n8n vs Retool: Which No-Code & Automation Tool Is Better in 2026?

n8n

From $20

Retool

From $10

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Tie

Choose n8n if you need a self-hosted, flat-priced automation tool for custom pipelines and AI agents, especially with developer and privacy-first needs. Choose Retool if you are building internal tools, admin panels, or business apps and want a per-seat model with built-in database and mobile app export. n8n starts at $20 flat, while Retool starts at $10 per seat, so cost depends on team size and hosting preferences.

Retool's entry plan ($10) is 50% cheaper than n8n's ($20).
Retool charges per user while n8n uses a flat price, so n8n gets relatively cheaper as your team grows.
Both offer a free plan, so you can test them side by side at no cost.
Only Retool offers: built-in database / table storage, native mobile app generation.

Try n8n →Try Retool →

Cost calculator

Team size: 5 users

Tool	Monthly	Yearly
n8n · flat	$20.00	$240
Retool · per user	$50.00	$600

Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.

Which one should you choose?

If you need…	Pick	Why
Privacy-first company needing self-hosted automation	n8n	n8n offers self-hosted option and flat pricing, suited for privacy-first companies.
Engineering team building internal admin dashboards	Retool	Retool includes built-in database and is best for internal tools and admin dashboards.
Developer creating custom AI agent workflows	n8n	n8n has AI workflow copilot and is best for custom self-hosted pipelines and AI agents.
Team needing native mobile app generation	Retool	Retool supports mobile app export, while n8n does not.
Small team with tight budget per seat	Retool	Retool starts at $10 per seat, lower entry cost than n8n's $20 flat price for small teams.

Feature comparison: n8n vs Retool

Feature	n8n	Retool
Free plan	✅	✅
Starting price	$20 /mo	$10 /user/mo
Visual flow & drag-and-drop builder	✅	✅
Self-hosted / open-source option	✅	✅
Pre-built app connectors & integrations	✅	✅
Built-in database / table storage	—	✅
Multi-step branches & conditional routers	✅	✅
Custom webhooks & API HTTP requests	✅	✅
Native mobile app generation	—	✅
AI workflow & assistant builder	✅	✅

Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.

Pros and cons

n8n

Self-hosted option for privacy and control
Flat pricing starting at $20
AI workflow copilot for building AI agents
Strong multi-step logic and custom webhooks

No built-in database or table storage
No native mobile app generation

Try n8n →

Retool

Built-in database and table storage
Native mobile app generation
Per-seat pricing starting at $10
Best for internal tools and admin dashboards

Per-seat billing can become costly as team grows
Less focused on custom self-hosted automation pipelines compared to n8n

Try Retool →

COMMUNITY POLL

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At a glance

n8n

Fair-code workflow automation tool with self-hosted privacy and AI nodes.

Founded 2019 · From $20 · 6/8 tracked features

Best for: developers & privacy-first companies, custom self-hosted pipelines & AI agents

See n8n alternatives →

Retool

Fastest way to build internal tools, admin panels, and business apps.

Founded 2017 · From $10 · 8/8 tracked features

Best for: internal tools & admin dashboards, engineering teams connecting SQL/APIs

See Retool alternatives →

FAQ

Is n8n cheaper than Retool?

n8n starts at $20 flat, while Retool starts at $10 per seat. For a single user, Retool is cheaper; for larger teams, n8n's flat price may be more cost-effective.

Does n8n include a built-in database?

No, n8n does not include built-in database or table storage, whereas Retool does.

Can Retool generate native mobile apps?

Yes, Retool supports native mobile app generation, while n8n does not.

Which tool is better for self-hosted privacy?

Both offer self-hosted options, but n8n is specifically positioned for privacy-first companies with self-hosted pipelines.

Do both tools have AI workflow copilot?

Yes, both n8n and Retool include AI workflow and assistant builder features.

Related comparisons

Data last reviewed: pending verification. All No-Code & Automation tools →