A feature-rich and cheaper developer tool than Retool
Tags: development, developers, lowcode, softwaredevelopment
Published: 2024-06-25 12:08:58

In the world of low-code platforms, you’ve probably heard of Retool and DronaHQ. Both are stellar tools for building internal applications. But after using both for some time now, I’ve come to appreciate what DronaHQ brings to the table. I am **pleased with the UI building capabilities, visual workflow builder, and engineering support** they provide.

So, let’s talk about why you might want to jump ship from Retool and give [DronaHQ](https://www.dronahq.com/) a spin.

## **1. User-Friendly Interface That Doesn’t Sacrifice Power**

**Multi-Screen/Page Apps:** One of the standout features of DronaHQ is its support for multi-screen and multi-page applications. This means you can create complex, multi-functional apps all within a single project. Even better, the same app can be seamlessly deployed on mobile devices without the need for separate builds. Retool doesn’t quite match this level of flexibility out of the box.

**Custom UI Components:** DronaHQ offers a control designer where you can build custom UI components with any styling you want. This is a game-changer for teams that need highly specific interfaces and aren’t satisfied with the standard component library. With this level of customization, your apps can look exactly how you envision them.

**Enhanced Charting Options:** If you’re a data junkie, you’ll love DronaHQ’s charting facilities. It supports advanced charting options like **Plotly charts**, which provide richer, more interactive visualizations compared to standard options. Whether you’re tracking sales data or visualizing complex datasets, DronaHQ has you covered.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/seb44c8czfjwea3yzoy7.png)

## **2. Killer Pre-Built Connectors and Integrations**

Integrations are the lifeblood of internal tools. Retool has a solid lineup, but **DronaHQ’s pre-built connectors and integration options are next level**. Whether you’re pulling data from Salesforce, writing to a MySQL database, or interacting with custom APIs, DronaHQ makes it straightforward.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/3osj2xur5wwjuc93gy1h.png)

Need to sync customer data from HubSpot into your app? DronaHQ’s pre-built HubSpot connector gets you there with minimal setup. No need to build from scratch, just plug and play.

## **3. Simplified Workflow Creation with Visual Builder**

Imagine setting up an approval process for expense reports. In Retool, you’d manually define each action and transition, which can get confusing fast. With DronaHQ, you simply click on the elements to create a clear, **visual representation of your workflow**. This not only simplifies the building process but also makes it easier for team members to understand and follow the logic.

## **4. Support That Doesn’t Ghost You**

Retool tends to focus primarily on enterprise deals exceeding $100k per customer, which often means small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) don’t get the attention they deserve. New and existing customers might find themselves waiting for help when they need it most.

In contrast, DronaHQ offers smooth and reliable support. During a critical product launch, you encounter a last-minute issue with your app. With **DronaHQ’s 24/7 support**, you can get immediate help, ensuring your launch goes off without a hitch.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ipdp6qhzy2uae2qu6yn1.png)


## **5. Cost-Effective without Compromising Features**

Let’s talk money. Retool can get pricey, especially as your team scales. DronaHQ offers competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for startups, growing companies, and even enterprises that need to keep an eye on the budget without compromising on features.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/d5nqoq457fk765xgyzqn.png)

As your team grows and your application needs to expand, DronaHQ’s pricing remains manageable in fact, **DronaHQ offers up to a 50% discount if you [migrate your apps from Retool](https://www.dronahq.com/retool-app-migration/) to DronaHQ**. Plus, their feature-rich free tier is nothing to scoff at — it’s perfect for getting started. By this, I meant **DronaHQ offers a [free one-month trial](https://www.dronahq.com/signup/) of its business plan** where you will get to see some premium features like branding, custom domain, custom SSO, and more.

## **How Easy Is It to Switch from Retool to DronaHQ Now?**

Let’s get real for a moment. Transitioning from one platform to another isn’t always smooth sailing, but DronaHQ makes the process as painless as possible.

With comprehensive documentation, responsive support, and a vibrant community, you’ll find the help you need when you need it.