[Home](https://www.selecthub.com/) \> [Low-Code Development Platforms](https://www.selecthub.com/c/low-code-development-platforms/) \> [Power Apps](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps/) \> Power Apps vs Retool # Power Apps vs Retool Last Updated: May 11th, 2026 Our analysts compared [Power Apps](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps/) vs [Retool](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/retool/) based on data from our 400+ point analysis of [Low-Code Development Platforms](https://www.selecthub.com/c/low-code-development-platforms/), user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our [free software selection platform](https://www.selecthub.com/about/start-free-selection-project-site/?category=Low-Code Development Platforms&cta=low-code-development-platforms). [Overview](#product-overview) [Pricing](#product-pricing) [Our Review](#product-analyst-summary) [User Ratings](#user-sentiment-section) [Features](#product-benefits-features) [Analyst Ratings](#analyst-rating-section) [Comparison Charts](#product-comparison-charts) [Screenshots](#product-screenshots) Remove Add to Compare [![Power Apps Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/aaa77a0735b6312a741f903324a022b2-5ad5538c31048c68d255eb689c76dd36/resources/normal/logo.png?1726601202)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps/) Remove Add to Compare [![Retool Software Tool](https://cdn.selecthub.com/products/6afb7eaa0954e4be3ec10e608b0693be-9ad5d1f9451f53ccec13e022009008fc/resources/normal/logo.png?1726591325)](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/retool/) [ ![Product Awards](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/awards_badge.svg) ](#awards-section) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Low-Code+Development+Platforms&product%5Fname=Power%2BApps&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Faaa77a0735b6312a741f903324a022b2-5ad5538c31048c68d255eb689c76dd36%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726601202) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Low-Code+Development+Platforms&product%5Fname=Power%2BApps&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Faaa77a0735b6312a741f903324a022b2-5ad5538c31048c68d255eb689c76dd36%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726601202) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Low-Code+Development+Platforms&product%5Fname=Power%2BApps&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Faaa77a0735b6312a741f903324a022b2-5ad5538c31048c68d255eb689c76dd36%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726601202&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Low-Code+Development+Platforms&product%5Fname=Power%2BApps&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2Faaa77a0735b6312a741f903324a022b2-5ad5538c31048c68d255eb689c76dd36%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726601202&price=1) [Get Free Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Low-Code+Development+Platforms&product%5Fname=Retool&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F6afb7eaa0954e4be3ec10e608b0693be-9ad5d1f9451f53ccec13e022009008fc%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726591325) [Demo](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-demo/?category=Low-Code+Development+Platforms&product%5Fname=Retool&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F6afb7eaa0954e4be3ec10e608b0693be-9ad5d1f9451f53ccec13e022009008fc%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726591325) [Request Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Low-Code+Development+Platforms&product%5Fname=Retool&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F6afb7eaa0954e4be3ec10e608b0693be-9ad5d1f9451f53ccec13e022009008fc%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726591325&price=1) [Pricing](https://pmo.selecthub.com/get-product-pricing/?category=Low-Code+Development+Platforms&product%5Fname=Retool&product%5Flogo=https%3A%2F%2Fd3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net%2Fproducts%2F6afb7eaa0954e4be3ec10e608b0693be-9ad5d1f9451f53ccec13e022009008fc%2Fresources%2Fnormal%2Flogo.png%3F1726591325&price=1) ### Products Insights Overall Rating Comparison [ Analyst Rating 82 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) (550 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) [ Analyst Rating 78 Detailed Analysis ](#analyst-rating-section) [ User Sentiment ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) (557 Reviews) ](#user-sentiment-section) Price Starts From $5/User, Monthly [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Power Apps&category=Low-Code Development Platforms&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/aaa77a0735b6312a741f903324a022b2-5ad5538c31048c68d255eb689c76dd36/resources/normal/logo.png?1726601202) $10/User, Monthly, Freemium [ Free Trial is available →](https://pmo.selecthub.com/free-trial/?product%5Fname=Retool&category=Low-Code Development Platforms&product%5Flogo=https://d3uimxdj41cg3o.cloudfront.net/products/6afb7eaa0954e4be3ec10e608b0693be-9ad5d1f9451f53ccec13e022009008fc/resources/normal/logo.png?1726591325) Pros What we like about Power Apps and Retool: * Drag-and-drop builder lets non-coders ship apps for expense reports, leave requests, and data collection * Connects natively to Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Office 365, and Dynamics 365 for a unified workflow * Pre-built templates and sample apps help you start projects without building from scratch * Canvas and model-driven app modes cover both freeform design and structured, data-centric apps * Pre-built components and JavaScript hooks let developers ship internal tools much faster than hand-coding * Connects to PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, REST APIs, and other data sources without custom glue code * Real-time collaboration brings analysts and developers into the same build loop * Custom React components and event handlers extend the platform when built-ins fall short Cons What we dislike about Power Apps and Retool: * Advanced functionality has a steep learning curve for business users without a coding background * Licensing costs can strain budgets at larger organizations even with the time savings * Without governance, easy app creation can produce apps that miss security or data integrity standards * Users report slow load times with large datasets or complex apps, which can hurt productivity * No native testing tools, so you'll need third-party options like Playwright for full coverage * Documentation can feel inconsistent when you hit issues or try to use advanced features ### Our Review **Bottom line:** Power Apps and Retool both let you build custom apps fast, but they aim at different builders. Power Apps fits you better if your team lives in Microsoft 365 and you want non-coders building workflow apps. Retool fits you better if you have in-house developers writing JavaScript and SQL to build internal tools over your databases and APIs. Power Apps starts at $5 per user per month and leans on the Microsoft ecosystem. You get tight links to Teams, SharePoint, Dynamics 365, and Azure, plus AI Builder for things like form processing and text recognition. Users say it shines for expense reports, leave requests, and similar workflow apps. Retool starts at $10 per user per month with a freemium tier and targets developers building internal tools. It connects to PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, and REST APIs out of the box, and you can drop in custom JavaScript or React components when the built-ins aren't enough. Reviewers like the speed but flag slow performance on large datasets. Pick Power Apps if you want to empower business users and you're already on Microsoft. Its canvas and model-driven modes cover both freeform and structured apps, and Power Automate handles the workflow side. Pick Retool if your developers want a faster way to wire UIs to existing databases without giving up code. The tradeoffs cut both ways. Power Apps can hit a wall on highly custom or complex apps, and licensing adds up fast at scale. Retool needs JavaScript and SQL skills to get real value, lacks native testing, and its per-user pricing climbs with team size. Match the tool to who's actually building. ### Analyst Rating Summary Overall Scores Based on the research and analysis by SelectHub's team of research analysts, Power Apps has an analyst rating of 82\. By comparison Retool has an analyst rating of 78\. 82 78 Features Comparison **Application Development and Deployment** Enables rapid development and deployment of custom applications, accelerating time-to-market and reducing development costs. 100 96 **Collaboration and Sharing** Facilitates teamwork and knowledge sharing, enabling efficient development and maintenance of applications through version control, code reviews, and shared libraries. 93 96 **Data Management** Provides tools for connecting to data sources, transforming data, and integrating data into applications, streamlining data integration and improving data quality. 100 94 [Show More](#) [Show More](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Low-Code Development Platforms) Strengths The best features of Power Apps and Retool as judged by user reviews and analyst validation. Application Development and Deployment Data Management Security Platform Capabilities Performance and Scalability Platform Capabilities Security Application Development and Deployment Collaboration and Sharing Data Management ### Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Low-Code Development Platforms) How Power Apps and Retool compare against the top 5 functional requirements as defined by SelectHub project data. Power Apps Retool \+ Add Product [\+ Add Product](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Low-Code Development Platforms) Application Development and Deployment Collaboration AndSharing Data Management Mobile Development Platform Capabilities 100 93 100 73 98 96 96 94 78 100 0 25 50 75 100 Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Application Development And Deployment** Enables rapid development and deployment of custom applications, accelerating time-to-market and reducing development costs. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Collaboration And Sharing** Facilitates teamwork and knowledge sharing, enabling efficient development and maintenance of applications through version control, code reviews, and shared libraries. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Data Management** Provides tools for connecting to data sources, transforming data, and integrating data into applications, streamlining data integration and improving data quality. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Mobile Development** Enables the creation of cross-platform mobile apps, expanding application reach and improving user experience across various devices. 75% 0% 25% 75% 0% 25% **Platform Capabilities** Offers flexible deployment options, scalable architecture, and robust integrations, enabling organizations to customize and optimize their low-code development solutions. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Customize This Data For Your Unique Needs** and compare feature capabilities head-to-head [CUSTOMIZE NOW](#) [CUSTOMIZE NOW](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Low-Code Development Platforms) ### Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements [Customize This Data](#) [Customize This Data](https://pmo.selecthub.com/customize-data/?category=Low-Code Development Platforms) Implementation Level of Effort Estimation **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. [Read more](#) **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. **Integrations And Extensibility** Connects the low-code platform with other business systems, streamlining data exchange and workflow automation, improving overall efficiency and application capabilities. 83% 17% 0% 92% 8% 0% **Performance And Scalability** Ensures efficient application performance and scalability, handling increasing workloads and supporting a growing user base. 100% 0% 0% 60% 0% 40% **Security** Safeguards sensitive data and applications through robust access controls, encryption, and regular security audits, protecting against unauthorized access and cyber threats. 100% 0% 0% 100% 0% 0% **Requirements Summary** Of typical requirements, 82% are fully supported out of the box by Power Apps including Application Development And Deployment, Data Management and Security. Retool supports 68% and excels at Platform Capabilities, Security and Application Development And Deployment. Power Apps has an analyst rating of 82 and a user sentiment rating of 'great' based on 550 reviews, while Retool has an analyst rating of 78 and a user sentiment rating of 'excellent' based on 557 reviews. ### User Sentiment Summary Power Apps has a user sentiment rating of 87 based on 550 reviews. Retool has a user sentiment rating of 91 based on 557 reviews. ![Great User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/great.svg) 550 reviews ![Excellent User Sentiment](https://www.selecthub.com/display/images/scores/excellent.svg) 557 reviews Synopsis Evaluating all review platforms, our market analysts have compiled the following user sentiment data. 87% of users recommend this product Power Apps has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 550 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. 91% of users recommend this product Retool has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 91% when considering 557 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites. User Review Scores **G2.com, Inc** **4.3** (316) **4.6** (341) **Software Advice, Inc** **4.5** (34) n/a **Capterra Inc** n/a **4.6** (33) **Gartner, Inc** **4.4** (200) **4.5** (183) ### Awards SelectHub awards earned by these products based on a comprehensive analysis by our research analysts. No awards. Retool stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite. ![User Favorite Award]() ### Product Assistance Training Resources Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Documentation In Person Live Online Videos Webinars Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support Email Phone Chat FAQ Forum Knowledge Base 24/7 Live Support ### Product Basics Company Size i Small Medium Large Small Medium Large Platforms Supported Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Windows Mac Linux Android Chromebook Deployment Supported Cloud On-Premise Mobile Cloud On-Premise Mobile Comparison of Top Alternatives [ Power Apps Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps/alternatives/) [ Retool Alternatives](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/retool/alternatives/) ### Screenshots ![Screenshots]() ![Screenshots]() ### Key Features * **Data integration** – Connects to over 275 sources including Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, SQL Server, and Salesforce, with custom connectors for proprietary APIs. * **App build modes** – Supports canvas apps for freeform design and model-driven apps for structured, data-centric workflows in one platform. * **AI Builder** – Adds form processing, object detection, and text recognition to your apps without writing model code. * **Power Automate link** – Plugs into Power Automate so you can trigger workflows and automate steps inside your apps. * **Embedded apps** – Lets you embed apps directly into Teams and SharePoint so users don't have to leave their workspace. * **Database connectors** – Hooks into PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, REST APIs, and more so developers can build UIs over existing data fast. * **Component library** – Ships tables, charts, forms, and buttons as drag-and-drop pieces you wire to queries and event handlers. * **JavaScript and React** – Lets developers write custom JavaScript logic and build their own React components when defaults fall short. * **Deployment choice** – Runs on-premises or in the cloud, which helps when you have data residency or security requirements. * **Audit logs** – Tracks user actions and changes inside the app for accountability and easier troubleshooting. ### Top Alternatives in Low-Code Development Platforms [ Appian ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/business-process-automation-software/appian/) [ Astro Zero ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/astro-zero/) [ Creatio Studio ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/creatio-studio/) [ GeneXus ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/genexus/) [ HCL Volt MX ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/hcl-volt-mx/) [ Kintone ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/business-process-management-software/kintone/) [ Mendix ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/mendix/) [ NewgenONE ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/newgenone/) [ Oracle APEX ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/oracle-apex/) [ OutSystems ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/outsystems/) [ Pega Infinity ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/workflow-management-software/pega-infinity/) [ Retool ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/retool/) [ Salesforce ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/crm-software/salesforce/) [ ServiceNow App Engine ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/servicenow-app-engine/) [ Unqork ](https://www.selecthub.com/p/low-code-development-platforms/unqork/) ### Head-to-Head Comparison ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![AppSheet Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS AppSheet](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-appsheet/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![GeneXus Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS GeneXus](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-genexus/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![Kissflow Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS Kissflow](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-kissflow/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![Mendix Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS Mendix](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-mendix/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![Oracle APEX Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS Oracle APEX](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-oracle-apex/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![OutSystems Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS OutSystems](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-outsystems/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![Retool Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS Retool](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-retool/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![ServiceNow App Engine Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS ServiceNow App Engine](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-servicenow-app-engine/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![Superblocks Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS Superblocks](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-superblocks/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![Unqork Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS Unqork](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-unqork/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![WaveMaker Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS WaveMaker](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-wavemaker/) ![Power Apps Software Tool]() ![Zoho Creator Software Tool]() [Power Apps VS Zoho Creator](https://www.selecthub.com/low-code-development-platforms/power-apps-vs-zoho-creator/) **About SelectHub (and our data)** We’re the employee-owned Austin-based startup democratizing software data so you can make your decisions in an influence-free zone. Our market data is crowdsourced from our user-base of 100,000+ companies. WE DISTILL IT INTO REAL REQUIREMENTS, COMPARISON REPORTS, PRICE GUIDES and more... ![SelectHub Products Reporting and Analytics]() [ Build Your Requirements](https://pmo.selecthub.com/software-requirements/?category=Low-Code%20Development%20Platforms&campaign%5Fname=Low-Code%20Development%20Requirements) ![SelectHub Products Cost and Pricing Guide]() [ Get Your Free Comparison Report](https://pmo.selecthub.com/request-custom-scorecard/?category=Low-Code%20Development%20Platforms) **Tier 1:** Fully/moderately supported out-of-the-box allowing for quick and easy deployment. Fully or moderately supported out-of-the-box with industry-leading capabilities and is immediately available after installation without needing any add-ons, integrations, or custom development. **Tier 2:** Supported with workarounds or add-ons that may require additional costs. Not directly available in the software, but can be accomplished using other built-in features, workarounds, or add-ons/products from the vendor with or without any additional cost. **Tier 3:** Requires partner integrations or custom development that is often at an additional cost. Requires additional integrations, plugins, marketplace applications from a third-party vendor, or custom development using the APIs, libraries, extensions, and development framework supported by the software, with or without any additional cost. 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