Retool CS Dashboard vs Appsmith: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Retool CS Dashboard and Appsmith comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Retool CS Dashboard
Rapidly build custom internal tools, dashboards, and GUIs on top of any data source.
Best for you if:
- • Build custom internal tools and dashboards with drag-and-drop UI.
- • Connects to databases, APIs, and third-party services.
Appsmith
Open-source platform for building internal tools
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 0.0/10)
- • Appsmith is an open-source platform for building internal tools with a drag-and-drop interface
- • It connects to any database or API and provides pre-built widgets for common admin tasks
| At a Glance |  Retool CS Dashboard |  Appsmith |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | Low-Code Backend |
Rating | —/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Retool CS Dashboard | Appsmith |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | — | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendApp Builders | Low-Code BackendApp Builders |
How Retool CS Dashboard and Appsmith Compare
Retool CS Dashboard
Rapidly build custom internal tools, dashboards, and GUIs on top of any data source.
Free tier available
Appsmith
Open-source platform for building internal tools
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Retool CS Dashboard
Want the highest-rated option?
Appsmith scores 86/100. Retool CS Dashboard is unrated.
Go with: Appsmith
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Appsmith
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are low-code backend tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Not all tools have been rated yet.
Key Takeaways
Appsmith
- Higher score: 86/100 vs unrated
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Retool CS Dashboard
The Bottom Line
Appsmith (86/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Retool CS Dashboard or Appsmith better?
Appsmith scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Retool CS Dashboard and Appsmith used for?
Retool CS Dashboard: Rapidly build custom internal tools, dashboards, and GUIs on top of any data source.. Appsmith: Open-source platform for building internal tools.
What does Retool CS Dashboard cost vs Appsmith?
Retool CS Dashboard is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Appsmith is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.