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.
WSO2 API Manager
WSO2 API Manager is a complete platform for building, integrating, and exposing your digital services as managed APIs across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments to accelerate your digital transformation.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Backendless | WSO2 API Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Website | backendless.com | wso2.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 | 2005 |
| Headquarters | Dallas, USA | Santa Clara, 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.
WSO2 API Manager
WSO2 API Manager provides you with a unified platform to manage the entire API lifecycle, from design and publishing to monetization and retirement. You can create high-quality APIs by importing definitions or using the intuitive designer, then secure them with robust OAuth2, OIDC, and tiered throttling policies. It helps you bridge the gap between your backend services and the developers who need them, whether they are internal teams or external partners.
You can deploy the platform anywhere—on-premises, in a private cloud, or as a fully managed service. It includes a customizable developer portal that lets your users discover, test, and subscribe to APIs easily. By providing deep insights through integrated analytics, the software allows you to track usage patterns, monitor performance, and identify potential issues before they impact your users.
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.
WSO2 API Manager Features
- Full Lifecycle Management. Design, prototype, publish, and govern your APIs from a single interface to ensure consistency across your entire organization.
- Customizable Developer Portal. Create a branded storefront where your developers can discover, try out, and subscribe to APIs with self-service ease.
- Robust Security Policies. Protect your data using industry-standard protocols like OAuth2 and JWT while applying rate limiting to prevent service abuse.
- Cloud-Native Deployment. Deploy your API gateway on Kubernetes or Docker to scale your infrastructure automatically based on real-time traffic demands.
- Monetization Engine. Turn your digital assets into revenue by defining subscription tiers and integrating with billing engines to charge for API usage.
- Real-Time Analytics. Monitor API performance and track usage trends with visual dashboards to make data-driven decisions about your digital products.
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
WSO2 API Manager Pricing
- Up to 10 APIs
- 100,000 API calls per month
- Shared gateway infrastructure
- Standard developer portal
- Community support access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited APIs
- Up to 5 million API calls
- Dedicated gateway options
- Custom domain support
- Business hours technical 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
WSO2 API Manager
Pros
- Fully open-source core provides high flexibility
- Comprehensive support for complex enterprise integration patterns
- Highly scalable architecture for high-traffic environments
- Strong security features including fine-grained access control
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Initial configuration and setup can be complex
- Documentation can be dense and difficult to navigate
- Resource intensive for small-scale deployments