Backendless
Backendless is a visual app development platform that combines a no-code UI builder with a real-time database and automated backend services to help you build and scale applications faster.
Nhost
Nhost is an open-source Firebase alternative that provides a complete backend-as-a-service platform with GraphQL, authentication, storage, and serverless functions to help you build and scale web and mobile applications.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Backendless | Nhost |
|---|---|---|
| Website | backendless.com | nhost.io |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2012 | 2019 |
| Headquarters | Dallas, USA | Stockholm, Sweden |
Overview
Backendless
Backendless is a visual app development platform that gives you the tools to build sophisticated applications without writing complex server-side code. You can design your frontend using a drag-and-drop UI builder and connect it to a powerful, real-time database. It eliminates the need for manual server management by providing automated backend services like user authentication, file storage, and messaging out of the box.
The platform is designed for developers and entrepreneurs who want to reduce time-to-market for web and mobile apps. You can build your logic visually using Codeless blocks or integrate custom code if you prefer a hybrid approach. Whether you are launching a simple MVP or scaling a complex enterprise system, you can manage your entire application lifecycle from a single, unified dashboard.
Nhost
Nhost provides you with a complete, open-source backend so you can focus on building your frontend without worrying about infrastructure. It combines a PostgreSQL database, Hasura for instant GraphQL APIs, and built-in authentication and storage into a single unified platform. You can manage your entire data layer through a visual dashboard or via the command line, making it easy to transition from a local development environment to a production-ready cloud setup.
Whether you are building a simple MVP or a complex enterprise application, you can use Nhost to handle user management, file uploads, and real-time data syncing. The platform also supports serverless functions, allowing you to write custom logic in Node.js or Python that scales automatically. By integrating these core backend components, you save weeks of configuration time and can deploy your applications globally with just a few clicks.
Overview
Backendless Features
- Visual UI Builder Create responsive web and mobile interfaces using a drag-and-drop editor with pre-built components and real-time previewing.
- Real-time Database Store and manage your data in a high-performance NoSQL/SQL hybrid database that syncs across all users instantly.
- Codeless Logic Build complex business logic and API services visually using intuitive logic blocks instead of writing manual code.
- User Management Implement secure registration, login, and session management with built-in support for social OAuth and role-based access.
- Push Notifications Engage your users by sending targeted push notifications to iOS, Android, and web browsers directly from your backend.
- Cloud Code Extend your app functionality by deploying custom JavaScript or Java code that runs automatically in response to events.
Nhost Features
- Instant GraphQL API. Generate a production-ready GraphQL API automatically from your PostgreSQL schema so you can query data instantly.
- Managed PostgreSQL. Store your data in a dedicated PostgreSQL database that you can manage visually through a built-in dashboard.
- Built-in Authentication. Secure your apps with ready-to-use authentication including email/password, social logins, and magic links for your users.
- Serverless Functions. Deploy custom backend logic using Node.js or Python without managing any server infrastructure or scaling issues.
- Cloud Storage. Upload and serve files securely with integrated storage that includes image transformation and granular access controls.
- Real-time Subscriptions. Build reactive applications by subscribing to data changes in real-time through the GraphQL API without extra setup.
Pricing Comparison
Backendless Pricing
- Unlimited API calls
- Up to 10 database tables
- 1 GB file storage
- Visual UI Builder access
- Community support
- Everything in Free, plus:
- 100 database tables
- 5 GB file storage
- 10 GB data transfer
- Priority support
- Custom domain support
Nhost Pricing
- Shared infrastructure
- 500MB PostgreSQL database
- 1GB File storage
- 5GB Bandwidth
- 10,000 Monthly Active Users
- Community support
- Everything in Starter, plus:
- Dedicated infrastructure
- 8GB PostgreSQL database
- 10GB File storage
- 50GB Bandwidth
- 50,000 Monthly Active Users
- Email support
Pros & Cons
Backendless
Pros
- Extremely flexible database with real-time synchronization
- Comprehensive visual logic builder reduces coding time
- Generous free tier for prototyping and small apps
- Excellent documentation and active community support
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than simpler no-code tools
- Interface can feel overwhelming for absolute beginners
- Pricing can scale quickly with high data usage
Nhost
Pros
- Fast setup for GraphQL-based applications
- Open-source core prevents vendor lock-in
- Seamless integration between database and auth
- Generous free tier for initial development
- Excellent documentation for modern frontend frameworks
Cons
- Smaller ecosystem compared to Google Firebase
- Limited serverless function language support
- Learning curve for Hasura permissions logic