Gayatri

November 27, 2024

Top 7 Appsmith alternatives to explore in 2025

The low-code market has evolved from a niche segment to a dominant force in custom application development, valued at $7.61 billion in 2021 and projected to reach $36.43 billion by 2027. Platforms like Appsmith have become popular for their ability to simplify internal tool development with an open-source framework and drag-and-drop interface. However, as businesses’ needs become more complex, many users seek alternatives that address specific shortcomings in Appsmith’s functionality, performance, or scalability.

In this article, we’ll explore the top Appsmith alternatives that cater to varying requirements—whether you’re a developer looking for advanced customization options or a business leader seeking cost-effective, no-code solutions. We’ll highlight the strengths, limitations, pricing, and ideal use cases for each platform, enabling you to make an informed decision.

Let’s dive into the alternatives and discover which platform best fits your organization’s needs.

DronaHQ
Retool
UI Bakery
Superblocks
ToolJet
Budibase
Jet Admin

Appsmith Review

Appsmith is an open-source low-code framework designed for building custom internal tools, dashboards, and workflows. With a drag-and-drop interface and a library of pre-built components, Appsmith enables developers to create solutions quickly while connecting to various databases and APIs. Its open-source nature appeals to developers who prioritize transparency and community-driven innovation.

Advantages

Extensive library of drag-and-drop UI components.
Open-source framework with a large developer community.
Flexible JavaScript integration for dynamic customizations.
Free plan with unlimited applications and data source connections.
Easy deployment options to self-host on platforms like Docker and Kubernetes.

Disadvantages

Performance issues with large, complex applications due to browser-based architecture.
Limited support for mobile applications; primarily focuses on web apps.
Lack of built-in workflow automation and scheduled jobs.
Requires coding knowledge for advanced customizations and configurations.
No native analytics or observability tools for debugging.

Pricing

Free Plan: $0/month with unlimited apps and connections.
Business Plan: $0.40/hour per user (capped at $20/month per user).
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing tailored to organizational needs.

Who is it an Ideal Fit For?

Developers comfortable with JavaScript and looking for an open-source platform.
Small teams or startups with budget constraints.
Organizations prioritizing transparency and self-hosted deployments.

Best Use Cases

Admin panels for internal operations.
CRUD interfaces for managing database records.
Dashboards for data visualization and monitoring.

Customer Feedback or Reviews Users appreciate Appsmith’s open-source nature and flexibility but often cite performance and scalability as areas for improvement. Its reliance on coding for advanced features can also pose challenges for non-technical users.

DronaHQ: A versatile Appsmith alternative

DronaHQ is a low-code platform that allows teams to build rich, responsive applications for both web and mobile. It combines an intuitive drag-and-drop interface with robust customization options, enabling developers and non-technical users to create powerful tools without extensive coding. DronaHQ’s standout features include its pre-built connectors, hosted database, and ability to develop public-facing and internal tools alike.

Advantages

Support for both web and mobile applications.
150+ pre-built UI components for faster app development.
Workflow automation through a visual point-and-click builder.
Native connectors to databases, APIs, and third-party services like MongoDB, Airtable, and PostgreSQL.
Ability to create reusable custom components using JavaScript.
Options for light and dark mode, app themes, and advanced UI customizations.
ISO 27001 and SOC-II certification, ensuring compliance with stringent security standards.

Disadvantages

Not HIPAA compliant by default; requires on-premises deployment for specific security needs.
Custom domain support and white-labeling are restricted to higher-tier plans.
The platform is not open-source, which may deter developers seeking full transparency.

Pricing

Flexible pricing plans starting at $10/month per user.
Developer-only plans available, enabling unlimited end-user apps.
Free 30-day trial for business plans.

Who is it an Ideal Fit For?

Teams building both internal and customer-facing tools.
Developers seeking a platform with advanced customization and reusable components.
Businesses prioritizing security and scalability for large user bases.

Appsmith vs DronaHQ

DronaHQ supports both web and mobile apps, unlike Appsmith’s web-only focus.
Offers native workflow automation, addressing a key gap in Appsmith.
Provides a hosted database and spreadsheet-like interface, reducing dependency on external services.
More intuitive UI builder with visual logic and validation rules, catering to non-technical users.

Best Use Cases

Progressive data capture forms and CRUD apps.
Customer engagement tools like survey forms and order capture apps.
Internal dashboards and database GUIs for SQL/NoSQL databases.
AI-powered applications leveraging OpenAI connectors and custom LLMs.

Users praise DronaHQ for its versatility and ease of use. The platform’s ability to build mobile-responsive apps and its extensive component library and integration capabilities stand out as key strengths.

Retool: A developer-focused Alternative

Retool is a low-code platform designed for building internal tools and web applications. Known for its developer-friendly interface, Retool allows users to connect to data sources, APIs, and third-party services with ease. It’s an ideal choice for engineering teams that need to build sophisticated tools quickly.

Advantages

Extensive pre-built components for rapid app development.
Seamless integrations with databases, APIs, and third-party tools.
Strong JavaScript support for advanced customization.
Workflow automation through event-driven logic.
Supports granular permissions and user roles.

Disadvantages

Limited support for mobile apps; primarily web-focused.
Pricing scales quickly with the number of users.
Requires coding knowledge for more complex applications.

Pricing

Free Plan: $0/month for up to 5 users with limited features.
Team Plan: $12/month per user.
Business Plan: $65/month per user.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing.

Who is it an Ideal Fit For?

Developers and engineering teams with coding expertise.
Organizations needing custom internal tools with advanced logic.
Teams requiring strong database and API integrations.

Appsmith vs Retool

Retool offers more robust integrations and a stronger focus on enterprise-grade features.
Its workflow automation capabilities are more advanced, enabling multi-step actions.
However, its higher price point can be

UI Bakery: A cost-effective low-code solution

UI Bakery is a low-code platform focused on simplifying the development of internal tools and business applications. It combines an intuitive drag-and-drop interface with powerful customization options, making it a suitable choice for teams aiming to build responsive web applications without extensive coding expertise.

Advantages

Offers a rich library of pre-built components for streamlined app development.
Features workflow automation with support for scheduled jobs and webhooks.
Provides multi-step APIs for complex workflows, enhancing logic and usability.
Enables extensive UI customization to match branding needs.
Responsive design ensures apps work across mobile and desktop platforms.
Fixed pricing models support scalability without unpredictable costs.

Disadvantages

Primarily supports web applications; no functionality for native mobile apps.
Not open-source, which may deter developers seeking full control.
Deployment can be complex, especially for on-premise setups.
Smaller team size compared to competitors, leading to limited resources for enterprise-level support.
Requires basic technical knowledge to unlock full potential, posing a learning curve for non-technical users.

Pricing

Free Plan: $0/month with limited features.
Standard Plan: $6/month per user.
Business Plan: $50/month per developer, including workflow automation.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing tailored to organizational needs.

Who is it an Ideal Fit For?

Small and medium-sized businesses needing cost-effective internal tools.
Teams prioritizing responsive design and branding customizations.
Developers seeking multi-step APIs and workflow automation.
Non-technical users comfortable with basic learning curves.

Appsmith vs UI Bakery

UI Bakery excels in workflow automation and multi-step API integrations, which Appsmith lacks.
Unlike Appsmith’s usage-based pricing, UI Bakery offers predictable fixed-cost plans, making it more suitable for large user bases.
UI Bakery’s UI customization capabilities are more advanced than Appsmith’s.
While Appsmith is open-source, UI Bakery offers proprietary ease of use, catering better to SMBs.

Best Use Cases

Building customer support tools like ticketing systems.
Automating workflows with API integrations and scheduled jobs.
Creating data dashboards for real-time monitoring and reporting.
Designing salesforce-integrated tools for seamless data management.

Users highlight UI Bakery’s sleek UI design and cost-effective pricing as standout features. However, some note that the platform’s reliance on technical knowledge for advanced features could be challenging for non-technical teams.

Superblocks: Enterprise-ready low-code platform

Superblocks is an enterprise-grade low-code platform designed to build custom internal applications, workflows, and scheduled jobs with ease. Its focus on extensibility through code and robust enterprise features makes it ideal for organizations requiring scalability and performance.

Advantages

Supports NodeJS, Python, and JavaScript for extensibility.
Multi-threaded frontends and elastic backends for scalability.
Workflow automation and scheduled job features.
Integrates with databases, APIs, and observability tools like Datadog.
Supports real-time capabilities through event-driven architectures.

Disadvantages

Newer platform with a limited track record.
No support for native mobile apps.
High pricing for enterprise-grade features.
Advanced functionalities may require developer expertise.

Pricing

Free Plan: Basic features for individuals or small teams.
Business Plan: $70/month per creator and $21/month per user.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing tailored to large organizations.

Who is it an Ideal Fit For?

Enterprise teams requiring scalable and high-performance internal tools.
Developers needing extensibility through code.
Organizations managing real-time workflows or event-driven architectures.

Appsmith vs Superblocks

Better scalability and real-time capabilities than Appsmith.
Targets enterprise users with premium pricing, unlike Appsmith’s free tier.
Lacks native mobile support, similar to Appsmith.

Best Use Cases

Real-time dashboards and fraud alert systems.
Automating workflows for enterprise-grade applications.
Integrating with monitoring tools for production observability.

Users commend Superblocks for its enterprise-grade features and real-time capabilities, though its pricing and lack of native mobile support are seen as limitations.

ToolJet: Open-source alternative for internal tools

ToolJet is an open-source low-code platform for building internal tools. With a drag-and-drop interface and support for JavaScript and Python, ToolJet is suitable for teams looking for a customizable, community-driven platform.

Advantages

Fully open-source with community-driven development.
Drag-and-drop builder simplifies application creation.
Extensive integrations with databases and APIs.
Workflow automation with scheduled jobs and event-based triggers.
Free self-hosting option for cost savings.

Disadvantages

Performance issues with large-scale applications.
Limited customization options for advanced frontend design.
Basic mobile support, primarily web-focused.
Small component library compared to competitors.

Pricing

Free Plan: Fully open-source with essential features.
Business Plan: $30/month per builder and $10/month per end user.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for advanced support and features.

Who is it an Ideal Fit For?

Developers seeking a cost-effective, open-source platform.
Small to medium-sized businesses focusing on basic internal tools.
Teams comfortable with some coding for advanced customizations.

Appsmith vs Tooljet

Both platforms are open-source, but ToolJet offers more flexibility through its community.
Appsmith has a larger component library, while ToolJet excels in workflow automation.
ToolJet’s pricing is simpler, especially for self-hosting.

Best Use Cases

Internal admin tools for operational efficiency.
Automating workflows with event-based triggers.
CRUD interfaces for data management.

ToolJet is appreciated for its open-source nature and cost-effectiveness but criticized for its limited scalability and feature set.

Budibase: Open-source simplicity for internal tools

Budibase is an open-source low-code platform designed for building internal tools quickly and efficiently. It emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, allowing teams to connect to existing data sources or use a built-in database. Budibase is ideal for small teams seeking a cost-effective, transparent solution for CRUD-based applications.

Advantages

Fully open-source, giving developers complete control over customization and deployment.
Drag-and-drop builder for creating tools without coding expertise.
Built-in database eliminates the need for external storage solutions.
Offers workflow automation with event-based triggers and scheduling.
Flexible hosting options, including self-hosting for privacy and control.

Disadvantages

Smaller component library compared to platforms like Retool or DronaHQ.
Limited scalability for large-scale applications or teams.
Minimal support for mobile responsiveness; focuses primarily on web apps.
Advanced use cases may require more robust platforms.

Pricing

Free Plan: Fully open-source with essential features.
Premium Plan: $6/user per month, with additional features and support.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for advanced needs.

Who is it an Ideal Fit For?

Developers or teams seeking a transparent, open-source solution.
Startups or small businesses focusing on basic CRUD applications.
Organizations preferring self-hosted tools for privacy and control.

Appsmith vs Budibase

Both platforms are open-source, but Budibase emphasizes simplicity, while Appsmith offers more robust features.
Budibase includes a built-in database, which Appsmith lacks.
Appsmith supports better scalability and advanced customizations compared to Budibase’s straightforward approach.
Budibase’s workflow automation is simpler but more limited than Appsmith’s scripting capabilities.

Best Use Cases

Building simple CRUD apps and dashboards.
Managing workflows with event triggers and basic automations.
Teams needing cost-effective solutions for internal tools.

Budibase users appreciate its open-source flexibility and ease of use, especially for small-scale projects. However, they note its limitations in scalability and the smaller widget library as drawbacks.

Jet Admin: A no-code builder for internal tools

Jet Admin is a no-code internal tool builder designed to help teams create user-friendly dashboards, admin panels, and management tools without coding. It emphasizes ease of use, allowing non-technical users to connect data sources and build applications quickly with its drag-and-drop interface. Jet Admin is particularly popular for creating CRUD-based tools that interact with existing databases or APIs.

Advantages

Simple drag-and-drop functionality, making it accessible for non-technical users.
Offers reusable components like tables, charts, and forms to accelerate development.
Connects seamlessly to databases like MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and APIs.
Supports scheduling and event-based triggers for workflow automation.
Enables secure sharing of tools with granular user permissions.
Deploy applications easily to the cloud or private servers.

Disadvantages

Limited functionality for mobile applications; primarily focused on web apps.
Custom branding and domains are restricted to higher-tier plans.
Does not support advanced frontend logic or custom scripting.
Performance issues with large-scale applications due to restricted scalability.
Minimal support for offline capabilities or complex automation logic.

Pricing

Free Plan: Basic features available for small teams.
Starter Plan: $24/month per user, offering advanced integrations and components.
Pro Plan: $48/month per user, includes custom branding and premium support.
Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing tailored to large-scale organizations.

Who is it an Ideal Fit For?

Teams building CRUD tools and dashboards with minimal technical expertise.
Organizations needing secure internal tools with role-based access.
Small to medium-sized businesses looking for a cost-effective no-code solution.

Appsmith vs Jet Admin

Jet Admin’s ease of use and no-code focus make it more accessible for non-technical users compared to Appsmith.
Appsmith provides open-source flexibility, whereas Jet Admin offers a proprietary, managed experience.
Jet Admin’s one-click deployment simplifies application sharing, while Appsmith requires more configuration for deployments.
Unlike Appsmith, Jet Admin lacks advanced customization options and scripting capabilities.

Best Use Cases

Admin dashboards for managing data and workflows.
CRUD applications for databases like MongoDB or PostgreSQL.
Internal tools for order management or ticket resolution.
Role-based apps for secure team collaboration.

Users appreciate Jet Admin’s simplicity and ease of use, especially for CRUD-based tools. However, some express concerns about its lack of advanced logic handling and scalability for complex applications.

Conclusion

Appsmith has been a popular choice for developers looking for an open-source low-code platform to build internal tools, but its limitations in performance, workflow automation, and scalability often push users to look for alternatives. While it provides strong JavaScript support and a self-hosted deployment option, businesses that require mobile support, managed infrastructure, or enterprise-grade security need a more versatile solution.

Among the alternatives, DronaHQ stands out as the best choice for teams that need both web and mobile app development, workflow automation, and enterprise security features. It offers flexible pricing models and a rich library of pre-built components, making it ideal for both internal and external applications.

For teams focusing strictly on developer-friendly internal tools, Retool offers extensive integrations and role-based permissions but comes at a higher price point. UI Bakery provides cost-effective, fixed pricing, making it suitable for small businesses, while Superblocks caters to enterprise teams requiring scalability and advanced workflow automation.

Open-source enthusiasts may prefer ToolJet or Budibase, both of which offer community-driven development but come with limitations in scalability and pre-built features. Meanwhile, Jet Admin is best suited for no-code CRUD-based tools for businesses that need a simple and secure interface.