Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Retool VS AWS Cloud9

Compare Retool VS AWS Cloud9 and see what are their differences

Retool logo Retool

Build custom internal tools in minutes.

AWS Cloud9 logo AWS Cloud9

AWS Cloud9 is a cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE) that lets you write, run, and debug your code with just a browser.
  • Retool Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-04
  • AWS Cloud9 Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-23

Retool

Website
retool.com
$ Details
freemium $10.0 / Monthly (Startup)
Release Date
2017 January
Startup details
Country
United States
State
California
Founder(s)
David Hsu
Employees
10 - 19

AWS Cloud9

Pricing URL
-
$ Details
-
Release Date
-

Retool features and specs

  • Speed of Development
    Retool allows developers to rapidly build internal tools with a drag-and-drop interface, reducing the time it takes to get functional applications up and running.
  • Integration Capabilities
    Retool supports integration with a wide range of databases, APIs, and other services, making it easier to connect different data sources and systems.
  • Customizability
    While Retool provides prebuilt components, it also allows for custom code and scripting, enabling developers to tailor applications to specific requirements.
  • Collaboration Features
    Retool supports collaborative features, such as sharing applications with team members and version control, making it easier to work in teams.
  • Security
    Retool provides robust security features, including access control and data encryption, to help protect sensitive information.

Possible disadvantages of Retool

  • Cost
    Retool can be relatively expensive compared to building internal tools from scratch or using some other platforms, potentially making it less accessible for smaller teams or startups.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, there can be a learning curve for new users who need to become familiar with its specific functionalities and scripting capabilities.
  • Customization Limitations
    Though Retool offers customizability, there might be certain limitations compared to fully bespoke solutions, impacting highly specific or complex use cases.
  • Dependency on Retool
    Relying heavily on Retool may create a dependency that could be problematic if the company changes its pricing, features, or discontinues services.
  • Performance
    For very large datasets or highly complex operations, performance can become an issue, as it is with many platform-based solutions.

AWS Cloud9 features and specs

  • Integrated Development Environment
    AWS Cloud9 provides a set of tools for coding, running, and debugging applications, making the development process more efficient.
  • Collaboration
    Real-time collaboration features enable multiple developers to work on the same project simultaneously, making teamwork easier.
  • Preconfigured Workspaces
    Preconfigured environments speed up the setup process, allowing developers to start coding immediately without worrying about configuration.
  • Serverless Development
    Supports serverless apps and provides seamless integration with AWS Lambda, helping developers build modern applications.
  • Remote Development
    Enables development from any location without the need for a powerful local machine, as the IDE runs in the cloud.
  • Cost Management
    Cloud9 uses pay-as-you-go pricing, potentially reducing costs compared to maintaining and upgrading local development environments.

Possible disadvantages of AWS Cloud9

  • Internet Dependency
    Requires an internet connection to access, which can be a limitation in areas with unstable or no internet access.
  • Resource Limitations
    Dependent on the allocated AWS resources, which may require scaling and can incur additional costs for high usage.
  • Latency Issues
    Potential latency issues could affect productivity, particularly when used over slower internet connections.
  • Learning Curve
    Users unfamiliar with cloud-based IDEs or the AWS ecosystem may require time to learn how to effectively use Cloud9.
  • Vendor Lock-In
    Being tightly integrated with AWS services, it may contribute to vendor lock-in, making it harder to switch to other cloud providers.
  • Cost Management Complexity
    The pay-as-you-go model can lead to unexpected costs if resource usage is not closely monitored and managed.

Analysis of AWS Cloud9

Overall verdict

  • AWS Cloud9 is generally considered a good option for developers, especially those working within the AWS ecosystem. Its cloud-based nature allows for easy access from anywhere, and the environment simplifies the process of scaling applications. However, for developers not working with AWS services, or those who prefer offline development, it might not be the ideal choice.

Why this product is good

  • AWS Cloud9 is a cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE) that is particularly beneficial for developers who need a robust and flexible environment. It offers seamless integration with AWS services, making it easier to develop, test, and deploy applications in the cloud. Cloud9 supports a wide array of programming languages, provides tools for real-time collaboration, and includes features like code hinting, debugging, and the ability to work on serverless applications.

Recommended for

  • Developers who frequently use AWS services
  • Teams that require real-time collaboration on code
  • Developers who need a browser-based IDE
  • Those looking to leverage the power of serverless computing within AWS

Retool videos

Retool - Logic Review

More videos:

  • Review - #Worth?! Ep.12 - Retool (Gameplay / Review)
  • Demo - February NY Enterprise Tech Meetup: Retool Demo

AWS Cloud9 videos

Introducing AWS Cloud9 - AWS Online Tech Talks

More videos:

  • Review - Introduction to AWS Cloud9

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Retool and AWS Cloud9)
No Code
100 100%
0% 0
IDE
0 0%
100% 100
Developer Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Text Editors
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Retool and AWS Cloud9

Retool Reviews

Top 5 Dynobase alternatives you should know about - March 2025 Review
The choice ultimately depends on your environment and use case. Many teams use a combination of tools: for example, Dynomate for developers, and a Retool app for operations or support teams. By understanding the strengths of each alternative, you can select the tool (or combination of tools) that best integrates with your AWS workflow, making DynamoDB development smoother...
Source: www.dynomate.io
React UI Components Libraries: Our Top Picks for 2023
Retool offers extensive documentation and support. Its support is available on its Discourse forum, Slack (if you are a Retool power user), Intercom for live chat, and dedicated support for enterprise customers.
Source: kinsta.com
ILLA Cloud vs. Retool vs. Bubble - Unveiling the Best Low-Code Platforms
In the quest for the best low-code platform, Retool, Bubble, and ILLA Cloud all offer unique features and capabilities. While Retool shines with its self-hosted option and Bubble contributes to the open-source community, ILLA Cloud stands out as a powerful and flexible low-code platform. With its comprehensive feature set, affordable pricing models, and self-hosted...
Top 9 Low-Code Tools for 2023 for low-code development
Retool is a powerful low-code platform that enables developers to build internal tools and apps with ease. It offers a drag-and-drop interface and a wide range of pre-built components for seamless development. Retool integrates with various data sources and external services, allowing users to fetch data, perform calculations, and display results in real-time. Its...
Superblock vs Retool: A Comprehensive Comparison for Low-code development Platforms
Retool caters to a diverse audience, including developers, product managers, and business professionals. Developers benefit from Retool's low-code capabilities, allowing them to build applications quickly without sacrificing customization. Product managers can leverage Retool to streamline internal workflows and enable teams to be more productive. Business professionals can...

AWS Cloud9 Reviews

8 Best Replit Alternatives & Competitors in 2022 (Free & Paid) - Software Discover
AWS cloud9 is a cloud-based integrated development environment (Ide) That lets you write, run, and debug your code with just a browser. AWS cloud9 amazon web services.
Top 10 Visual Studio Alternatives
AWS Cloud9 is a cloud-based coordinated advancement system. It is a server that allows the users to type, initiate or operate and repair the code by only using the browser. It contains an editor program for code, error-removing system, and endpoint. Cloud9 has all the important tools for general programming languages, that includes,
12 Best Online IDE and Code Editors to Develop Web Applications
There are no additional charges for using Cloud9. You can connect Cloud9 to an existing/new AWS compute instance, and you pay only for that instance. Itโ€™s also possible to connect to a third-party server over SSH โ€” for exactly no fee! ๐Ÿ™‚
Source: geekflare.com
Ruby IDE: The 9 Best IDEs for Ruby on Rails Development
Here we are talking about a different animal all together โ€“ Cloud9. Cloud9 offers development environment for almost all programming languages including Ruby. Cloud9 is fast becoming popular among medium to large enterprises and companies like Heroku, Soundcloud, Mailchimp and Mozilla etc. are already using Cloud9.
Source: noeticforce.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Retool should be more popular than AWS Cloud9. It has been mentiond 104 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Retool mentions (104)

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AWS Cloud9 mentions (39)

  • Serverless Data Processing on AWS : AWS Project
    AWS Cloud9 is a cloud-based integrated development environment (IDE) that lets you write, run, and debug your code with just a browser. It includes a code editor, debugger, and terminal. Cloud9 comes pre-packaged with essential tools for popular programming languages and the AWS Command Line Interface (CLI) pre-installed so you donโ€™t need to install files or configure your laptop for this workshop. Your Cloud9... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
  • Codespaces but open-source, client-only, and unopinionated
    AWS has Cloud9[1] though it's worth pointing out that it's not an exact a 1:1 and may require some elbow grease to use in the same manner[2]. 1. https://aws.amazon.com/cloud9/ 2. https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/architecture/field-notes-use-aws-cloud9-to-power-your-visual-studio-code-ide/ (2021). - Source: Hacker News / about 3 years ago
  • How does working with files through AWS work, do you save them onto the AWS console?
    If you just want to run an IDE for Python in the cloud, take a look at AWS Cloud9 (that would cost something however). You could get your code into AWS and sync your local changes using a source code repository, e.g. On GitHub or GitLab. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Best web-based IDEs?
    Not sure why you won't use replit but AWS has Cloud9 https://aws.amazon.com/cloud9/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Taking my AWS CCP Exam today, any additional notes help, feel pretty good about the information Iโ€™ve reviewed, but please feel free to drop advice or notes.
    As I mentioned in a previous post, cloud9 was not in the course I was studying from, and not in the practice exams I solved. It came in my exam. Https://aws.amazon.com/cloud9/. Source: over 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Retool and AWS Cloud9, you can also consider the following products

Bubble.io - Building tech is slow and expensive. Bubble is the most powerful no-code platform for creating digital products.

Codeanywhere - Codeanywhere is a complete toolset for web development. Enabling you to edit, collaborate and run your projects from any device.

Airtable - Airtable works like a spreadsheet but gives you the power of a database to organize anything. Sign up for free.

Koding - A new way for developers to work.

Appsmith - Appsmith is an open source web framework for building internal tools, admin panels, dashboards, and workflows.

Follett Destiny Library Manager - Follett Destiny Library Manager is a complete library management system that can be accessed from anywhere.