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APIs · head to head

Backendless vs MuleSoft Anypoint

Backendless logo

Backendless

APIs

Visual app development platform with REST APIs and cloud backend

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MuleSoft Anypoint logo

MuleSoft Anypoint

APIs

Integration platform enabling API-led connectivity and end-to-end integration across systems

From
$2000/monthly
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Backendless has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Backendless free tier limited to 50 API requests per minute and 20 database tables; MuleSoft Anypoint listed on UK G-Cloud at £69,200 per unit per year for the MuleSoft Anypoint Platform (Public Sector), via reseller Open Answers Limited
  • They diverge on capability: Backendless covers REST API, MuleSoft Anypoint covers Integration Flows.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Backendless and MuleSoft Anypoint actually diverge.

Attributes where Backendless and MuleSoft Anypoint differ
AttributeBackendlessMuleSoft Anypoint
Starting priceFree$2000/monthly
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsCloud, Visual builderCloud, Hybrid, On-premise
Founded20122006

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (APIs).

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
  • Cloud functions
  • Visual builder support

Only in MuleSoft Anypoint

  • Integration Flows
  • API Gateway
  • Data Transformation
  • 500+ pre-built connectors
  • Custom connectors
  • API management
  • Hybrid support
  • On-premise support

Both cover

  • Webhooks
  • Cloud support

What people use each for

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

Backendless

  • API Development
  • API Gateway
  • API Testing
  • API Documentation
  • Microservices

MuleSoft Anypoint

  • API Development
  • API Gateway
  • API Testing
  • API Documentation
  • Microservices

Both are used for api development, api gateway, api testing, api documentation, microservices, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

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

MuleSoft Anypoint

  • Listed on UK G-Cloud at £69,200 per unit per year for the MuleSoft Anypoint Platform (Public Sector), via reseller Open Answers Limited

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

MuleSoft Anypoint

$2000/monthly
  • Integration Developer$2000/monthly
    • API design
    • Integration flows
    • Connectors
  • Professional$5000/monthly
    • Advanced features
    • Priority support
    • SLA
  • Enterprise$undefined/monthly
    • Custom solutions
    • Dedicated support
    • Premium SLA

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.
Backendless review

Choose MuleSoft Anypoint if

  • You need integration flows.
  • You work on Cloud, Hybrid, On-premise.
  • You also want api gateway.
MuleSoft Anypoint review

Questions people ask

Is Backendless or MuleSoft Anypoint better?
Neither clearly leads. Backendless starts at Free and MuleSoft Anypoint at $2000/monthly, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Backendless or MuleSoft Anypoint?
Backendless has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Backendless and $2000/monthly for MuleSoft Anypoint.
Does Backendless or MuleSoft Anypoint run on more platforms?
Backendless runs on Cloud, Visual builder. MuleSoft Anypoint runs on Cloud, Hybrid, On-premise.
Can I use Backendless for free?
Yes. Backendless has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. MuleSoft Anypoint starts at $2000/monthly.
What is Backendless best used for?
Backendless is most often used for api development, api gateway, api testing, api documentation.
What can Backendless do that MuleSoft Anypoint cannot?
Backendless covers REST API, Real-time database, Cloud code, Custom integrations. MuleSoft Anypoint covers Integration Flows, API Gateway, Data Transformation, 500+ pre-built connectors. Both handle Webhooks, Cloud support.

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
MuleSoft Anypoint: How much does MuleSoft Anypoint Platform cost?

MuleSoft does not publish pricing on its main website. The vendor offers a free 30-day trial of Anypoint Platform without requiring a credit card. Custom pricing is available through direct sales contact based on implementation scope and usage.

Source
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
MuleSoft Anypoint: What is included in MuleSoft's free trial?

MuleSoft Anypoint Platform provides a free 30-day trial with no credit card required. The trial includes full access to the platform for building APIs, integrations, and automations. Customers can request a call to discuss migration from legacy systems.

Source
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
MuleSoft Anypoint: What professional services are available with MuleSoft?

MuleSoft offers professional services including tailored consulting guidance based on customer learnings, partner support through 300+ solution providers, and training courses with certifications. Strategic recommendations and priority support are available for certain tiers.

Source
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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