Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Retool

Appsmith is an open-source low-code platform for building internal tools such as admin panels, CRUD apps, dashboards, and workflow apps. It provides a browser-based editor to compose UIs, connect to data sources, and write logic with JavaScript, then deploy apps with access controls.

Key Features

• Visual app builder with drag-and-drop widgets (tables, forms, charts, modals, tabs) and theming
• Connectors for databases and services plus REST/GraphQL APIs; query editor with parameters and environment configuration
• JavaScript logic for actions, data transformations, and client-side state (bindings between widgets and queries)
• Reusable modules/components and templates to accelerate common internal-tool patterns
• Authentication and authorization options, including role-based access control (RBAC) and SSO integrations
• Git-based version control and CI-friendly workflows for app promotion across environments
• Auditability features such as activity/audit logs (plan-dependent) and granular permissions
• Deployment via Docker and Kubernetes with support for external database and object storage configurations

Use Cases

• Build admin consoles for operational workflows (users, orders, inventory) backed by SQL/NoSQL
• Create internal dashboards and reporting apps that combine multiple data sources
• Rapidly ship support/ops tooling (approval flows, customer lookup, incident utilities)

Limitations and Considerations

• Advanced enterprise features (some SSO options, audit/advanced governance) may be plan-dependent
• Complex UI/UX beyond provided widgets may require custom code or embedding external components

Appsmith fits teams that want a developer-friendly low-code builder while keeping full control over deployment and data access. It is commonly used to replace spreadsheet-driven operations with governed, repeatable internal applications.

ToolJet is an open-source low-code platform for building internal tools such as admin panels, dashboards, CRUD apps, and workflows. It provides a drag-and-drop UI builder, integrations to common data sources, and a query/action layer to connect UI components to data and business logic.

Key Features

• Drag-and-drop app builder with pre-built UI components (tables, forms, charts, etc.)
• Connectors for databases, APIs, and SaaS tools; run queries and bind results to components
• JavaScript for transforming data and controlling component behavior
• Authentication and role-based access control (RBAC) for internal app permissions
• Reusable modules/components and app versioning/management features for teams
• Audit/logging and environment configuration options for operational use
• Deployment options including Docker-based self-hosting and Kubernetes setups

Use Cases

• Operations/admin panels for managing users, orders, inventory, or content
• BI-style internal dashboards combining multiple data sources
• Support and engineering tooling (triage consoles, runbooks, internal workflows)

Limitations and Considerations

• Complex logic may still require custom code/services beyond the built-in query layer
• Connector coverage and advanced enterprise controls can vary by edition and release

ToolJet fits teams that want to ship internal tools quickly while keeping control of hosting and extensibility. It is often used as a Retool-style builder for CRUD apps and data-driven internal dashboards with database/API integrations.

Activepieces is a low-code workflow automation platform for building integrations between apps and internal systems. It lets you create trigger-based flows, run multi-step automations, and connect services using a visual builder and reusable integration modules (“pieces”).

Key Features

• Visual flow builder for creating multi-step automations with branching and logic
• Large and growing catalog of reusable integration “pieces” (connectors) plus custom pieces
• Webhook and scheduled triggers for event-driven and time-based automations
• Support for common workflow actions such as HTTP requests, data mapping, and transformations
• Credentials/connections management for authenticating to third-party services
• Runs as a server application with a web UI for designing, testing, and monitoring flows

Use Cases

• Automate business processes (e.g., lead intake → CRM updates → notifications)
• Integrate internal tools with SaaS systems via webhooks and API calls
• Build lightweight event-driven automations for ops tasks and alert routing

Limitations and Considerations

• Connector coverage and parity varies by “piece”; niche integrations may require building custom pieces
• Advanced governance features (e.g., enterprise-grade policy controls) may be limited compared to large commercial iPaaS tools

Activepieces is a solid fit for teams that want an automation builder similar to Zapier/Make but with control over deployments and the ability to extend integrations. Its modular “pieces” approach makes it practical for both quick automations and custom integration development.

Grist is a spreadsheet-like database for building and sharing structured data apps. It combines familiar spreadsheet editing with relational tables, Python-style formulas, and multiple views (grids, charts, forms) to support lightweight workflows without writing a full application.

Key Features

• Spreadsheet UX backed by a relational data model (multiple tables with references)
• Python-like formulas for computed columns and data transformations
• Multiple views of the same data (tables, charts, and forms for data entry)
• Fine-grained access control (document/table/column-level permissions)
• Import/export for common formats (e.g., Excel/CSV) and data portability
• Audit/history features (change tracking and document revisions)
• Extensible “widgets”/custom views and an API for integrations and automation

Use Cases

• Replace Airtable-style team bases for ops tracking, inventories, and request intake
• Build internal tools (CRUD-style apps) from tables + forms + permission rules
• Maintain relational datasets (customers/projects) with computed fields and reports

Limitations and Considerations

• Complex, highly interactive apps may outgrow the spreadsheet-centric UI and require a dedicated app framework.

Grist is well-suited to teams that want the speed and approachability of spreadsheets with the structure and governance of a database. It works particularly well for operational data, lightweight internal tools, and collaboration where permissions and relational modeling matter.

InvenTree is a web-based inventory management system focused on parts, assemblies, and manufacturing workflows. It helps teams track component data, stock levels and locations, BOMs, suppliers, purchasing, and production builds with traceability.

Key Features

• Parts catalog with parameters/metadata, internal part numbering, attachments, and revision history
• Stock management with locations, status, allocations, and stock tracking per part
• Bill of Materials (BOM) management for assemblies, including sub-assemblies and BOM validation
• Manufacturing/build workflows with build orders, consumption of stock, and output tracking
• Purchasing and supplier management (supplier parts, pricing breaks, manufacturer part info)
• Sales/orders support for allocating stock to customer orders (where configured)
• Barcode/label workflows (scan to find/move/consume stock; label generation)
• REST API and integrations (e.g., external tools, ERP/light automation, scripting)
• Role-based access control, multi-user operation, and audit/traceability features

Use Cases

• Electronics/mechanical labs tracking parts, reels/bins, and BOMs for prototypes
• Small manufacturers managing builds, stock consumption, and component traceability
• Makerspaces tracking shared inventory, locations, and reorder processes

Limitations and Considerations

• Feature depth is geared toward inventory/manufacturing; full ERP modules (finance/payroll) are out of scope
• Some advanced workflows may require configuration, plugins, or custom integration via the API

InvenTree is well-suited for organizations that need accurate parts data, stock control, and BOM-driven production processes. Its web UI plus API and barcode-centric workflows make it practical for both day-to-day inventory operations and lightweight manufacturing execution.

Mathesar is an open source web application that turns a PostgreSQL database into an approachable, spreadsheet-like workspace for non-technical and technical users. It focuses on easy data entry, exploration, and sharing while keeping PostgreSQL as the source of truth.

Key Features

• Connects directly to PostgreSQL and works on existing schemas (no proprietary storage layer)
• Spreadsheet-style table browsing and editing with typed columns and validation
• Create and manage tables, columns, and relationships from the UI
• Filter, sort, group, and build saved “explorations” (query-like views) without writing SQL
• Rich data types support (e.g., numbers, text, dates/times, booleans; behavior depends on PostgreSQL types)
• Shareable/savable views for common reporting and operational workflows
• Role-based access control aligned to database permissions (designed to respect Postgres roles)

Use Cases

• Replace spreadsheets for teams that need multi-user editing backed by PostgreSQL
• Provide a friendly UI for business users to view and maintain operational data
• Quickly explore unfamiliar PostgreSQL databases (tables, relationships, and subsets)

Limitations and Considerations

• PostgreSQL-only (not intended as a generic multi-database GUI)
• Feature coverage depends on underlying PostgreSQL schema/types; advanced DB features may still require SQL/admin tools

Mathesar is best suited for organizations that want spreadsheet-like usability while keeping data in PostgreSQL. It bridges the gap between raw database tools and end-user-friendly data workflows, improving accessibility without replacing the database.

CloudBeaver is a web-based database manager from the DBeaver project designed for teams to access, browse, and query databases from a browser. It provides a centralized way to manage database connections and permissions while using a familiar DBeaver-style SQL editor and object navigator.

Key Features

• Browser-based SQL editor with results grid, filtering, and basic data editing
• Database object navigator to browse schemas, tables, views, columns, indexes, etc.
• Centralized connection management (create/manage shared connections)
• Role-based access control for users/teams and per-connection permissions
• Authentication options for team deployments (community vs. enterprise capabilities vary)
• Multi-database support via DBeaver drivers/extensions (JDBC-based)
• Admin console for server configuration and workspace management
• Deployment via Docker for quick setup and upgrades

Use Cases

• Provide a shared, browser-accessible SQL client for operations and analysts
• Centralize database connection credentials and control who can access what
• Lightweight alternative to installing desktop SQL clients across a team

Limitations and Considerations

• Some advanced DBeaver desktop features (deep ER modeling, extensive plugins) may not be available in the web UI
• Exact auth/SSO and enterprise management features depend on edition and configuration

CloudBeaver fits teams that want a web database client with centralized governance and broad JDBC connectivity. It is especially useful when you need controlled access to databases without requiring local tooling on every workstation.

Baserow is an open-source, web-based no-code database for creating and collaborating on structured data. It provides spreadsheet-like tables with multiple views, supports building data entry forms, and exposes your data through APIs for integrations and lightweight internal tools.

Key Features

• Airtable-style databases with workspaces, databases, tables, and field types
• Multiple views (e.g., grid and kanban) to organize and visualize records
• Form view for collecting data via shareable forms
• Role-based access and collaboration features for teams
• REST API and webhook support for integrations and automation
• Import/export capabilities (commonly including CSV) for data migration
• Extensible architecture designed for plugins/enterprise add-ons and scaling

Use Cases

• Build internal tools (inventory, CRM-lite, operations trackers) without custom code
• Replace spreadsheets with structured, permissioned team databases
• Collect and manage submissions (intake requests, surveys, applications) via forms

Limitations and Considerations

• Advanced analytics/dashboarding and complex relational reporting are more limited than dedicated BI tools
• Feature completeness can vary by view type and edition (community vs. paid offerings)

Baserow is a strong choice for teams that want an Airtable-like experience with control over deployment and data. Its combination of no-code UI, collaboration, and APIs makes it suitable for operational databases, simple apps, and integration-driven workflows.

OliveTin is a lightweight web application that exposes a controlled “button-based” interface for running predefined commands on your server. It is designed to let non-technical users perform common operational tasks without granting shell access, while keeping execution constrained and auditable.

Key Features

• Web UI with configurable actions (buttons) that execute predefined commands/scripts
• Parameterized inputs (e.g., text/select/checkbox) passed to actions for safer, repeatable runs
• Authorization controls for restricting who can see/run specific actions (RBAC-style per action)
• YAML-based configuration for defining actions, forms/fields, and command execution settings
• Built-in logging/history of action runs to support operational traceability
• Designed for “runbooks in a UI”: wrap existing scripts/tools rather than replacing them

Use Cases

• Provide a simple operator panel for routine admin tasks (restart services, rotate logs, run backups)
• Offer a safe alternative to sharing SSH for helpers/family/teammates (home lab, SMB ops)
• Expose curated runbooks for on-call operations with standardized inputs and execution

OliveTin fits teams and home labs that already have scripts/CLI workflows but want a minimal, controlled web front-end to run them consistently. It emphasizes simplicity and safe delegation over building complex automation pipelines.

Manifest is an open-source backend tool that generates an admin application and an API on top of your existing database. It focuses on speeding up internal tools and CRUD backends by introspecting your schema and exposing resources with sensible defaults.

Key Features

• Database introspection to automatically generate resources, fields, and relations
• Admin web UI for CRUD operations (create, edit, list, delete) over your data
• API layer generated from the same model (commonly used for internal apps and integrations)
• Authentication and role-based access control to restrict admin/API access
• Configuration-driven customization (adjust resources, fields, permissions, and UI behavior)
• Support for common relational database patterns (tables, relations/foreign keys)

Use Cases

• Build internal admin panels for operational teams (support, ops, content)
• Rapidly expose CRUD APIs for services or integrations from an existing database
• Prototype back-office tooling for early-stage products without writing a custom admin

Limitations and Considerations

• Best suited for CRUD-style workflows; highly bespoke UIs may require custom development
• Feature set and supported databases depend on the project’s current adapters and maturity

Manifest is useful when you already have a database and want a practical admin interface plus an API quickly, while still keeping the option to customize behavior via configuration. It can reduce time spent building repetitive admin CRUD screens and basic access control from scratch.

Saltcorn is a no/low-code platform for building database-backed web applications. It provides a UI to define tables and relationships, generate forms and views, and add logic (workflows) and access control—aimed at quickly delivering internal tools and custom business apps.

Key Features

• Data modeling for tables, fields, and relationships with a built-in admin UI
• Auto-generated CRUD apps: forms, list views, detail pages, and dashboards
• Multiple view types (e.g., tables, cards, calendars, maps, charts) via core and plugin views
• Role-based access control (RBAC) and user authentication for securing pages and data
• Workflow/automation actions triggered by events (e.g., form submits) to implement business logic
• Plugin architecture for extending field types, views, authentication, and integrations
• SQL database support with a focus on PostgreSQL; can connect to existing schemas
• Import/export utilities and configurable page routing/navigation

Use Cases

• Build internal admin tools (inventory, CRM-lite, request/approval apps) on an existing database
• Rapidly prototype and deploy custom data collection apps with forms and dashboards
• Create lightweight portals with authenticated access to records and reports

Limitations and Considerations

• Advanced UI customization may require writing templates/plugins rather than only point-and-click configuration
• Feature depth depends on available plugins; some enterprise features (e.g., complex BI) may require external tools

Saltcorn is a good fit when you want Airtable/Retool-style speed while keeping data in your own SQL database and retaining the option to extend functionality in code. Its plugin system and RBAC make it practical for real-world internal applications beyond simple CRUD prototypes.

Docassemble is an open-source platform for building web-based “guided interviews” that ask users questions, apply rules/logic, and produce documents and outputs. It is widely used for legal aid and court forms, but can support any data-collection workflow that benefits from branching logic and document assembly.

Key Features

• Author interviews in YAML with Python code/hooks for complex logic and integrations
• Powerful branching logic (conditional questions, loops, validations, computations)
• Document generation using templates (e.g., DOCX) with automatic assembly from collected answers
• Web UI for running interviews, reviewing answers, and downloading generated documents
• Multi-user deployment with authentication options and role-based administration
• Package system for distributing/reusing interviews and components
• Background task processing for long-running jobs and integrations
• Internationalization support for multilingual interviews

Use Cases

• Court/self-help portals that guide users through forms and produce filings
• Legal aid intake and triage with eligibility logic and document outputs
• Any compliance or administrative workflow that requires structured Q&A and generated PDFs/DOCX

Limitations and Considerations

• Building non-trivial interviews typically requires comfort with YAML plus Python and templating
• Production deployments may require tuning multiple services (app, workers, database) for scale

Docassemble fits teams that need repeatable, logic-driven questionnaires and automated document assembly with full control over hosting and customization. Its interview/package model makes it practical to iterate on complex workflows and share reusable components across projects.