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APIs · head to head

Backendless vs FlutterFlow

Backendless logo

Backendless

APIs

Visual app development platform with REST APIs and cloud backend

From
Free
Rated
-
FlutterFlow logo

FlutterFlow

No-Code

Visual builder that outputs real Flutter code for iOS, Android and web

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Backendless free tier limited to 50 API requests per minute and 20 database tables; FlutterFlow downloading your own generated code requires the Pro tier, so on cheaper plans you can build the application but cannot take it with you, which is precisely the reason most buyers chose the product.
  • They diverge on capability: Backendless covers REST API, FlutterFlow covers Flutter code generation.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Backendless and FlutterFlow actually diverge.

Attributes where Backendless and FlutterFlow differ
AttributeBackendlessFlutterFlow
Pricing modelUnknownPer user per month
PlatformsCloud, Visual builderWeb, iOS, Android
CategoryAPIsNo-Code
Founded2012Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Backendless

  • REST API
  • Real-time database
  • Cloud code
  • Custom integrations
  • Webhooks
  • Cloud functions
  • Cloud support
  • Visual builder support

Only in FlutterFlow

  • Flutter code generation
  • Firebase and Supabase integration
  • API and GraphQL calls
  • Custom code
  • Store deployment
  • Team collaboration

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Backendless

  • API Developmentnot FlutterFlow
  • API Gatewaynot FlutterFlow
  • API Testingnot FlutterFlow
  • API Documentationnot FlutterFlow
  • Microservicesnot FlutterFlow

FlutterFlow

  • A founder building a genuine cross-platform mobile app rather than a web formnot Backendless
  • Prototyping an application that an in-house Flutter team will later take over as codenot Backendless
  • Agencies delivering client mobile apps on a fixed budget where handing over source is contractualnot Backendless
  • Internal apps that must be installed from the app stores rather than opened in a browsernot Backendless

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Backendless

  • Free tier limited to 50 API requests per minute and 20 database tables
  • Smaller community and integration ecosystem compared to Firebase or AWS
  • Customization beyond codeless tools requires developer expertise
  • Limited documentation for advanced use cases and edge cases

FlutterFlow

  • Downloading your own generated code requires the Pro tier, so on cheaper plans you can build the application but cannot take it with you, which is precisely the reason most buyers chose the product.
  • The output is Dart and Flutter, so the escape hatch only helps an organisation that already has or is willing to hire Flutter developers; for a non-technical buyer the exported code is unusable.
  • Once logic moves into custom functions and custom widgets, the visual editor becomes slower than writing the same code by hand, so the tool works against you at exactly the point the project gets serious.
  • The browser editor gets sluggish on large projects, with preview and build times that lengthen as page and component counts grow, which is felt daily by teams past the prototype stage.
  • There is no backend; Firebase or Supabase modelling, security rules, indexes and their bills are entirely your responsibility, so a FlutterFlow application is always at least two subscriptions and two skill sets.

Pricing, plan by plan

Backendless

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 50 API requests/minute
    • 20 database tables
    • 1 GB file storage
  • Scale Variable$15/month
    • Unlimited API requests/month
    • 100 database tables
    • 10 GB file storage
  • Scale Fixed$15/month
    • Same as Scale Variable
    • Fixed monthly pricing

FlutterFlow

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Build and preview applications
    • FlutterFlow branding
    • No code download
  • Standard$30/month
    • Removes branding
    • Custom domain for web deployment
    • Local run and testing
  • Pro$70/month
    • Download the generated Flutter source
    • GitHub integration
    • Custom code and custom widgets without restriction
  • Teams$70/month
    • Everything in Pro, billed per user
    • Shared project libraries and roles
    • Branching and collaborative editing

Which should you pick?

Choose Backendless if

  • You need rest api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud, Visual builder.
  • You also want real-time database.

Choose FlutterFlow if

  • You need flutter code generation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want firebase and supabase integration.

Questions people ask

Is Backendless or FlutterFlow better?
Neither clearly leads. Backendless starts at Free and FlutterFlow at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Backendless or FlutterFlow?
Backendless starts at Free and FlutterFlow at Free.
Does Backendless or FlutterFlow run on more platforms?
Backendless runs on Cloud, Visual builder. FlutterFlow runs on Web, iOS, Android.
Can I use Backendless for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Backendless best used for?
Backendless is most often used for api development, api gateway, api testing, api documentation. Of those, api development and api gateway are not what FlutterFlow is typically brought in for.
What can Backendless do that FlutterFlow cannot?
Backendless covers REST API, Real-time database, Cloud code, Custom integrations. FlutterFlow covers Flutter code generation, Firebase and Supabase integration, API and GraphQL calls, Custom code.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Backendless: Does Backendless have a free tier?

Backendless Free plan ($0/month) includes 50 API requests per minute, 20 database tables, 1 GB file storage, 1 visualization, 2 security roles, and basic cloud code capabilities.

Source
FlutterFlow: Can I export the code?

Yes, on the Pro tier and above. Lower tiers can build and preview but not download the Flutter project.

Backendless: What features does the Scale plan include?

Scale plan ($15+/month) provides unlimited API requests per month, 100 database tables, 10 GB file storage, 5 visualizations, 10 custom API keys, daily backups, free SSL certificates, and 1,000 real-time connections.

Source
FlutterFlow: Do I need to know how to code?

Not to build a straightforward application. You will need Dart for custom functions, for anything unusual, and for maintaining the exported project afterwards.

Backendless: Can I add more storage or increase API limits?

Yes, Backendless offers Function Packs ranging from $5-$399/month to increase specific limits such as storage, API requests, or security features.

Source
FlutterFlow: Does it include a database?

No. FlutterFlow builds the client. Data lives in Firebase, Supabase or your own API, and those costs and design decisions are separate.

Backendless: Does Backendless support offline functionality?

Backendless supports real-time sync and offline capabilities for mobile apps, allowing data to sync when connectivity is restored.

Source
Backendless: Is Backendless Pro available for self-hosting?

Yes, Backendless Pro Community Edition is available under free licensing for core functionality. Managed Backendless is a paid option for self-hosted deployments with request-based pricing.

Source
Backendless: What are Backendless's integration limitations?

While Backendless supports many integrations, it has a smaller integration library compared to competitors. Finding solutions to edge cases or complex setups may require more development effort.

Source
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