HCL Domino vs Retool comparison

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HCL Domino

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 17, 2024

HCL Domino and Retool both compete in the business application solutions category. Retool seems to have an upper hand in adaptability and integration capabilities, whereas HCL Domino stands out with robust security features.

Features: HCL Domino's strengths include its advanced security architecture, integrated mail and messaging, and reliable workflow automation. Retool is recognized for its intuitive application design, extensive integration options, and customization flexibility.

Room for Improvement: HCL Domino could improve in ease of deployment and modernizing certain applications for broader usability. Retool may benefit from enhancing its security features to match enterprise-level needs and expanding offline capabilities for various applications.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: HCL Domino requires more setup due to its on-premises model, offering control over data security. Retool's cloud-based deployment allows for faster setup and scalability. Retool is noted for efficient customer service, providing a user-friendly experience, while HCL Domino usually needs specialized support.

Pricing and ROI: HCL Domino involves higher initial costs due to infrastructure needs, resulting in a steady long-term ROI from reliable services. Retool offers competitive pricing focused on minimizing initial costs and providing a faster ROI through flexible, scalable solutions.

To learn more, read our detailed HCL Domino vs. Retool Report (Updated: July 2025).

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HCL Domino vs. Retool

July 2025

Helped 865,384 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

HCL Domino

Ranking in Rapid Application Development Software

17th

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

6.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Retool

Ranking in Rapid Application Development Software

16th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

7.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Rapid Application Development Software category, the mindshare of HCL Domino is 0.6%, up from 0.5% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Retool is 0.7%, up from 0.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Rapid Application Development Software

Featured Reviews

FrederickLim

Technical Service Manager at Top Level Corporation Limited

Provides mobile email systems with solid stability and easy deployment

The initial setup is easy. You need to sign up. It depends on the scope. It will take longer if there are more than one or more applications. The project usually includes infrastructure and deployment may take anywhere from one month to six months. I rate the initial setup an eight out of ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy.

Read full review

PriyankJain

Full-stack Developer at Dashy Dash

Has notably streamlined the creation and management of admin panels in my organization

One area for improvement in Retool is expanding its library support to include a broader range of third-party JavaScript libraries. This would enhance the tool's versatility and allow more complex functionalities to integrate seamlessly into the admin panels. Retool should include enhanced graphical customization tools in its next release, particularly for creating more dynamic visual representations within the admin panels.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Overall, I would rate HCL Domino as eight out of ten. I would recommend HCL Domino and Notes applications for small and medium-sized companies since it offers a good return on investment."

"The most valuable features of the solution are security and integration."

"HCL Domino is an application development and collaboration platform with strong stability and security. Deployment of this platform is easy and takes only 10 minutes."

"One valuable feature of HCL Domino is its integration with other directories."

"The most important benefit is security. The security architecture is very good. It's the best part of the solution."

"We have been able to set up a portal using a special XPage application that gives our customers access to this system."

"The email system is the most valuable feature."

"It is an excellent solution."

More HCL Domino pros

"Retool's most valuable features are its drag-and-drop components and the ability to customize them extensively."

"The stability is okay."

"Retool provides us with the opportunity to save time and be more efficient."

"There are several key aspects to Retool that make it stand out. Firstly, its extensive range of components makes integration straightforward. Secondly, its support for SQL and JavaScript allows for the implementation of complex logic, which is particularly beneficial for developers like yourself with experience in .NET development."

"The most valuable feature of Retool is the workflow because I can integrate multiple features, such as RESTful API, JavaScript API, or different databases on the same dashboard."

"The most valuable feature of the solution is connectivity with APIs and other databases."

"We can create the dashboards quickly."

Cons

"Scalability is also an issue. We have problems with large databases."

"The client version of this solution could be faster and be made simpler for non-IT users. You will need to have some knowledge of Notes to correctly install this solution."

"HCL Domino could have a better interface."

"The solution could improve Kubernetes or Dockers migration to new environments in the cloud."

"An area for improvement in HCL Domino is security. New enhancements in the IT industry mean that security should be improved. The HCL Domino GUI also needs improvement."

"Scalability needs to be improved to be on the level that's required. Support could also be enhanced."

"They should provide its integration with other AI applications."

"Designing a new template could provide a refreshed visual experience for users without significant changes to the underlying functionality."

More HCL Domino cons

"The solution lacks inbuilt customization to customize bar charts."

"There are restrictions on the front-end side."

"The part where we can add some custom logic or custom plugins could be better."

"One area for improvement in Retool is expanding its library support to include a broader range of third-party JavaScript libraries."

"Retool should add more resource integration."

"Retool could enhance support, including efforts to establish support centers in Europe, which was lacking previously. However, the community is still in the growth phase, leading to potential delays in receiving responses to queries."

"The components are changed frequently, which is very irritating."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Price is reasonable compared to the other solutions."

"Customers have to pay for a license for the Notes Client, not for the Domino database. There is a quarter license that we use."

"We chose to pay for our licensing fees annually."

"The pricing is subjective and contingent on the intended usage."

"HCL Domino has reasonable pricing. It's not expensive."

"The license for Domino is yearly. The price is high."

"For 30 licenses, we pay $1,500 every year. It is not an expensive product."

"I'd rate it a seven out of ten in terms of price."

More HCL Domino pricing and cost advice

"For new users, evaluate the scale of their administrative needs as Retool provides excellent free services for smaller setups, but larger deployments might require transitioning to a paid plan."

"For me, I'm in India right now, and we have Retool's subscription for one team member for $10 per month."

"The tool is a little bit expensive."

"I don't know Retool's current pricing, but it cost around $12 per month earlier."

"The pricing is very expensive. It costs for each user, for automated users, open-end users, et cetera."

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865,384 professionals have used our research since 2012.

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

13%

Government

11%

Manufacturing Company

Construction Company

Manufacturing Company

17%

Comms Service Provider

15%

Outsourcing Company

University

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about HCL Domino?

The most valuable features of the solution are security and integration.

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HCL Domino?

The Notes client is very expensive, costing around $105 per client. Overall, HCL Domino is a costly product.

What needs improvement with HCL Domino?

One challenge I faced with HCL Domino was fully understanding its capabilities because initial use may lead to misconceptions based on simpler platforms. Exploring and comprehending what is possibl...

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Retool?

For new users, evaluate the scale of their administrative needs as Retool provides excellent free services for smaller setups, but larger deployments might require transitioning to a paid plan.

What needs improvement with Retool?

What is your primary use case for Retool?

I employ Retool primarily to build admin panels that effectively manage office and backend project staff. These panels facilitate the management of various organizational functions and streamline u...

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Product Reports

Download HCL Domino product report

HCL Domino

August 2025

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August 2025

Also Known As

IBM Lotus Domino, Lotus Domino

No data available

Overview

HCL Domino (formerly IBM Domino) is a secure, enterprise-grade, application development platform. From IT to business, HCL Domino is the only low to pro-code application development platform that allows your business to build robust applications to solve workflow and process challenges fast. HCL Domino powers businesses around the world with 15,000 customers and 10 million apps built on our platform. HCL Domino has always been a secure, rock-solid, and proven solution.

Low cost of ownership - minimizing administration needs through automated installations, policies and monitoring helps staff focus on higher value tasks.
Minimized infrastructure - reducing costs by using less power, memory, data storage, network bandwidth and servers.
Rich application environment - supporting workflow-driven and people-oriented applications that help a wide variety of business operations deliver enhanced results.
Security-rich - helping protect your critical business assets. You can control information access, protect information and guarantee document authenticity.
High availability - featuring advanced clustering, replication, server fault recovery and automated diagnostic tools.

HCLSoftware

Retool enables rapid construction of internal tools with minimal coding, streamlining workflows across HR, customer support, and compliance. Praised for its drag-and-drop interface, extensive component library, and SQL support, it boosts organizational efficiency by automating tasks and enhancing data management.

Sample Customers

A1 Telekom, Acubiz, Afrisam, E. A. Juffali & Brothers, Fiducia & GAD, and Pakistan State Oil

Information Not Available