Aaikansh
August 29, 2023

ToolJet vs DronaHQ: Empowering Business

In the phase of rapid application development, DronaHQ and ToolJet have emerged as key players, offering low-code solutions for creating internal tools. As businesses strive to enhance efficiency and tailor-made solutions, choosing between DronaHQ and ToolJet becomes crucial. In this comparison, we’ll take a closer look at the features, benefits, and potential limitations of both platforms to determine which one best suits the task of turning innovative concepts into functional tools.

 

What is Tooljet?

Tooljet is a low-code platform that focuses on accelerating the development of complex internal tools. It enables organizations to build such tools quickly with minimal engineering efforts. By providing an open-source and user-friendly environment, ToolJet aims to maximize productivity, reduce costs, and expedite deployment. It offers a built-in database solution that is powered by PostgreSQL. 


Pros of Tooljet:

  • Intuitive Interface: ToolJet’s user-friendly interface, combined with the drag-and-drop feature, simplifies the application creation process, enabling users to design and develop applications with ease.
  • Feature-Rich Platform: With support for API integration, and custom code, ToolJet extends its capabilities beyond basic application development, catering to more complex requirements.
  • Custom Component Library: ToolJet’s provision of a custom component library empowers users to design and develop their own unique components. This flexibility allows for the creation of tailored solutions that precisely match the requirements of their applications. 
  • Language Flexibility: ToolJet supports both JavaScript and Python, allowing developers to harness the power of their preferred programming languages for custom logic and data transformations.


Cons of Tooljet:

  • Limited Visual Elements: ToolJet’s visual elements might be insufficient to accommodate the complexity of certain projects, potentially limiting the customization and design options available to users.
  • Limited Third-Party Integrations: The platform’s limited support for third-party integrations could pose challenges for applications that require seamless connectivity with external services or tools.
  • Lack of API Authentication Methods: The absence of various API authentication methods, such as JWT, NTLM, Hawk, Digest, and PKCE, might hinder the integration of applications with diverse authentication requirements.
  • No AI Assistance: ToolJet does not provide AI assistance during the application development process, potentially missing out on automated suggestions or optimizations that AI-powered tools could offer.
  • Missing Visual Actionflow Builder: The lack of a visual actionflow builder might impact the ability to create and manage complex workflows within applications, which could be a limitation for certain use cases.

 

What is DronaHQ?

DronaHQ is a modern low-code app development platform used by developers, CTOs, and product managers to build internal tools on top of any databases, APIs, or third-party app without the need for extensive coding. It offers a rich library of pre-built UI components, pre-designed app templates, and ready DB and API connectors, enabling organizations to build internal tools quickly with minimal engineering efforts. 

Bridging technical expertise and innovation, DronaHQ facilitates efficient workflow management, data visualization, and internal tool creation, optimizing operations and accelerating idea implementation. 


Pros of DronaHQ:

  • Extensive Integration Capabilities: DronaHQ supports a wide range of integrations with third-party services like WhatsApp, Slack, Twilio, etc., APIs, and data sources, enabling seamless connectivity and data flow between applications.
  • Responsive Design: DronaHQ’s applications are designed to be responsive, providing a consistent and user-friendly experience across various devices and screen sizes.
  • Enterprise-Grade Security: DronaHQ is SOC-II and ISO 27001 certified, ensuring that applications built on the platform adhere to industry best practices and data protection standards.
  • Flexible Pricing: DronaHQ offers user-based pricing, allowing organizations to choose plans that suit their specific needs. Additionally, the availability of $0 developer plans can make the platform accessible for small projects and individual developers.
  • Comprehensive Add-Ons: DronaHQ’s array of add-ons, including a PDF generator, automations, built-in database, and embed apps feature, enriches the platform’s capabilities, catering to a wide range of application requirements.
  • Visual Actionflow Builder: DronaHQ’s visual action flow builder simplifies the creation of complex workflows, offering a user-friendly interface to design and manage intricate processes within applications.
  • Assistive AI for Database Queries and Code: DronaHQ’s Assistive AI assists in database queries and generating JavaScript code for data transformations, streamlining tasks that might otherwise require manual coding.
  • Auto-Generate CRUD Interfaces and Forms: DronaHQ’s auto-generate feature accelerates development by automatically creating CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) interfaces and forms, saving time and effort in building these common application components.
  • API Authentication Methods: The platform offers a range of API authentication methods, including Standard, JWT, NTLM, Hawk, oAuth 1.0a, Digest, and PKCE. This versatility accommodates various security requirements when integrating with external services and APIs.


Cons of DronaHQ:

  • Limited Publishing in Free Plan: The absence of an option to publish apps in the free plan might restrict the ability to share and deploy applications without upgrading to a paid plan.
  • Not Open Source: DronaHQ not being an open-source platform could limit the degree of customization and control that some organizations prefer when it comes to their development tools.

 

DronaHQ vs. Tooljet vs. Retool: A detailed comparison of features

DronaHQTooljetRetool
UI builder and apps
Editor2 editors – Simple and Advanced (CSS friendly)1 editor1 editor – simple only
Screen typesHeader, Screen, Pop up, Menu, Drawer/TraySingle basic screenScreens and modals
Components/Controls120+ components50+ components100 components
TemplatesReady templates for different screen typesNo templatesReady templates available
MobileSame apps can be for mobile and webNeed to build seperately for mobile and webDifferent apps needed to be built for mobile and web
EmbedAvailableAvailableAvailable
Secure EmbedAvailableNot availableLimited features
Public AppsAvailableAvailableLimited features
Visual actionflowsAvailableNot availableNot available
Step by step debugging of actionflowsAvailableNot availableNot available
Form repeats – self repeating formsAvailableNot availableNot available
Tab indexAvailableNot availableNot available
Unified rule and validation engineAvailableNot availableEach component individually
Inline editing in table gridAvailableNot availableAvailable
LocalizationAvailableAvailableNot available
Assistive AI in queries and JSAvailableNot availableAvailable
Data environmentsUnlimitedDev, Staging, ProdDev, staging, prod
Auto generate CRUD and formsAvailable on SQL databasesNot availableNot available
AutomationsAvailableNot availableOnly Cloud
WorkflowsAvailableNot availableAvailable
PDF CreatorAvailableNot availableNot available
Connectors
DatabasesStandard + IAM role (self hosted) + existing SSH keys.Standard + IAM roleStandard
REST, SOAP, GraphQLStandardStandardStandard
API auth methodsStandard + JWT, NTLM, Hawk, oAuth 1.0a, Digest, PKCE etc.Basic, Bearer, and OAuth 2.0Standard
Multi step authAll above auth + JS codeNot availableCustom auth
Ready APIsSlack, Google sheets, Airtable, Salesforce, Twilio, AWS etc.Multiple options.Limited options.
SFTPAvailableNot availableNot available
FTPAvailableNot availableNot available
ProtocolsGrpc, sftp, smtp, shell scriptGrpc (self-hosted), SmtpLimited and only on self hosted.
User management and ecosystem
SSOOIDC, SAML, Google and Custom in cloud and self hosted.okta, Google, Github, OpenID connect and LDAPOIDC, SAML only in Self hosted.
User rolesOwner, admin, userAdmin, userOwner, admin, user
PermissionsUser and group based including granularity of environments.User and group basedLimited permissions.
BrandingAvailable from business plan onwardsAvailable from business plan onwards
App catalogMultiple groups – show different appsAvailableNot available
App and user analyticsAvailableNot availableNot available
Different creator and user portalsAvailableNot availableNot available
Advanced security optionsIP whitelisting, device restrictions etc.Whitelisted IP, TLS only on cloudNot available
Role-based viewsYesNot supported
Help & Support
Dedicated supportFirst to offer 24*7 on-call assistance for customersSupport via phone, private portal & emailOnly in the enterprise plan
CommunityExtensiveExtensiveExtensive
DocumentationComprehensiveComprehensiveComprehensive

 

| Ready to level up your app development game with the perfect ToolJet alternative? Get started with DronaHQ

Making the Choice: DronaHQ or ToolJet

As we’ve explored the features, advantages, and potential drawbacks of both platforms, it’s evident that each offers a unique set of benefits tailored to diverse needs.

DronaHQ shines with its flexibility, accommodating both no-code and low-code users while providing a wealth of customization options. The platform’s extensive integration capabilities, responsive design, and scalability make it a contender for those seeking a versatile toolset. The presence of AI assistance, visual action flow builders, and support for multiple API authentication methods further enhance its appeal.

On the other hand, ToolJet boasts its focus on rapid internal tool development, enabling organizations to streamline their workflows efficiently. With its intuitive user interface and features like real-time collaboration, custom component library, and support for JavaScript and Python, ToolJet caters to the needs of those aiming to swiftly bring internal tools to life.

In the realm of low-code development, both DronaHQ and ToolJet present a canvas for innovation and efficiency. DronaHQ excels in its range of add-ons, user-based pricing, and comprehensive support, while ToolJet stands out for its ease of use and rapid tool creation.

Ultimately, the choice between DronaHQ and ToolJet depends on your organization’s unique requirements, project complexity, and desired outcomes.

Get started with DronaHQ today and start building your first low-code application now!

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