Alexis Kestler
Hey there! As an experienced developer and data analyst, I‘ve tested my fair share of frameworks for building internal tools and admin panels. I wanted to share my insights on some of the top options that can save you tons of time when creating interfaces to manage your web apps and data.
Why Frameworks are Essential for Internal Tools
Before we dive in, let me quickly explain why using a framework can be so valuable:
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Cut development time in half – In my experience, frameworks reduce the amount of code I have to write by 50% or more. There‘s no need to reinvent the wheel for common admin features.
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Make changes instantly – Tweaking workflows, adding new visualizations, or connecting different data sources can be done with simple configuration vs. coding.
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Get up and running in days – I‘ve built usable first versions of internal tools in less than a week using some of these frameworks.
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Free up your team – Let your developers focus on building your core product features rather than commodity admin interfaces.
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Improve team productivity – Internal tools built on frameworks are easier for your team to use and navigate.
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Scale as you grow – Frameworks make it easy to expand your internal tools as data and users increase.
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Mobile-ready – The interfaces produced by frameworks work seamlessly on all device types. Critical for on-the-go employees.
Simply put, using the right framework results in better internal tools built faster. Let‘s look at some top-tier options…
11 Leading Frameworks for Internal Tool Building
1. Retool – The Fastest Way to Build Internal Tools
Retool is my go-to these days when I need to build an internal tool ASAP.
It connects instantly to any database or API. I just point it to my data source and Retool automatically builds out a UI including tables, filters, search, and pagination.
I can then drag-and-drop charts, maps, timelines, forms, and other components to customize the interface. It handles all the APIs/databases behind the scenes so I can focus on creating a great user experience.
For example, I built a real-time dashboard showing key application metrics using Retool and it only took me 3 hours end-to-end.
Retool has over 50 customizable components like user list views, Kanban boards, and even mini apps for quickly building UIs on top of data.
It‘s used by companies like Brex, Twilio, and GitHub to create internal tools for their teams.
Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Connects to any data source
- 50+ components
- Hosted in the cloud
2. Appsmith – Open Source Internal Tools
Appsmith is great if your company needs open source frameworks or wants to self-host. It lets you build admin panels, CRUD apps, workflows and more via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
I like Appsmith because it integrates with MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL as well as REST APIs out of the box. Authentication, access controls, and versioning come built-in.
The community around Appsmith is very active – over 17k stars on GitHub. So you can get help and share best practices.
Sample Appsmith dashboard:
Appsmith is free for up to 3 users. Paid tiers start at $7/month. You can also fully self-host it which is nice.
Key Features:
- Open source
- Drag and drop editor
- Developer community
- Connects to databases and APIs
- Self-hostable
3. Budibase – Build Custom Internal Tools
If you want deeper customization for your internal tools, take a look at Budibase. It‘s an open source low-code platform that makes creating admin panels, dashboards, and apps visual.
Budibase gives you more flexibility to tweak and extend its default components. For example, I can change styles, layouts, behaviors for tables without touching the code.
Under the hood, Budibase generates apps as single page applications using frameworks like React and Vue. So you get the benefits of low-code plus extensibility when needed.
Budibase connects to Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB and has JS libraries for connecting to virtually any API.
Sample real-time internal dashboard in Budibase:
You can self-host Budibase or use their Pro ($16/month) and Enterprise tiers for added security, controls, and support.
Key Features:
- Open source and extensible
- Drag and drop builder
- Connects to data sources
- Self-hosted or cloud
4. Internal – Build IT Service Desk Portals
If you need to create internal portals for managing issues, assets, requests and more, check out Internal.
It‘s tailored for building service desk portals, knowledge bases, and custom workflows on top of your databases or data APIs.
Internal comes with dozens of pre-made templates and components for IT workflows out of the box. I just pick the template closest to my use case and customize from there.
For example, I used one of their templates to quickly create this internal service portal for our support team:
It auto-generates documentation for your portals as you build them which is super helpful for training new staff.
They have a free small business plan. Pro plans start at $12 per user/month.
Key Features:
- IT workflow templates
- Drag and drop builder
- Auto-generated docs
- Cloud hosting
5. Tooljet – Build Custom Workflows
Tooljet is great when you need to create complex workflows and business logic beyond simple CRUD.
It has a workflow builder that lets me model multi-stage approval processes, conditional branching logic, loops, notifications and more visually.
I can write snippets of custom code when needed while still doing most configuration visually.
Tooljet also handles connecting to databases like Postgres and even calling external APIs.
Here‘s an example approval workflow I built for purchase orders:
Tooljet is open source and offers a free plan for small teams. Paid tiers unlock more advanced capabilities starting at $9 per user/month. It can be self-hosted as well.
Key Features:
- Workflow builder
- Custom code snippets
- Connects to data and APIs
- Open source and self-hostable
6. Quickbase – Fully Managed Internal Tools
If you just want someone else to handle hosting, maintenance, and security for your internal tools, consider Quickbase.
It‘s an enterprise-grade platform optimized for building custom business apps and internal tools without any coding. You simply use their point-and-click interface.
Apps connect directly to Quickbase‘s cloud database where you can set permissions, automate workflows, and collaborate in real-time across teams.
Here‘s an example project management app built visually on Quickbase:
I like how Quickbase handles all infrastructure, uptime, and compliance obligations for your tools. Great fit for regulated industries like healthcare.
Pricing starts at $15/user/month. More affordable than hiring devs and doing everything custom!
Key Features:
- Visually build apps and tools
- Real-time collaboration
- Managed cloud infrastructure
- Security and compliance
7. Betty Blocks – Enterprise-Level Customization
For complex enterprise internal tools that require advanced customization, I recommend Betty Blocks.
It‘s a low-code platform tailored specifically for building custom line-of-business apps, internal portals, and digitizing complex workflows.
Betty Blocks supports extending apps with custom CSS, JavaScript, Java, and Apex Code. So developers have ample flexibility when needed.
It connects to virtually all data sources – SQL, NoSQL, REST APIs, SOAP, OData, and more.
Robust SSO, built-in compliance, and granular role-based access controls keep internal data secure.
Here‘s an example builder workspace in Betty Blocks:
I‘d recommend Betty Blocks for large companies that need both speed + advanced customization for internal tools.
Pricing starts at $1,575/month for unlimited users. Enterprise pricing available.
Key Features:
- Enterprise level customization
- Connects to all data sources
- Robust access controls and compliance
- Developer extensibility
8. AppMaster – Generate Custom Code
AppMaster takes a very unique approach to internal tool building. As you visually build apps, it automatically generates backend code as needed.
This means you can get a custom coded application tailored to your needs without actually writing code. Pretty amazing!
AppMaster generates backend code in Golang, TypeScript, or Python. And SQL schema for your database.
So you get the benefits of quick visual development plus your own exportable backend code.
Here‘s a look at its drag-and-drop builder:
I‘d recommend AppMaster if you want greater ownership and customization for the internal tools you build visually.
Pricing starts at $165/month per workspace. Enterprise options available.
Key Features:
- Visual builder
- Auto-generated backend code
- Exportable custom apps
- Own your code
9. DronaHQ – Build Client Portals
DronaHQ excels at building public-facing portals and interfaces on top of your databases, Salesforce, ERPs, etc. These can be used for both internal and external users.
For instance, I used DronaHQ to quickly build a client portal for submitting and tracking support tickets:
DronaHQ has pre-made templates and components for all types of portals – from eCommerce to fitness apps.
It handles authentication, data connectors, permissions, hosting, and more so you can focus just on the UI.
Pricing starts at $25/user/month. Enterprise options available.
Key Features:
- Portal and interface templates
- Drag and drop builder
- Connects to data sources
- Cloud hosting and security
10. Dashdash – Consolidated Admin Dashboards
If your goal is to create consolidated admin dashboards that aggregate data from multiple sources – look into Dashdash.
It connects directly to your databases, cloud services, on-prem infrastructure and automatically builds polished dashboards.
Dashdash turns even messy, complex data into beautiful charts and tables. You get visibility across your entire stack in a single pane of glass.
Here‘s a sample dashboard created with just a few clicks:
Dashdash has live demo dashboards connected to real-world apps like Stripe, AppSignal, AWS – so you can test drive before buying.
Pricing starts at $12/user/month. Enterprise options available.
Key Features:
- Auto-built admin dashboards
- Connects to all data sources
- Live demo dashboards
- Charts and tables
11. Windmill – Combine Code + Low-Code
Windmill is great if your team wants to combine custom engineering with low-code workflows and interfaces.
It lets you connect Windmill‘s visual editor to your own developed services and data pipelines.
You can leverage Windmill‘s pre-built UI components on top of your custom coded business logic and data integrations.
Windmill also has a workflow automation builder so you can create workflows and business logic visually – while still writing custom code when needed.
Here‘s an example workflow automation in Windmill‘s visual editor:
Windmill is a developer-friendly low-code platform. All apps deploy instantly to their managed cloud.
Pricing starts at $36/user/month. Enterprise options available.
Key Features:
- Combine custom code + low-code
- Pre-built components
- Workflow automation
- Managed cloud deployment
Find the Right Framework Fit
When evaluating frameworks for your internal tools and admin panels, be sure to consider factors like:
- Support for your preferred databases, APIs, integrations
- Ability to customize vs out-of-the-box capabilities
- Available templates, workflows, components
- Level of control vs managed services
- Pricing and total cost of ownership
- Ease of use for admins/end users
Building some prototypes with your top choices can help zero in on the best framework fit.
Most offer free tiers or trial periods – so take advantage of those to do hands-on testing.
Build Smarter Internal Tools!
Hopefully this gives you a solid starting point for frameworks that can help you start building better internal tools today.
No reason to reinvent the wheel – leverage one of these tried and tested platforms as your foundation.
With the right framework in place, you can save tons of development time and focus your energy on creating value for customers rather than commodity admin features.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to chat more about optimizing internal tools and workflows.
