API Management · head to head
KeystoneJS vs Backendless
KeystoneJS
API Management
Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Backendless
API Management
Visual app development platform with REST APIs and cloud backend
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: KeystoneJS database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite; Backendless free tier limited to 50 API requests per minute and 20 database tables
- They diverge on capability: KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, Backendless covers Real-time database.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which KeystoneJS and Backendless actually diverge.
| Attribute | KeystoneJS | Backendless |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | Unknown |
| Platforms | Node.js, Self-hosted | Cloud, Visual builder |
| Founded | 2016 | 2012 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (API Management).
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 KeystoneJS
- GraphQL API
- Admin interface
- Node.js
- Next.js
- React
- Databases
- Node.js support
- Self-hosted support
Only in Backendless
- Real-time database
- Cloud code
- Custom integrations
- Webhooks
- Cloud functions
- Cloud support
- Visual builder support
Both cover
- REST API
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
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
Backendless
- API Developmentnot KeystoneJS
- API Gatewaynot KeystoneJS
- API Testingnot KeystoneJS
- API Documentationnot KeystoneJS
- Microservicesnot KeystoneJS
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
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
Pricing, plan by plan
KeystoneJS
Free- Open SourceFree
- Full KeystoneJS
- Community support
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
Which should you pick?
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.
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.
Questions people ask
- Is KeystoneJS or Backendless better?
- Neither clearly leads. KeystoneJS starts at Free and Backendless at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, KeystoneJS or Backendless?
- KeystoneJS starts at Free and Backendless at Free.
- Does KeystoneJS or Backendless run on more platforms?
- KeystoneJS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted. Backendless runs on Cloud, Visual builder.
- Can I use KeystoneJS for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is KeystoneJS best used for?
- KeystoneJS is most often used for building a headless cms with a graphql api from a typescript schema, generating a configurable admin ui for editors, adding structured rich text content with the document field. Of those, building a headless cms with a graphql api from a typescript schema and generating a configurable admin ui for editors are not what Backendless is typically brought in for.
- What can KeystoneJS do that Backendless cannot?
- KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, Admin interface, Node.js, Next.js. Backendless covers Real-time database, Cloud code, Custom integrations, Webhooks. 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