Softwr

Software · head to head

Backendless vs Zephyr Scale

Backendless logo

Backendless

Software

Visual app development platform with REST APIs and cloud backend

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Z

Zephyr Scale

Software

Native test management for Jira

From
On request
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; Zephyr Scale split across separate Essential and Advanced editions plus a distinct Zephyr Enterprise on-premises product, so buyers must pick the right SKU before pricing applies

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Backendless and Zephyr Scale actually diverge.

Attributes where Backendless and Zephyr Scale differ
AttributeBackendlessZephyr Scale
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsCloud, Visual builderWeb
Founded2012Unknown

Identical on both: 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

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

Only in Zephyr Scale

Nothing recorded that Backendless does not also cover.

What people use each for

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

Backendless

  • API Developmentnot Zephyr Scale
  • API Gatewaynot Zephyr Scale
  • API Testingnot Zephyr Scale
  • API Documentationnot Zephyr Scale
  • Microservicesnot Zephyr Scale

Zephyr Scale

No use cases recorded yet. See the Zephyr Scale review.

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

Zephyr Scale

  • Split across separate Essential and Advanced editions plus a distinct Zephyr Enterprise on-premises product, so buyers must pick the right SKU before pricing applies

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

Zephyr Scale

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Zephyr Scale review.

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 Zephyr Scale if

Nothing in the data separates Zephyr Scale from Backendless on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Zephyr Scale review

Questions people ask

Is Backendless or Zephyr Scale better?
Neither clearly leads. Backendless starts at Free and Zephyr Scale at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Backendless or Zephyr Scale?
Backendless has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Backendless and On request for Zephyr Scale.
Does Backendless or Zephyr Scale run on more platforms?
Backendless runs on Cloud, Visual builder. Zephyr Scale runs on Web.
Can I use Backendless for free?
Yes. Backendless has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Zephyr Scale starts at On request.
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 Zephyr Scale is typically brought in for.
What can Backendless do that Zephyr Scale cannot?
Backendless covers REST API, Real-time database, Cloud code, Custom integrations.

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
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
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
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
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Backendless

More on Zephyr Scale

Keep looking

Other head to heads