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Software · head to head

n8n vs Retool

n8n logo

n8n

Software

The fair-code workflow automation tool

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Retool logo

Retool

Software

The rapid internal tool platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: n8n starter tier limited to 1 project and 5 concurrent executions; Retool builders and internal users are billed as separate seat types, so the true cost depends on the mix rather than the headcount
  • They diverge on capability: n8n covers Visual editor, Retool covers Drag-and-drop builder.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which n8n and Retool actually diverge.

Attributes where n8n and Retool differ
Attributen8nRetool
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
PlatformsWeb, Docker, Self-hostedWeb, Self-hosted
Founded20192017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in n8n

  • Visual editor
  • Conditional execution
  • Looping
  • Error handling
  • Scheduling
  • Webhooks
  • 400+ integrations
  • HTTP requests

Only in Retool

  • Drag-and-drop builder
  • Database integration
  • Real-time data binding
  • Custom code
  • Version control
  • 200+ integrations
  • GraphQL
  • Databases

Both cover

  • Workflow automation
  • REST API
  • Cloud deployment
  • Self-hosted deployment

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

n8n

  • Building AI agents and workflow automation for technical teamsnot Retool
  • Visual workflow design with capability to write custom JavaScript or Python codenot Retool
  • Enterprise deployments with self-hosted or cloud optionsnot Retool
  • Integrating 500+ pre-built applications with custom API connectionsnot Retool

Retool

  • Building internal admin tools and dashboards over existing databases and APIsnot n8n
  • Giving operations teams a UI for data they would otherwise query by handnot n8n

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

n8n

  • Starter tier limited to 1 project and 5 concurrent executions
  • Starter and Pro tiers restricted to Cloud hosting only, not self-hosted
  • Business tier requires 6 months minimum commitment at €667/month
  • SSO/SAML/LDAP authentication requires Business or Enterprise tier
  • Dedicated support with SLA available only on Enterprise plan

Retool

  • Builders and internal users are billed as separate seat types, so the true cost depends on the mix rather than the headcount
  • The free plan is capped at 5 users, 500 workflow runs a month and 5 GB of database capacity
  • Audit logging, permission controls, portals and custom branding all require the Business plan at $50 per builder per month billed annually
  • External user access is Business only, and is charged in bands above 50 users
  • Self hosted deployments mirror the cloud tiers but need Enterprise for unlimited users and SSO

Pricing, plan by plan

n8n

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the n8n review.

Retool

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited deployment
    • Community support
  • Professional$100/month
    • Unlimited apps
    • Email support
  • Business$500/month
    • Advanced features
    • Priority support

Which should you pick?

Choose n8n if

  • You need visual editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Docker, Self-hosted.
  • You also want conditional execution.
n8n review

Choose Retool if

  • You need drag-and-drop builder.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Self-hosted.
  • You also want database integration.
Retool review

Questions people ask

Is n8n or Retool better?
Neither clearly leads. n8n starts at Free and Retool at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, n8n or Retool?
n8n starts at Free and Retool at Free.
Does n8n or Retool run on more platforms?
n8n runs on Web, Docker, Self-hosted. Retool runs on Web, Self-hosted.
Can I use n8n for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is n8n best used for?
n8n is most often used for building ai agents and workflow automation for technical teams, visual workflow design with capability to write custom javascript or python code, enterprise deployments with self-hosted or cloud options, integrating 500+ pre-built applications with custom api connections. Of those, building ai agents and workflow automation for technical teams and visual workflow design with capability to write custom javascript or python code are not what Retool is typically brought in for.
What can n8n do that Retool cannot?
n8n covers Visual editor, Conditional execution, Looping, Error handling. Retool covers Drag-and-drop builder, Database integration, Real-time data binding, Custom code. Both handle Workflow automation, REST API, Cloud deployment, Self-hosted deployment.
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Related pages

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