Compare
Orbit vs Retool
Different jobs. Retool builds internal tools over data you already run. On Orbit you build a customer-facing product with a backend of its own, on your own domain.
Free to try. Retool is for the team; Orbit is for your customers.
Different jobs
Retool and Orbit solve different problems
Retool builds internal tools over data you already run. On Orbit you build a customer-facing product with a backend of its own. Different jobs, different users.
Retool
For internal tools over your data
Connect the databases and APIs you already run, then build over them.
Drag-and-drop admin panels, dashboards, and CRUD, plus JavaScript.
Built for internal use behind auth, with granular access control.
Best for ops and admin tools on data you already have.
Orbit
For a customer-facing product
Describe the app, and it comes with a Postgres backend and sign-in.
It launches on your own domain as a product your users reach.
The app and its data are yours through a REST API.
Best for a new product, not a tool over existing data.
Where they differ
Where the two part ways
Checked against Retool's own docs on 25 July 2026. Every Retool claim links its source.
The backend
Orbit
A Postgres database and auth are created with the app, as its own backend.
Retool
Retool connects to the databases and APIs you already run. Its hosted database is aimed at internal app data.
Retool databaseHow it is priced
Orbit
1 credit = 1 dollar, usage-based, credits never expire, and you can bring your own provider account.
Retool
Per-user seats: builders and end users are billed monthly, so cost grows with headcount.
Retool pricingOwning it
Orbit
No source-code download in the product. You reach the app and its data through a REST API on your own domain.
Retool
Apps are a proprietary format you export as JSON to re-import into Retool. Self-hosting is available.
Retool export docsFair is fair
When Retool is the better pick
Retool is the fastest way to build internal tools over data you already run: many data-source integrations, drag-and-drop with JavaScript, and enterprise governance like roles and audit logs. For admin panels and ops dashboards behind auth, Retool is built for that.
The short answer
Pick Retool
if you need internal tools and dashboards over databases and APIs you already run.
Pick Orbit
if you want a new customer-facing product with its own backend, on your own domain.
They differ
Retool is for internal tools over your data; Orbit is for shipping a product.
Questions, answered
Is Retool an app builder like Orbit?
They serve different jobs. Retool builds internal tools and admin panels over data you already run. On Orbit you build a customer-facing product with a backend of its own on your domain.
Does Orbit connect to my existing database?
Each app gets a Postgres backend of its own rather than layering over an existing one. Retool is the tool built to connect the databases and APIs you already run.
How does pricing compare?
Retool bills per user seat, so cost grows with your team and end users. Orbit bills usage credits at a flat dollar each that never expire. It depends on whether you are building internal tools or a public product.
Can I export my app?
Retool exports apps as a proprietary JSON format to re-import into Retool, and offers self-hosting. Orbit has no source-code export in the product, and your app is reachable through a REST API on your own domain. If you need the code or a repository for a client, ask and we set it up by hand.
Build a product, not an internal tool
Start free on Orbit and describe your app. It sets up the backend and runs it on your domain.
Free to build. Your first live app is free on your own domain.
Made in Orbit