you, it's an open source alternative to OutSystems and Retool.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best self-hosted alternative among Appsmith, ToolJet, Budibase?
It depends on your case. Appsmith is the most popular (40,127 stars). Compare license, platform and features in the table above.
Are Appsmith, ToolJet, Budibase free?
Yes, they're all open source and self-hosted — you run them on your own server with no monthly fee.