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Retool vs Codename One Comparison

Last updated:

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

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 vs Codename One — at a glance

FeatureRetoolCodename One
Rating4.6 / 54.6 / 5
Reviews2455
Starting price$10 /User/Month$19
Free trial No Yes
Free version No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryApplication Development SoftwareApplication Development Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineOnline
CertificationsSOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR
Data residencyGlobalGlobal

Key differences between Retool and Codename One

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

Retool vs Codename One — 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.

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

Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

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.

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

Description

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

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

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $10
  • Starts from $19

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

8.6/10

8.3/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.6

(5)

Best Company Size

Small BusinessMedium Business
Small BusinessMedium Business
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Get pricing help

Software Demo

Demo

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How do Retool and Codename One Compare on Features?

Total Features

9 Features

7 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

Get Quote
Get Quote

Compare Retool and Codename One 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

      • $10
      • $19

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available

      Pricing Page

      Retool pricing
      Codename One 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

      Retool User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      172

      9

      0

      2

      3

      4

      1

      0

      0

      0

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      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

      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

      Pros and Cons

      • 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

      • 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

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      List of Customers

      Customers

      Amazon

      Amazon

      American Express

      American Express

      Peloton

      Peloton

      No Customers information available.

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      What's Retool

      6 Screenshots

      Hello World Simulator

      5 Screenshots

      Videos

      video-0

      1 Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Retool and Codename One in 2026

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

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      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, Retool or Codename One?
      Retool and Codename One 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 Retool and Codename One offer a free trial?
      Codename One offers a free trial. Retool does not.
      What is the starting price of Retool vs Codename One?
      Retool starts at $10 /User/Month. Codename One starts at $19.
      What are the top alternatives to Retool?
      Top alternatives to Retool include Bubble, Flowfinity, Airtable, Streamlit, Microsoft Power Apps.
      What are the top alternatives to Codename One?
      Top alternatives to Codename One include Nwicode, LiveCode, Native, Flutter, AppMaster.io.

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