Retool vs OutSystems

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Our analysts compared Retool vs OutSystems based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Low-Code Development Platforms, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Retool Software Tool

Product Basics

Retool is a sophisticated software platform designed to streamline the development of internal tools. It allows developers to build custom applications quickly by connecting to databases and APIs, offering a drag-and-drop interface for UI components. This makes it particularly well-suited for industries such as finance, healthcare, and logistics, where bespoke internal tools can significantly enhance operational efficiency.

One of the standout benefits of Retool is its ability to integrate seamlessly with various data sources, enabling rapid prototyping and deployment. Popular features include pre-built components, real-time collaboration, and robust security measures. Users appreciate its flexibility and the speed at which they can develop and iterate on applications.

Compared to similar products, Retool is often praised for its user-friendly interface and powerful customization options. Pricing details are not readily available, so it's advisable to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on specific needs.

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OutSystems is a robust platform designed for Low-Code Application Development, enabling users to create, deploy, and manage applications with minimal hand-coding. It is particularly well-suited for enterprises seeking to accelerate their digital transformation efforts, especially in industries like finance, healthcare, and retail. The platform's unique benefits include rapid development cycles, seamless integration capabilities, and a user-friendly interface that simplifies complex workflows.

Key features of OutSystems include visual development tools, pre-built templates, and extensive integration options with existing systems and databases. Users appreciate its ability to streamline the development process, reduce time-to-market, and enhance collaboration between IT and business teams. Compared to similar products, OutSystems stands out for its scalability and comprehensive support for both web and mobile applications.

Pricing for OutSystems varies based on factors such as the number of users and deployment options. For precise pricing details, it is recommended to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote based on specific requirements.

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$10/User, Monthly, Freemium
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Tailored to your specific needs
$18,000 Annually, Quote-based, Freemium
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Insights

  • Accelerated Development: Retool allows developers to build internal tools significantly faster by providing pre-built components and templates, reducing the need for extensive coding from scratch.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Teams can work together more effectively with Retool's shared workspace, enabling real-time updates and seamless integration of feedback.
  • Cost Efficiency: By streamlining the development process and reducing the need for custom-built solutions, Retool helps organizations save on development costs and resource allocation.
  • Improved Data Integration: Retool supports easy integration with various data sources, including databases and APIs, allowing for a unified view and better data management.
  • Customizability: Users can tailor applications to their specific needs with Retool's flexible interface, ensuring that the tools align perfectly with business processes.
  • Reduced Maintenance: With Retool's robust platform, ongoing maintenance and updates are simplified, freeing up developer time for other critical tasks.
  • Security and Compliance: Retool provides built-in security features and compliance controls, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements and protect sensitive data.
  • Scalability: As business needs grow, Retool's scalable architecture ensures that applications can expand without significant rework or performance issues.
  • Enhanced User Experience: The intuitive design and user-friendly interface of Retool applications lead to higher adoption rates and satisfaction among end-users.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Developers can quickly create and iterate on prototypes, allowing for faster validation of ideas and more agile development cycles.
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  • Accelerated Development: OutSystems enables rapid application development through its low-code platform, reducing the time from concept to deployment by up to 70%.
  • Cost Efficiency: By minimizing the need for extensive coding and reducing development cycles, OutSystems helps lower overall project costs.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: The platform fosters better teamwork by allowing developers, designers, and business stakeholders to work together seamlessly on a single interface.
  • Scalability: OutSystems supports scalable architecture, ensuring that applications can grow with your business needs without requiring significant rework.
  • Integration Capabilities: Easily integrate with existing systems and third-party services, ensuring smooth data flow and operational continuity.
  • Improved Quality: Built-in testing and debugging tools help maintain high-quality standards, reducing the likelihood of errors and bugs in the final product.
  • Flexibility: OutSystems allows for customization and adaptability, enabling businesses to tailor applications to their specific requirements.
  • Enhanced Security: The platform includes robust security features such as role-based access control and data encryption, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Faster Time to Market: By streamlining the development process, OutSystems helps businesses launch their applications faster, gaining a competitive edge.
  • Maintenance Simplification: The low-code environment simplifies ongoing maintenance and updates, reducing the burden on IT teams.
  • Cross-Platform Deployment: Develop applications once and deploy them across multiple platforms, including web, mobile, and desktop, without additional effort.
  • Innovation Enablement: OutSystems empowers businesses to innovate by quickly prototyping and iterating on new ideas, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Resource Optimization: By reducing the need for specialized coding skills, OutSystems allows businesses to make better use of their existing talent pool.
  • Customer Satisfaction: Delivering high-quality, user-friendly applications quickly can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Future-Proofing: OutSystems' commitment to staying current with technological advancements ensures that your applications remain relevant and up-to-date.
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  • Drag-and-Drop Interface: Easily design and customize applications with a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface, eliminating the need for extensive coding.
  • Pre-Built Components: Access a library of pre-built components such as tables, charts, forms, and buttons to accelerate development.
  • Data Source Integration: Seamlessly connect to various data sources including PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, REST APIs, and more.
  • JavaScript Support: Enhance functionality with custom JavaScript, allowing for complex logic and interactions within your applications.
  • Role-Based Access Control: Implement granular permissions and access controls to ensure data security and compliance.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Collaborate with team members in real-time, making it easier to build and iterate on applications together.
  • Version Control: Track changes and manage different versions of your applications, ensuring you can revert to previous states if needed.
  • Custom API Integration: Integrate with custom APIs to extend the functionality of your applications beyond the built-in connectors.
  • Responsive Design: Create applications that are responsive and work seamlessly across different devices and screen sizes.
  • Audit Logs: Maintain detailed logs of user actions and changes within the application for accountability and troubleshooting.
  • Deployment Options: Deploy applications on-premises or in the cloud, providing flexibility to meet organizational requirements.
  • Extensive Documentation: Access comprehensive documentation and tutorials to help you get started and troubleshoot issues effectively.
  • Customizable Themes: Apply custom themes to match your organization's branding and design guidelines.
  • Third-Party Integrations: Integrate with popular third-party services such as Slack, Twilio, and Stripe to enhance application capabilities.
  • Event Handlers: Use event handlers to trigger actions based on user interactions, such as button clicks or form submissions.
  • Data Transformation: Perform data transformations directly within Retool, simplifying the process of preparing data for display or further processing.
  • Custom Components: Build and integrate custom components using React, providing flexibility to meet unique requirements.
  • Interactive Dashboards: Create interactive dashboards that provide real-time insights and visualizations from your data sources.
  • Form Validation: Implement form validation to ensure data integrity and improve user experience.
  • Scheduled Tasks: Automate repetitive tasks by scheduling them to run at specified intervals, reducing manual effort.
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  • Visual Development: Create applications using a drag-and-drop interface, which simplifies the coding process and accelerates development timelines.
  • Full-Stack Development: Build both front-end and back-end components within the same platform, ensuring seamless integration and consistency.
  • Reusable Components: Utilize pre-built modules and templates to streamline development and maintain uniformity across applications.
  • Scalability: Easily scale applications to accommodate growing user bases and increased data loads without significant rework.
  • Integration Capabilities: Connect with existing systems and third-party services through REST APIs, SOAP, and other integration methods.
  • Automated Deployment: Deploy applications across various environments with a single click, reducing the risk of human error and speeding up the release process.
  • Performance Monitoring: Track application performance in real-time with built-in analytics and monitoring tools to identify and resolve issues promptly.
  • Security Features: Implement robust security measures, including role-based access control, data encryption, and compliance with industry standards.
  • Mobile Development: Develop responsive mobile applications that work seamlessly across different devices and operating systems.
  • Collaboration Tools: Facilitate teamwork with features like version control, role assignments, and integrated feedback loops.
  • Extensibility: Extend the platform’s capabilities by integrating custom code, plugins, and external libraries as needed.
  • AI-Assisted Development: Leverage artificial intelligence to suggest code snippets, optimize workflows, and enhance overall productivity.
  • Lifecycle Management: Manage the entire application lifecycle from development to deployment and maintenance within a unified platform.
  • Cloud-Native Architecture: Benefit from cloud-native features such as auto-scaling, high availability, and disaster recovery.
  • Rich User Interfaces: Design sophisticated user interfaces with a variety of widgets, themes, and customization options.
  • Compliance and Governance: Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies through built-in compliance tools and governance frameworks.
  • Community and Support: Access a vibrant community of developers and extensive support resources, including documentation, forums, and customer service.
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Product Ranking

#5

among all
Low-Code Development Platforms

#8

among all
Low-Code Development Platforms

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Analyst Rating Summary

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Platform Capabilities
Security
Application Development and Deployment
Collaboration and Sharing
Data Management
Collaboration and Sharing
Data Management
Mobile Development
Performance and Scalability
Integrations and Extensibility

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

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Application Development And Deployment Collaboration And Sharing Data Management Mobile Development Platform Capabilities 96 96 94 78 100 98 100 100 100 98 0 25 50 75 100
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Awards

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SelectHub research analysts have evaluated OutSystems and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Collaboration and Sharing and Mobile Development.

Collaboration and Sharing Award
Mobile Development Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Accelerated Development: Retool's drag-and-drop interface and pre-built components empower teams to build internal tools significantly faster than traditional coding methods, enabling quicker response times to evolving business needs.
Seamless Integrations: Connect to a multitude of data sources, including popular databases like PostgreSQL and cloud APIs, eliminating data silos and providing a unified view of critical information.
Enhanced Collaboration: Bridge the gap between technical and non-technical users, allowing business analysts and other stakeholders to actively participate in the tool-building process and iterate on solutions collaboratively.
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Rapid Development: Enables faster application creation compared to traditional programming through its intuitive visual interface and drag-and-drop functionality.
Ease of Use: Allows both seasoned developers and business users with limited coding experience to build applications with its user-friendly interface.
Strong Application Lifecycle Management: Provides robust tools for managing the entire application lifecycle, from development and testing to deployment and maintenance.
Extensive Training Resources: Offers a wealth of online training materials and documentation, making it easy for users to learn the platform and get up to speed quickly.
Seamless Integration: Facilitates easy integration with existing systems and data sources, enabling businesses to connect their applications and automate workflows.
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Performance Bottlenecks: Some users have reported experiencing slow loading times, particularly when dealing with large datasets or complex applications, which can hinder productivity.
Limited Native Testing: The lack of built-in testing features necessitates the use of third-party tools like Playwright for comprehensive testing, adding complexity to the development process.
Pricing Structure: The user-based licensing model, while offering flexibility, can become expensive for larger teams or organizations with numerous users requiring access to the platform.
Occasional Bugs and UX Issues: While generally praised for its user-friendliness, some users have encountered occasional bugs and minor UX inconsistencies that can temporarily disrupt workflow.
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Steep Learning Curve: While OutSystems touts its intuitive interface, some users find the visual coding paradigm challenging to grasp, especially those accustomed to traditional programming languages. This can lead to a longer initial learning period.
Theme Editor Limitations: OutSystems' Theme Editor, used for customizing application appearance with CSS, has been cited as cumbersome and difficult to work with. This can slow down development for teams requiring extensive visual customization.
Platform Lock-In: Developing on OutSystems creates a dependency on the platform. Migrating applications built on OutSystems to a different platform can be complex and costly, which might be a concern for businesses prioritizing flexibility.
Limited Server Compatibility: OutSystems primarily runs on Windows servers, which can be a limiting factor for businesses with existing infrastructure on other operating systems like Linux. This might necessitate additional server provisioning or complicate existing system integrations.
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How do you retool your development process to achieve better outcomes? User reviews from the past year indicate that Retool is a powerful low-code platform that excels in simplifying the development of internal tools. Its major strength lies in its user-friendliness, with many users praising its intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality, enabling even non-developers to build applications quickly. This ease of use, coupled with its robust integration capabilities with various databases and APIs, makes it a versatile tool for businesses looking to streamline their operations. For instance, users highlight its ability to connect to popular databases like SQL and MongoDB, and its support for REST APIs, allowing for seamless data integration and manipulation. However, some users have pointed out areas where Retool could improve. One common concern is its performance, with some reviewers finding it to be slower than desired, especially for complex applications. Additionally, there are reports of inconsistent documentation, which can be frustrating for users encountering issues or trying to leverage advanced features. Despite these drawbacks, Retool is generally well-regarded for its ability to accelerate development cycles and reduce the need for extensive coding. Its customizable nature allows developers to tailor applications to their specific needs, further enhancing its value proposition. Overall, Retool is best suited for businesses, particularly those with in-house developers, looking to build custom internal tools rapidly and efficiently. Its blend of low-code simplicity and the flexibility for custom coding makes it a compelling choice for organizations aiming to optimize their workflows and enhance productivity. However, companies with limited technical expertise or those requiring highly performant applications for complex tasks might need to carefully evaluate Retool's suitability for their specific needs.

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Is OutSystems the outstanding solution for your low-code development needs? OutSystems receives largely positive reviews from users, particularly for its ability to accelerate application development. Users consistently highlight the platform's intuitive visual interface, which allows both novice and experienced developers to build complex applications with minimal coding. This ease of use, however, can sometimes be a double-edged sword, as it can lead to developer dependency on the platform, potentially making it difficult to transition to other systems or companies in the future. One of OutSystems' standout features is its robust application lifecycle management, including its continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) capabilities. This, coupled with its strong integration capabilities with various systems and APIs, makes it a favorite for organizations looking to streamline their development processes and connect disparate systems. However, some users express concerns about the platform's ability to keep pace with the rapidly evolving world of technology. Overall, OutSystems is a powerful low-code platform best suited for organizations that prioritize speed and efficiency in application development, particularly those focused on automating processes and creating intuitive data dashboards. Its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features make it an attractive option for businesses looking to build robust web and mobile applications quickly, but potential users should be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as vendor lock-in and the need for continuous updates.

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