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It's a split decision.
Retool is a hosted app-building platform with AI-assisted generation, a CLI and MCP server, and governed access to production data. Claris FileMaker is a custom-app platform with cloud and on-premises hosting, plus workflow automation through Claris Connect. Choose Retool for governed operational apps and React imports; choose FileMaker for custom business workflows and a choice of cloud or on-premises hosting. Compare seat costs and usage limits against your expected app and workflow volume.
01Side by side
| Retool | Claris FileMaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Annual builder pricing plus internal-user fees on paid plans | Annual per-user subscriptions or $625 perpetual Pro license |
| Free tier | Free: 5 users, 500 workflow runs, 250 AI credits monthly | No free plan; 14-day Cloud, 45-day Server and Pro trials |
| Self-hosting | Enterprise offers self-hosted or air-gapped deployment | FileMaker Server supports on-premises hosting |
| CLI and docs | MCP server, CLI, React import and app documentation | Claris Connect supports integrations and workflow automation |
| Integrations | Connects to production data sources; supports GitHub syncing | Connects FileMaker with third-party apps, software and tools |
| Deployment model | Cloud, self-hosted or air-gapped on Enterprise | FileMaker Cloud or on-premises FileMaker Server |
| Platforms | Web | Web |
| Limits and scaling | Team includes 5,000 workflow runs monthly; extra runs cost $75 per 5,000 | Cloud plans cap hosted apps, storage and API transfer |
Retool Choose Retool if
- Choose Retool if you need governed apps connected to production data.
- Choose Retool if AI-assisted building or React imports fit your workflow.
- Choose Retool if you need an MCP server or CLI build path.
Claris FileMaker Choose Claris FileMaker if
- Choose Claris FileMaker if you need custom apps for business workflows.
- Choose Claris FileMaker if you want cloud or on-premises hosting.
- Choose Claris FileMaker if Claris Connect fits your automation needs.
02Pricing at real usage
Retool's Free plan allows up to five users, 500 workflow runs and 250 pooled AI credits per month; it is production-only. Team costs $10 per builder per month with annual billing, plus $5 per internal user monthly. It includes 1,000 AI credits and 5,000 workflow runs. Business is $50 per builder monthly, plus $15 per internal user, with 3,000 AI credits and 5,000 runs. Extra runs cost $75 per 5,000 monthly on Team and Business. Monthly billing prices are not published.
FileMaker has no free plan. Annual subscriptions start at $17.50 per user monthly for Server Starter, or $22 for Cloud Starter. Cloud Max is $45 per user monthly. FileMaker Pro is a $625 one-time license for one user, without server hosting. Cloud storage, API transfer and hosted-app caps vary by plan; ask Claris about overages and upgrades.
03API, SDKs and integration
Retool's documented build paths include its MCP server and CLI, an AI app builder, and React app import by ZIP upload or GitHub sync. Its homepage links to MCP, CLI, app-import and integration documentation. Apps connect directly to production data sources and use existing permissions, according to Retool. The homepage doesn't specify API styles, SDKs or supported programming languages, so confirm those details against the docs for the services you plan to connect.
Claris FileMaker supports integrations with third-party apps, software and tools, and includes integrations with a FileMaker license. Claris Connect is the product for building integrations and automating workflows. The Claris homepage doesn't specify API styles, SDKs or supported programming languages. Evaluate the integration you need, including authentication and data movement, before committing. The available descriptions establish integration options, but they don't establish whether a particular connector or SDK supports your stack.
04Open source, self-hosting and lock-in
Neither vendor publishes an open-source license for these products. Retool supports self-hosting and, on Enterprise, air-gapped deployment; Enterprise also offers cloud hosting. Claris offers FileMaker Server for on-premises hosting and FileMaker Cloud for hosted databases. Those choices give both products deployment options, but hosting control is not the same as portability.
Neither vendor publishes data-export formats or a migration path in the product descriptions. Before building around either platform, ask how to export app definitions and business data, what formats are supported, and what migration assistance is available. Also map dependencies on platform-specific app logic, integrations and workflow automation. Those checks matter if you may move data to another system or need to run apps outside the vendor's environment.
Questions people ask
Which is cheaper, Retool or Claris FileMaker?
It depends on seats and hosting. Retool Free covers up to five users, while paid Team starts at $10 per builder monthly with annual billing, plus $5 per internal user. FileMaker Server Starter starts at $17.50 per user monthly, billed annually. Compare the required plan and user count, not just the starting price.
Can I self-host Retool or Claris FileMaker?
Yes. Retool lists self-hosted and air-gapped deployment for Enterprise, alongside cloud hosting. Claris offers FileMaker Server for on-premises hosting and FileMaker Cloud for hosted databases. Check with each vendor which deployment option fits your security, operations and licensing requirements.
Does Retool or FileMaker have a free plan?
Retool has a Free plan for up to five users, with 250 pooled AI credits and 500 workflow runs per month; it is production-only. Claris FileMaker has no free plan, but lists a 14-day Cloud trial and 45-day trials for Server and Pro.
Which should developers choose for custom business apps?
Retool fits teams building governed operational apps connected to production data, especially if AI-assisted building, React import or its MCP server and CLI matter. FileMaker fits teams building custom business workflows that need its cloud or on-premises hosting options and Claris Connect automation. Validate integration and migration requirements before deciding.