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Runwork vs

Runwork vs Retool

The 2020s approach to internal tools vs. the 2026 way

Quick Verdict

Retool pioneered drag-and-drop internal tools. Runwork represents the next generation: describe what you want in natural language, and AI builds it. No component libraries to learn, no query builders to master, no vendor lock-in on your data structures.

Overview

Retool helped define internal tools as a category with its visual builder and pre-built components. But it still requires you to learn their component library, write SQL queries, and work within their paradigm. Runwork takes a fundamentally different approach: you describe what you need in plain English, and AI generates real, customizable code. Your data lives in a shared graph that apps access automatically. No proprietary formats, no lock-in.

Retool is a Internal Tools Builder.

Runwork Strengths

  • Describe what you want in natural language. No component library to learn.
  • Real code output you own and can customize. No proprietary lock-in.
  • Shared entity graph means apps work together automatically.
  • 3,200+ integrations connect to your existing tools.
  • Built-in automations, schedules, workflows, and AI agents.
  • Hosting, auth, and scaling included. Nothing to configure.
  • Flat pricing. No per-seat costs that explode with team growth.

Retool Strengths

  • Mature ecosystem with years of production deployments.
  • Extensive component library for complex interfaces.
  • Deep integrations with enterprise databases.
  • Large community and third-party resources.
  • Self-hosting option for on-premise requirements.

Feature Comparison

Building Experience

Feature Runwork Retool
Natural language generation -
Visual drag-and-drop builder -
Real code output (no lock-in) -
Live preview during development
Git-based version control
Iterative chat refinement -

Data & Integrations

Feature Runwork Retool
Built-in database -
Shared entity graph across apps -
Pre-built integrations 3,200+ 100+
External database connections
Custom API connections
File storage -

Automation & Logic

Feature Runwork Retool
Event-driven automations Via Workflows
Scheduled jobs
Multi-step workflows
AI agents -
Public APIs / webhooks
Sharable components

Infrastructure

Feature Runwork Retool
Hosting included Cloud only
Global edge deployment -
Auto-scaling
Custom domains
Automatic backups
Self-hosting option -

Enterprise & Security

Feature Runwork Retool
SSO / SAML
Audit logs
Role-based permissions
Team workspaces
SOC 2 Type II In progress

Which Tool is Right for You?

Choose Runwork if you need...

  • * Teams who want to describe tools in plain English, not learn a builder
  • * Organizations that need apps to share data automatically
  • * Companies that want real code they own, not proprietary formats
  • * Teams building multiple interconnected business tools
  • * Anyone who wants included infrastructure and predictable pricing

Choose Retool if you need...

  • * Organizations with existing Retool expertise and investments
  • * Teams that need pixel-perfect control over every UI element
  • * Companies requiring self-hosted on-premise deployment
  • * Use cases that need specific components from their marketplace

Pricing Comparison

Retool charges per user, which adds up as your team grows. Runwork offers flat workspace pricing so you can add team members without watching costs climb and starts with a 14-day free trial (no credit card).

View Runwork pricing

How to Migrate from Retool

Moving from Retool to Runwork means shifting from visual builders to natural language generation. Instead of recreating your apps component by component, you describe what you need and AI builds it—often faster than the original took to create.

Typical migration: 1-5 days per application

1

Document your current applications

List your Retool apps and their purposes. Note which queries and data sources they use. This becomes the spec you'll describe to Runwork.

2

Set up your data layer

Connect your databases to Runwork or migrate data to Runwork's built-in entity system. The shared entity graph means apps will work together automatically.

3

Describe your first application

Instead of dragging components, describe what the app should do in plain English. "I need an admin panel that shows customer orders, lets me search by email, and update order status." Runwork generates the application.

4

Iterate with conversation

Refine the generated app through natural language. "Add a column for shipping status. Make the status field a dropdown. Add a filter for orders over $100." Each iteration is faster than dragging and configuring components.

5

Migrate remaining applications

Repeat for each Retool app. With the entity graph in place, new apps automatically access shared data. Many teams find migration is faster than the original build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I migrate complex Retool apps with many queries?
Yes. Describe the data flows and business logic in natural language. Runwork generates the queries and connections. For complex apps, break the description into components: "This app needs to show X, calculate Y, and update Z." The AI handles the implementation.
What about my custom components and JavaScript?
Runwork generates real code, so custom logic is built into your applications natively. Describe the behavior you need, and the generated code implements it. You can also edit the code directly if you want fine-grained control.
How do I handle Retool workflows during migration?
Describe your workflows to Runwork and they'll be generated as native automations. Runwork workflows support schedules, event triggers, multi-step processes, and AI agents—often more capability than Retool workflows with less configuration.
Can I run Retool and Runwork in parallel during migration?
Yes. Both can connect to the same databases. Migrate apps one at a time, validating each before switching users over. There's no need for a big-bang migration.

Explore Runwork Features

Apps Data & Entities APIs

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