NEWJoin 1M+ SaaS Professionals|Get Weekly Insights, Trends & Expert PicksSubscribe Free →

Spotsaas logo

Codename One vs Retool Comparison

Last updated:

Codename One

4.6(5 reviews)

Starting at $19

  • Free Trial
  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Codename One is an open source Application Development Platform that lets user quickly and easily write native mobile and desktop applications in Java that look and feel like native applications on every platform. Codena…

Retool

4.6(245 reviews)

Starting at $10 /User/Month

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

Retool is an application development software that helps organization build, deploy and operate business applications across every major mobile platform. With Retool build responsive applications and user don't need to b…

Codename One vs Retool — at a glance

FeatureCodename OneRetool
Rating4.6 / 54.6 / 5
Reviews5245
Starting price$19$10 /User/Month
Free trial Yes No
Free version No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryApplication Development SoftwareApplication Development Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOSSaaS/Web/Cloud
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesOnlineBusiness Hours, Online
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR
Data residencyGlobalGlobal

Key differences between Codename One and Retool

  • Pricing: Codename One starts at $19, while Retool starts at $10 /User/Month.
  • Free trial: Codename One offers a free trial; Retool does not.
  • Deployment: Codename One supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS; Retool supports SaaS/Web/Cloud.

Codename One vs Retool — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Application Development Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Codename One - Application Development Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert
Retool - Application Development Software
Talk to an expert
Talk to an expert

Free PDF comparison

Download this Codename One vs Retool comparison

Get the full side-by-side as a PDF — these picks plus the top Application Development Software tools, with verified ratings, pricing and features.

  • Side-by-side on pricing, features & ratings
  • Plus the category top 10, scored & ranked
  • Emailed to you — no on-screen download

No file downloads on screen — we email it to you. One-click unsubscribe anytime.

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Codename One

Best for Java developers building native cross-platform mobile and desktop apps.

Choose if
  • You need to develop native mobile and desktop apps using Java.
  • Your project requires advanced features like 2D/3D graphics and hardware integration.
  • You prefer an open source platform with flexible freemium and subscription options.
Consider alternatives if
  • Your team lacks Java expertise or prefers no-code/low-code solutions.
  • You require transparent pricing or extensive enterprise-level support and integrations.

Retool

Best for building internal business apps without programming skills.

Choose if
  • You need to quickly create internal tools with drag-and-drop ease.
  • Your team includes non-technical users like product managers or analysts.
  • You want built-in device automation to test apps before deployment.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require highly complex, enterprise-grade applications needing extensive custom coding.
  • You depend on a large third-party app marketplace for diverse integrations.

Codename One: Best for Java developers building native cross-platform mobile and desktop apps. Retool: Best for building internal business apps without programming skills.

Description

Codename One is an open source Application Development Platform that lets user quickly and easily write native mobile and desktop applications in Java that look and feel like native ... Read More about Codename One

Retool is an application development software that helps organization build, deploy and operate business applications across every major mobile platform. With Retool build responsive ... Read More about Retool

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $19
  • Starts from $10

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

8.3/10

8.6/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.6

(5)

Best Company Size

Small BusinessMedium Business
Small BusinessMedium Business
Get pricing help
Get pricing help

Software Demo

Demo

Need a second opinion?

Get shortlist help from a software advisor

Share your priorities, budget, and team needs, and we’ll help you narrow the options and understand the tradeoffs before you talk to vendors.

Spotsaas advisor
Get shortlist help from a software advisor
  • Independent advice — matched to your business
  • Understand the tradeoffs before you talk to vendors
  • Free 15-min call with a software advisor.

Step 1 of 4

How big is your team?

We tailor recommendations to companies your size.

Trusted by teams at

How do Codename One and Retool Compare on Features?

Total Features

7 Features

9 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

Get Quote
Get Quote

Compare Codename One and Retool on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Starting From

      • $19
      • $10

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available

      Pricing Page

      Codename One pricing
      Retool pricing

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals
      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals

      Platforms Supported

      • Installed - Mac
      • Installed - Windows
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Mac
      • Installed - Windows
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Browser Based (Cloud)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Available
      • Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      SOC 2

      ✓ Yes

      HIPAA

      ✓ Yes

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes

      ISO 27001

      ✗ No

      Single Sign-On (SSO)

      ✓ Yes

      Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

      ✓ Yes

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes

      Audit Logs

      ✓ Yes

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global
      🌐 Global

      Codename One User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      4

      1

      0

      0

      0

      172

      9

      0

      2

      3

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Overall positive sentiment highlighting the platform's native app capabilities and feature richness, tempered by limited user feedback.

      What buyers like

      • Native app performance
      • Feature completeness
      • Open source flexibility

      Common complaints

      • Limited user reviews
      • Complexity for beginners

      Buyer sentiment

      Users generally praise Retool for its ease of use, versatility, and strong community support, with minor concerns about integration limitations.

      What buyers like

      • Ease of use
      • Community support
      • Functional breadth

      Common complaints

      • Limited integrations
      • Need for additional coding

      Pros and Cons

      • Ability to write native mobile and desktop apps in Java

      • Supports advanced features like 2D/3D graphics and hardware integration

      • Open source with freemium and subscription options

      • Limited user rating data (only 5 ratings)

      • Potentially steep learning curve for non-Java developers

      • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface enabling quick app building

      • Responsive and helpful community support

      • Wide range of built-in functionalities for app development

      • Limited third-party app marketplace restricting advanced integrations

      • Some scenarios require additional coding beyond drag-and-drop

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      List of Customers

      Customers

      No Customers information available.

      Amazon

      Amazon

      American Express

      American Express

      Peloton

      Peloton

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      Hello World Simulator

      5 Screenshots

      What's Retool

      6 Screenshots

      Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      video-0

      1 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Codename One and Retool in 2026

      Expand your shortlist

      Add another option to compare side by side

      Search by product name to compare pricing, fit, and buyer feedback in one view.

      Related Blogs and Articles for Application Development Software

      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, Codename One or Retool?
      Codename One and Retool are closely matched with equal user ratings of 4.6. The right choice depends on your team size, budget, and specific Application Development Software needs.
      Do Codename One and Retool offer a free trial?
      Codename One offers a free trial. Retool does not.
      What is the starting price of Codename One vs Retool?
      Codename One starts at $19. Retool starts at $10 /User/Month.
      What are the top alternatives to Codename One?
      Top alternatives to Codename One include Nwicode, LiveCode, Native, Flutter, AppMaster.io.
      What are the top alternatives to Retool?
      Top alternatives to Retool include Bubble, Flowfinity, Airtable, Streamlit, Microsoft Power Apps.

      Grow your pipeline with buyers who are already looking for you

      254,000+ buyers use Spotsaas every month to evaluate and shortlist software. Get in front of them — for free, or with a managed growth plan built around your category.