Software · head to head
Backendless vs KeystoneJS
Backendless
Software
Visual app development platform with REST APIs and cloud backend
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
KeystoneJS
Software
Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform
- 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; KeystoneJS database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite
- They diverge on capability: Backendless covers Real-time database, KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Backendless and KeystoneJS actually diverge.
| Attribute | Backendless | KeystoneJS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Unknown | open-source |
| Platforms | Cloud, Visual builder | Node.js, Self-hosted |
| Founded | 2012 | 2016 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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
- Real-time database
- Cloud code
- Custom integrations
- Webhooks
- Cloud functions
- Cloud support
- Visual builder support
Only in KeystoneJS
- GraphQL API
- Admin interface
- Node.js
- Next.js
- React
- Databases
- Node.js support
- Self-hosted support
Both cover
- REST API
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Backendless
- API Developmentnot KeystoneJS
- API Gatewaynot KeystoneJS
- API Testingnot KeystoneJS
- API Documentationnot KeystoneJS
- Microservicesnot KeystoneJS
KeystoneJS
- Building a headless CMS with a GraphQL API from a TypeScript schemanot Backendless
- Generating a configurable Admin UI for editorsnot Backendless
- Adding structured rich text content with the document fieldnot 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
KeystoneJS
- Database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite
- Keystone 5 is a separate legacy product documented on a different site and is not covered by the Keystone 6 docs
- Upgrading requires following a dedicated Migrate to 8.0.0 guide, so major versions are not drop-in
- Free support is a community Slack; enterprise-grade consulting and support is a separate paid engagement with Thinkmill and no published price
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
KeystoneJS
Free- Open SourceFree
- Full KeystoneJS
- Community support
Which should you pick?
Choose Backendless if
- You need real-time database.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Cloud, Visual builder.
- You also want cloud code.
Choose KeystoneJS if
- You need graphql api.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Node.js, Self-hosted.
- You also want admin interface.
Questions people ask
- Is Backendless or KeystoneJS better?
- Neither clearly leads. Backendless starts at Free and KeystoneJS at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Backendless or KeystoneJS?
- Backendless starts at Free and KeystoneJS at Free.
- Does Backendless or KeystoneJS run on more platforms?
- Backendless runs on Cloud, Visual builder. KeystoneJS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted.
- 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 KeystoneJS is typically brought in for.
- What can Backendless do that KeystoneJS cannot?
- Backendless covers Real-time database, Cloud code, Custom integrations, Webhooks. KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, Admin interface, Node.js, Next.js. Both handle REST API.
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.
SourceBackendless: 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.
SourceBackendless: 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.
SourceBackendless: Does Backendless support offline functionality?
Backendless supports real-time sync and offline capabilities for mobile apps, allowing data to sync when connectivity is restored.
SourceBackendless: 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.
SourceBackendless: 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