Bubble vs OutSystems vs Retool: Comparing No-Code/Low-Code Platforms

No-code and low-code platforms are empowering organizations to accelerate their software development processes without the need for extensive coding expertise. According to a recent report, Low-code/ no-code solutions can potentially reduce the development time by up to 90%. Naturally, more and more companies will shift towards these technologies for rapid deployment, cost efficiency, and broader accessibility across technical and non-technical teams. 

Among the top contenders in this space are Bubble, OutSystems, and Retool. But how do these platforms stack up against each other? Let’s take a look at a comprehensive comparison to help you determine which one aligns best with your organization's needs.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of Bubble, OutSystems, and Retool, highlighting their key attributes across various categories:

Category	Bubble	OutSystems	Retool
Open Source	No—commercial platform with optional plugin development	No—enterprise-grade low-code platform	No—commercial product; seat-based or usage-based tiers, plus optional self-host
Primary Use Cases	Full-stack web applications, marketplaces, SaaS products, internal tools	Enterprise-grade applications, scalable solutions, mission-critical systems	Internal tools, data dashboards, admin panels, CRMs
Visual Builder	Drag-and-drop interface with extensive styling and responsive design tools	Advanced visual development tools with support for complex logic	Extensive drag-and-drop library; JavaScript for custom logic
Integrations	Multiple data sources (Google Sheets, Excel, SQL databases, Salesforce), API connector, plugins	Seamless integration with enterprise systems (SAP, Oracle, Salesforce), REST/SOAP APIs	Wide range of DB and SaaS connectors (Salesforce, Stripe, Slack), plus REST/GraphQL
Customization	JavaScript for custom workflows, plugins, custom code blocks, extensive styling options	High extensibility with custom code and APIs, comprehensive integration capabilities	JavaScript for custom workflows, custom components, theming, extensive integration ecosystem
Hosting Options	Managed Bubble hosting or custom cloud deployments	Cloud and on-premises hosting options for enhanced security and compliance	Retool Cloud, self-host (Business/Enterprise), or hybrid deployments
Security/SSO	Data encryption, RBAC, SSO integrations (Google, Microsoft, Okta)	Comprehensive security features, SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA compliance, SSO integrations	Basic SSO in Team; advanced SSO integrations (Okta, Azure AD) in higher tiers
Automations	Visual workflows with conditional logic, multi-step processes	Advanced workflow automation with process integration	Built-in triggers/scripts; JavaScript queries and multi-step flows

Platform Overview

Understanding each platform's core objectives, target audience, and architectural strengths is crucial when selecting the right no-code or low-code solution. Below is an overview of Bubble, OutSystems, and Retool, highlighting their unique positions in the market.

Bubble

Bubble is a leading no-code platform designed to enable users—from entrepreneurs and startups to large enterprises—to build fully functional web applications without traditional coding. It stands out for its versatility, robust feature set, and ability to handle both front-end and back-end development seamlessly.

• Visual UI Builder: Drag-and-drop interface for designing responsive web pages.

• Database Management: Integrated database support with complex relational data models.

• Workflow Automation: Visual workflows for app logic, including conditional logic and multi-step processes.

• Plugin Ecosystem & API Integration: Extensive marketplace of plugins and an API connector for external integrations.

• Hosting & Deployment: Managed hosting with scaling, security, and maintenance handled by Bubble.

• User Authentication & Management: Built-in auth system with role-based access control.

• Extensibility & Custom Code: Supports custom HTML/JavaScript for advanced functionalities.

• Collaboration & Version Control: Real-time team collaboration and robust version control features.

OutSystems

OutSystems is a prominent low-code platform tailored for enterprise-grade applications. It caters to large organizations seeking to streamline their software development lifecycle, offering comprehensive tools for building scalable and secure applications.

• Advanced Visual Development: Drag-and-drop interface with advanced logic capabilities.

• Full-Stack Development: Supports both front-end and back-end development within a single platform.

• Scalability & Performance: Designed to handle high-volume, mission-critical applications.

• Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with existing systems, databases, and third-party services.

• Robust Security Features: Enterprise-grade security, compliance certifications (e.g., SOC 2, GDPR).

• Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive tools for application lifecycle management, including deployment, monitoring, and maintenance.

• Extensibility: Ability to incorporate custom code and use APIs for enhanced functionalities.

• AI & Machine Learning Integration: Incorporates AI-driven insights and automation capabilities.

Retool

Retool is a low-code platform renowned for its user-friendly interface and extensive component library. It's a favorite among teams building internal tools, dashboards, and administrative panels. 

• Comprehensive UI Components: Extensive library of pre-built elements like forms, charts, and tables.

• JavaScript for Custom Logic: Ability to inject JavaScript to handle complex data manipulations and workflows.

• Broad Integration Ecosystem: Connects to numerous databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB) and SaaS applications (Salesforce, Stripe, Slack).

• Enterprise-Ready Features: Advanced security features, audit logs, SSO integrations, and customizable permissions.

• Beginner-Friendly Onboarding: Easy setup with extensive documentation to flatten the learning curve.

• Polished User Interface: Intuitive and user-friendly design facilitating quick adoption across teams.

• Collaboration Tools: Real-time editing and version control for team-based development.

• Custom Components: Develop and integrate custom components to extend Retool’s functionality.

If you envision using Retool for complex data integrations or specialized security needs, Toolpioneers can streamline your deployment, ensuring best practices from day one.

Key Features

Each platform aims to minimize development time while offering sufficient depth for custom logic. Let’s explore how Bubble, OutSystems, and Retool differentiate themselves in their feature sets.

Bubble

Bubble focuses on empowering users to build comprehensive web applications without any coding.

• Visual UI Builder: Create responsive web pages using a drag-and-drop interface.

• Database Management: Manage data with built-in relational databases and privacy rules.

• Workflow Automation: Design multi-step workflows for complex business logic.

• Plugin Ecosystem & API Integration: Enhance app functionality with plugins or custom API integrations.

• Responsive Design: Optimize apps for various devices and screen sizes.

• User Authentication: Implement user registration, login, and role-based access controls.

• Extensibility: Add custom HTML/JavaScript for advanced features.

• Collaboration & Version Control: Facilitate team collaboration with real-time editing and version history.

OutSystems

OutSystems offers a comprehensive suite of tools tailored for enterprise-level application development, emphasizing scalability, security, and integration.

• Advanced Visual Development: Utilize drag-and-drop interfaces with support for complex logic.

• Full-Stack Development: Develop both front-end and back-end within a unified environment.

• Scalability & Performance: Built to support high-volume, mission-critical applications.

• Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrate with existing enterprise systems and third-party services.

• Robust Security Features: Includes enterprise-grade security measures and compliance certifications.

• Lifecycle Management: Comprehensive tools for deploying, monitoring, and maintaining applications.

• Extensibility: Incorporate custom code and APIs for enhanced functionalities.

• Collaboration Tools: Enable team collaboration with role-based access and version control.

• AI & Machine Learning Integration: Integrate AI-driven insights and automation into applications.

Retool

Retool is optimized for building internal tools quickly and efficiently that combine ease of use with the flexibility of custom code.

• Comprehensive UI Components: Access a vast library of pre-built UI elements for rapid development.

• JavaScript for Custom Logic: Inject JavaScript to handle complex data operations and workflows.

• Broad Integration Ecosystem: Connect to a wide range of databases and SaaS applications effortlessly.

• Enterprise-Ready Features: Advanced security, audit logs, SSO, and customizable permissions for enterprise needs.

• Beginner-Friendly Onboarding: Intuitive interface with extensive documentation to support new users.

• Polished User Interface: User-friendly design facilitating quick adoption and ease of use.

• Collaboration Tools: Real-time editing, version control, and team-based development support.

• Custom Components: Develop and integrate custom components to extend Retool’s functionality.

If you need help integrating multiple data sources or setting up advanced workflows in Retool, Toolpioneers can assist in configuring the platform to meet your specific requirements.

Ease of Use

The adoption rate of a platform often hinges on how quickly your team can learn and start using it effectively. Here’s how Bubble, OutSystems, and Retool compare in terms of ease of use.

Bubble

Bubble offers a powerful visual editor that is intuitive yet feature-rich, so it's accessible for both non-developers and experienced users. While the drag-and-drop interface is user-friendly, mastering complex logic and responsive design can take time. Bubble provides extensive documentation, tutorials, and a supportive community, which helps flatten the learning curve for new users.

OutSystems

OutSystems is designed for enterprise users with varying levels of technical expertise. Its advanced visual development tools cater to both citizen developers and professional developers, offering a balance between ease of use and powerful customization. The platform provides comprehensive training resources and a robust support ecosystem, although the complexity of features may require a steeper learning curve for those new to low-code development.

Retool

Retool is renowned for its ease of use, especially for building internal tools. Its polished drag-and-drop interface allows users to connect data sources and assemble components with minimal effort. The ability to inject JavaScript provides flexibility for advanced users without overwhelming beginners. Comprehensive documentation and a large user community further enhance the platform’s accessibility, making it easy for teams to adopt and integrate into their workflows.

Wondering how to balance Retool’s speed with your team’s unique complexity needs? Toolpioneers can implement best practices, saving you the frustration of trial and error.

Security and Data Privacy

Ensuring data remains protected is crucial for any internal tool or application. Let’s examine how Bubble, OutSystems, and Retool approach security, hosting, and data privacy.

Bubble

Bubble incorporates a comprehensive security framework to safeguard your applications.

• Data Encryption: All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, ensuring secure data storage and transmission.

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Define detailed user roles and permissions to manage access to various parts of your application.

• Single Sign-On (SSO): Integrates with major identity providers for secure and seamless user authentication.

• Compliance: Supports compliance with standards such as GDPR and HIPAA through configurable security settings and data privacy rules.

• Secure Hosting: Bubble handles all aspects of hosting, including SSL certificates, to ensure your app is securely accessible.

• Audit Logs: Maintain detailed logs of user activities and changes within your application for compliance and accountability.

• Custom Security Configurations: Use Bubble’s extensibility to implement additional security measures as needed.

• Community-Driven Security Updates: Regular contributions from the community help patch vulnerabilities and enhance security features.

OutSystems

OutSystems is built with enterprise-grade security features, which makes it suitable for large organizations with complex security and compliance requirements.

• Data Encryption: Comprehensive encryption for data in transit and at rest.

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Granular control over user permissions and access levels.

• Single Sign-On (SSO): Integrates seamlessly with enterprise identity providers like Okta, Azure AD, and more.

• Compliance Certifications: Meets various compliance standards, including SOC 2, GDPR, HIPAA, and more, ensuring data privacy and regulatory adherence.

• Secure Hosting Options: Offers both cloud and on-premises hosting to meet diverse security and compliance needs.

• Audit Logs: Detailed logging of user activities and system changes for accountability and compliance.

• Advanced Security Features: Includes features like secure coding practices, threat detection, and vulnerability management.

• Lifecycle Security: Ensures security is maintained throughout the application development lifecycle, from design to deployment.

Retool

Retool prioritizes security with robust features designed for enterprise use.

• Data Encryption: All data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, ensuring secure data handling.

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Define detailed user roles and permissions to control access to specific data and functionalities.

• Single Sign-On (SSO): Integrates with identity providers like Okta, Azure AD, and more for secure user authentication.

• Audit Logs: Track changes and user activities for compliance and accountability.

• Compliance Certifications: Meets standards such as SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA depending on the plan.

• Advanced Security Features: Higher-tier plans offer enforceable SSO, SCIM-based user provisioning, and air-gapped deployments for maximum data security.

• Managed Hosting Options: Choose between Retool’s cloud services or self-hosting for enhanced data control and security.

• Secure API Access: Ensure secure interactions between Retool and integrated services through authenticated API calls.

Worried about configuring Retool for strict governance or compliance mandates? Toolpioneers can design a compliant architecture tailored to your unique ruleset.

Integrations and Flexibility

A key factor in selecting a no-code or low-code platform is how seamlessly it can integrate with your existing tools and data sources. Here’s how Bubble, OutSystems, and Retool handle integrations and offer flexibility for advanced customizations.

Bubble

Bubble offers extensive integration capabilities, making it a versatile platform for building complex web applications.

• Data Source Integrations:

  • Multiple Data Sources: Google Sheets, Excel, SQL databases, Salesforce, and more.

  • API Connector: Seamlessly connect to external APIs for data retrieval and manipulation.

  • Real-Time Data Syncing: Keep your app data synchronized with external sources in real-time.

• Workflow Automation:

  • Visual Workflows: Create multi-step workflows to handle complex business logic.

  • Conditional Logic: Implement advanced conditional logic to drive app behavior without code.

• Extensibility:

  • Plugins: Access a vast marketplace of community and premium plugins to add new features.

  • Custom Code: Incorporate custom HTML/JavaScript for advanced functionalities not covered by plugins.

  • Custom APIs: Build and integrate custom APIs to extend your app’s capabilities.

OutSystems

OutSystems excels in integrating with a wide range of enterprise systems and third-party services, providing the flexibility needed for large-scale applications.

• Data Source Integrations:

  • Enterprise Systems: SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, and other major enterprise platforms.

  • Databases: Connect to SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and more.

  • APIs: Utilize REST and SOAP APIs for seamless data exchange with external services.

• Workflow Automation:

  • Advanced Logic: Implement complex business processes and workflows with visual tools.

  • Process Integration: Integrate with existing business processes and enterprise systems for streamlined operations.

• Extensibility:

  • Custom Code: Extend applications with custom code when needed, supporting both front-end and back-end enhancements.

  • APIs & Web Services: Develop and consume APIs and web services to integrate with other applications and services.

  • Third-Party Integrations: Utilize built-in connectors and custom integrations to connect with a wide range of third-party tools and services.

Retool

Retool is renowned for its broad integration capabilities, enabling users to connect effortlessly to various data sources and SaaS applications.

• Data Source Integrations:

  • Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and more.

  • SaaS Applications: Salesforce, Stripe, Slack, and numerous others.

  • APIs: Connect to REST and GraphQL APIs to fetch and manipulate data.

• Workflow Automation:

  • Built-In Triggers: Use built-in triggers and scripts to automate workflows and handle data operations.

  • JavaScript Queries: Utilize JavaScript to create complex data transformations and conditional flows.

• Extensibility:

  • Custom Components: Develop and integrate custom components to extend Retool’s functionality.

  • JavaScript Integration: Inject JavaScript to handle scenarios that require more than the built-in capabilities.

  • Platform APIs: Harness Retool’s APIs to automate tasks and integrate with other systems programmatically.

Feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of connecting dozens of services in Retool? Toolpioneers can help unify your data in a single, streamlined dashboard.

Pricing

Understanding the cost structure of each platform is crucial for determining which one aligns best with your budget and scalability needs. Below is a detailed overview of the pricing models for Bubble, OutSystems, and Retool.

Bubble

Bubble offers a tiered pricing structure designed to cater to different user needs, from hobbyists to large enterprises. Each plan provides a set of features tailored to support various stages of app development and deployment.

Free Plan

• Cost: $0/month

• Ideal For: Individuals and hobbyists building personal projects.

• Features:

  • Unlimited apps

  • 2 GB storage

  • Community support

  • Basic Bubble branding

  • Limited to public apps

Starter Plan

• Cost: $29/month (billed annually as $32/month)

• Ideal For: Freelancers and small teams needing more resources.

• Features:

  • All Free Plan features

  • Access to the editor

  • Custom domain support

  • White labeling (Bubble branding removal)

  • Daily recurring workflows

  • Scheduled workflows

  • Basic version control

  • 6-hour database backup & restore

  • 50K monthly workload units (WU)

  • 0.5 GB file storage

Growth Plan

• Cost: $119/month (billed annually as $134/month)

• Ideal For: Growing businesses requiring enhanced performance and support.

• Features:

  • All Starter Plan features

  • Access to live version

  • Scheduled workflows

  • Advanced version control (2 days backup)

  • 175K monthly workload units (WU)

  • 50 GB file storage

  • Priority support

Team Plan

• Cost: $349/month (billed annually as $399/month)

• Ideal For: Teams needing collaborative features and increased capacity.

• Features:

  • All Growth Plan features

  • Sub apps

  • Advanced version control (14 days backup)

  • 250K monthly workload units (WU)

  • 100 GB file storage

  • Premium support

Enterprise Plan

• Cost: Custom Pricing

• Ideal For: Large organizations with specific compliance, security, and scalability needs.

• Features:

  • All Team Plan features

  • Custom domain support

  • Advanced security features (SSO, SOC 2 Type II compliance)

  • Dedicated account manager

  • Technical Success Manager

  • Custom Cloudflare settings

  • Static IP address

  • Advanced DDoS protection

  • Security review

  • Dedicated instance

  • Customizable infrastructure and workload units

  • Unlimited file storage

  • Unlimited database backup & restore

  • Centralized user and app management

  • Pay by invoice or bank transfer

OutSystems

OutSystems offers flexible pricing plans designed to accommodate a wide range of organizational sizes and needs, from individual developers to large enterprises. The pricing structure is based on the scale and complexity of the applications you build, the number of users, and the additional advanced features you may require.

Personal Edition

• Cost: Free

• Ideal For: Individuals and small teams experimenting with low-code development.

• Features:

  • Try and learn low-code development at no charge.

  • No credit card required.

  • Limited to test applications only (not for production use).

OutSystems Developer Cloud (ODC)

• Cost: Starts at $36,300/year (USD)

• Ideal For: Businesses looking to develop and run apps for employees, customers, and partners.

• Features:

  • Support:

    • Community support.

    • Professional support during business hours (8x5).

    • Option to upgrade to 24x7 professional support.

  • Runtimes:

    • Includes development, non-production (testing), and production runtimes.

    • Ability to add additional non-production and production runtimes as needed.

  • Hosting:

    • Hosted on OutSystems Cloud.

    • Self-hosted option available through advanced add-ons.

  • Uptime Guarantee:

    • 99.5% uptime.

    • Option to upgrade to 99.95% uptime.

  • Compliance Options:

    • Limited compliance with ISO 27001.

    • Option to add additional compliance certifications such as SOC2 Type II and PCI DSS through advanced add-ons.

  • Users:

    • Starts with 100 internal users.

    • Ability to add internal and external users as needed.

  • Applications:

    • Start with 1 medium-sized production application.

    • Scale to multiple and larger, more complex applications.

  • GenAI Capabilities:

    • AI Agent Builder included with ODC license.

    • More AI features coming soon.

Advanced Add-Ons

• Cost: Additional pricing based on specific needs and requirements.

• Ideal For: Organizations requiring enhanced capabilities beyond the standard Developer Cloud.

• Features:

  • Support:

    • Upgrade to 24x7 professional support.

  • Runtimes:

    • Add additional non-production and production runtimes.

  • Hosting:

    • Self-hosted deployment option available.

  • Uptime Guarantee:

    • Upgrade to a 99.95% uptime guarantee.

  • Compliance Options:

    • Add additional compliance certifications such as SOC2 Type II, PCI DSS, etc.

  • GenAI Capabilities:

    • Enhanced AI features and capabilities as they become available.

Retool

Retool offers both seat-based and usage-based pricing tiers, catering to teams of varying sizes and needs. Its flexible pricing model ensures that organizations can scale their usage according to their requirements.

Free Plan

• Cost: $0/month

• Ideal For: Small teams and individual projects.

• Features:

  • Up to 5 users

  • 500 workflow runs/month

  • 5GB storage

  • Unlimited web & mobile apps

Team Plan

• Cost: $10/month per standard user, $5/month per end user

• Ideal For: Growing teams needing collaborative features.

• Features:

  • Everything in Free, plus:

  • 5,000 workflow runs/month

  • Staging environment

  • App release versions

  • Supports more than 5 users

Business Plan

• Cost: $50/month per standard user, $15/month per end user

• Ideal For: Teams requiring advanced permissions and audit capabilities.

• Features:

  • Everything in Team, plus:

  • Audit logging

  • Rich permission controls

  • Portals and embedded apps

  • Unlimited environments and modules

  • External user pricing available

Enterprise Plan

• Cost: Custom pricing

• Ideal For: Large organizations with specific compliance and support needs.

• Features:

  • Everything in Business, plus:

  • SAML/OpenID Connect SSO

  • Source control integrations

  • Custom branding

  • Platform APIs and workflow triggers

  • Volume-based discounts

  • Dedicated support

  • Independent workspaces

Retool is ideal for organizations that require a polished, enterprise-ready platform with extensive integrations and robust security features. Toolpioneers can help you navigate Retool’s pricing tiers and configure the platform to maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

Choosing the right no-code or low-code platform depends on your organization’s specific needs, technical expertise, and budget. Bubble, OutSystems, and Retool each offer unique strengths:

• Bubble: Excellent for entrepreneurs, startups, and enterprises looking to build comprehensive web applications without delving into code. Its powerful visual editor, extensive plugin ecosystem, and responsive design tools make it a strong choice for creating complex, custom web applications.

• OutSystems: Ideal for large enterprises seeking scalable, secure, and high-performance applications. OutSystems’ advanced visual development tools, full-stack capabilities, and robust integration options make it a compelling choice for mission-critical systems and enterprise-grade solutions.

• Retool: Best suited for organizations that need a polished, enterprise-ready platform for building internal tools, dashboards, and administrative panels. Retool’s extensive integrations, user-friendly interface, and robust security features make it an excellent choice for teams focused on internal efficiencies and data-driven applications.

If you decide that Retool aligns with your goals but need expert assistance to configure it effectively, Toolpioneers can streamline your deployment. They offer specialized services to tailor these platforms’ features to your unique workflows, ensuring you maximize your investment and accelerate your internal tool development.

Ready to transform your internal operations with a powerful no-code or low-code solution? Reach out to Toolpioneers today and discover how a carefully crafted setup can unleash new levels of productivity and insight across your organization.