Claris FileMaker vs Retool

Claris FileMaker8.8Visit Retool8.7Visit

Higher score Claris FileMaker #6 in Low Code No Code Software 8.8/10 45-day trial Free trial✓ 0 of 2 features Try Claris FileMaker

vs

Retool #7 in Low Code No Code Software 8.7/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 2 features Visit Retool

• Claris FileMaker fits best

  Teams building data-centric apps across devices

• Retool fits best

  Teams building internal tools from data sources

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Side by side

Feature	Claris FileMaker 8.8/10 Visit ↗	Retool 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.7
Ranking	#6 in Low Code No Code Software	#7 in Low Code No Code Software
Best for	Teams building data-centric apps across devices	Teams building internal tools from data sources
Pricing model	Paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	—	$10/mo
Free plan	—	✓ (best)
Free trial	45 days	—
Deployment	Cloud, Self-hosted	Cloud, Mobile, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Web, iOS, Android
Integrations	7 integrations	9 integrations
Features Claris FileMaker 0/2 · Retool 1/2
Code export	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Custom domain	Not checked yet	✓ (best)
Specs
App types	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Deployment	Not checked yet	Both
User limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Data sources	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Relational data models with custom interfaces and scripted automation Granular privileges at field, record, table, layout, and script levels Cloud or self-hosted deployment with web, desktop, and mobile clients	Connects apps to databases and REST, GraphQL, and gRPC APIs Supports web, native mobile, workflows, and ETL tasks Offers cloud or VPC self-hosting with permissions and audit logging
Cons	No free plan is available Starter is limited to 10 users and three custom apps Max lists a 5–99 user range, which may not fit larger deployments	Custom code is part of the web app-building workflow Team and Business prices are listed with annual billing Its broad app and workflow scope may exceed a narrow tool-building need
Our verdict	Claris FileMaker is a low-code environment for building custom database applications around relational tables, tailored layouts, and scripted workflows. It suits developers, IT teams, and organizations that need operational software shaped… Read the review →	Retool brings app building, data connections, and operational workflows into one platform. Developers, business engineers, analysts, and operations teams can describe an application in natural language, refine the interface visually or… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• Claris FileMaker — where it wins

  • Relational data models with custom interfaces and scripted automation
  • Granular privileges at field, record, table, layout, and script levels
  • Cloud or self-hosted deployment with web, desktop, and mobile clients

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan is available
  • Starter is limited to 10 users and three custom apps
  • Max lists a 5–99 user range, which may not fit larger deployments

• Retool — where it wins

  • Connects apps to databases and REST, GraphQL, and gRPC APIs
  • Supports web, native mobile, workflows, and ETL tasks
  • Offers cloud or VPC self-hosting with permissions and audit logging

  Where it doesn't

  • Custom code is part of the web app-building workflow
  • Team and Business prices are listed with annual billing
  • Its broad app and workflow scope may exceed a narrow tool-building need

• Claris FileMaker8.8/10 · 45-day trial

  A broad low-code toolkit for relational apps across web, desktop, and mobile.

  Try Claris FileMakerFull verdict →
• Retool8.7/10 · Free plan

  A developer-oriented builder for internal apps, workflows, and data-connected tools.

  Visit RetoolFull verdict →