AppSmith is an open-source low-code platform for building internal applications. Unlike Retool, it's fully open-source and self-hostable, making it popular with companies that can't use SaaS tools due to compliance requirements. It offers drag-and-drop widgets, database connections, and custom JavaScript.
AppSmith
Open-source low-code for internal apps
Best for: Teams needing self-hosted internal tools due to compliance
- Free plan
4.4/5 ratingEditorial score 82/100appsmith.com
The editorial note
What to know about AppSmith
Is it right for you?
Who AppSmith suits
Choose it if
- Teams needing self-hosted internal tools due to compliance
Look elsewhere if
- Non-technical users without JavaScript knowledge
What you get
Key features
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Self-hosting option
- 50+ database integrations
- Custom JS support
- Git integration
Works with
Integrations6
What it costs
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | FreeBilled monthly | Unlimited apps, self-hosted or cloud, all widgets, community support |
| Business | $15 / user / monthBilled monthly | SSO, custom branding, audit logs, granular permissions, priority support |
| Enterprise | CustomBilled monthly | Air-gapped deployment, custom SLA, dedicated support, on-premises license |
Prices are recorded from the vendor's public pricing page and can change. Check before you buy.
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fully open-source
- Self-hostable
- Strong community
- No vendor lock-in
Cons
- Slower updates than Retool
- Smaller ecosystem
- Setup complexity for self-hosting
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Development & Coding
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Entry plan
- Free
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- appsmith.com
The verdict
Our take on AppSmith
Best open-source alternative to Retool. Essential for teams with strict data sovereignty requirements.
Keep exploring
More from Development & Coding
VS Code
Development & Coding
The most popular free code editor with 30,000+ extensions.
Best for: Every developer — the universal default IDE with the best extension…
- Free plan
4.8/5 ratingRead review
Clerk
Development & Coding
Drop-in authentication and user management for web apps.
Best for: Next.js and React developers who want polished pre-built auth UI…
- Free plan
4.8/5 ratingRead review
Drizzle ORM
Development & Coding
TypeScript ORM that runs everywhere SQL runs.
Best for: TypeScript developers building edge-deployed applications who need a…
- Free plan
4.7/5 ratingRead review