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.
Zapier
Zapier is a workflow automation software that connects over 6,000 apps to help you automate repetitive tasks and build custom internal solutions without writing a single line of code.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Backendless | Zapier |
|---|---|---|
| Website | backendless.com | zapier.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✓ 30 days free trial | ✓ 14 days 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 | 2011 |
| Headquarters | Dallas, USA | San Francisco, USA |
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.
Zapier
Zapier is a powerful automation tool that connects your favorite apps so they can work together automatically. You can create 'Zaps'—automated workflows that trigger an action in one app when something happens in another. For example, you can automatically save Gmail attachments to Dropbox or notify your Slack channel when a new lead fills out a HubSpot form.
It is designed for everyone from solo entrepreneurs to large enterprises, requiring no coding skills to build complex logic. You can use multi-step Zaps to handle sophisticated workflows, add filters to ensure data only moves when specific conditions are met, and use built-in tools like Formatter to clean up data on the fly. It helps you reclaim hours of manual work every week by handling the busywork in the background.
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.
Zapier Features
- Multi-Step Zaps. Build complex workflows that automate multiple tasks across several different apps with a single trigger.
- Conditional Logic. Use filters and branching logic to ensure your automations only run when specific criteria are met.
- Data Formatting. Automatically format dates, currency, and text as they move between apps so your data stays clean.
- Schedule Triggers. Set your workflows to run at specific times, such as daily reports or weekly cleanup tasks.
- Webhooks. Connect to any web service with a public API, even if it doesn't have a native integration.
- AI Power Up. Describe the automation you want in plain English and let AI build the initial workflow for you.
- Zapier Tables. Store and edit data directly within the platform to power your automated processes and internal apps.
- Error Handling. Get notified immediately if a workflow fails and use autoreplay to fix issues without losing data.
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
Zapier Pricing
- 100 tasks per month
- Unlimited single-step Zaps
- 15-minute update checks
- Access to 6,000+ apps
- No-code automation editor
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited multi-step Zaps
- 2-minute update checks
- Conditional logic (Paths)
- Auto-replay for failed tasks
- Premium app integrations
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
Zapier
Pros
- Massive library of over 6,000 supported app integrations
- No coding knowledge required to build complex workflows
- Reliable performance with helpful error notification systems
- AI-assisted builder makes creating new Zaps very fast
Cons
- Task limits can be reached quickly on lower tiers
- Premium apps are locked behind higher paid plans
- Debugging complex multi-step Zaps can be time-consuming