Backendless vs Adalo: which should you choose?
Quick answer: Backendless is built for full-stack-apps, while Adalo suits native-mobile-apps. For most users Adalo is the stronger default, but Backendless can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
Both Backendless and Adalo get recommended a lot, but they solve the job differently. Below we compare them on pricing, strengths and the use cases each one fits, then give a clear verdict.
Side-by-side
| Backendless | Adalo | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Nocode App Builder | Nocode App Builder |
| What it's known for | Visual app development plus a full no-code backend (database, APIs, real-time messaging, hosting), with cloud and on-premise (Backendless Pro) options for full-stack apps. | Visual no-code builder focused on native iOS/Android and web apps from a single project, with a relational database and direct publishing to the App Store and Google Play. |
| Pricing | Free plan; Cloud Scale plans from ~$35/mo (unlimited developer seats); Partner Plan for agencies (up to 20 apps); Backendless Pro (on-premise) custom | Free plan (build/test, 500 records); reported Starter ~$36/mo, Professional ~$65/mo, Team ~$160/mo (payment processing tier), Business ~$200/mo (annual billing); AI Builder added in 2026 |
| Best audience | Developers and teams needing a full-stack backend behind their app, including self-hosting. | Startups and non-developers who need a native mobile MVP on iOS and Android. |
| Best for | full-stack-apps, backend-included | native-mobile-apps, startups |
| Entry price | Free | Free |
| Biggest strength | Full-stack: backend, database, hosting and UI in one platform. | Produces true native IPA/APK builds, not just PWAs. |
| Main caveat | Broader/steeper to learn than single-purpose app builders. | Apps can get slow/laggy with larger datasets. |
Features compared
Where they really diverge is in the day-to-day feature set:
Backendless key features
- Visual UI Builder plus full no-code backend
- Real-time database with codeless data logic
- User authentication and role/permission management
- Push notifications and in-app messaging
Adalo key features
- Visual multi-screen canvas for native iOS/Android and web from one project
- Built-in relational database
- Direct publishing to Apple App Store and Google Play
- Ada AI builder (Magic Start, Magic Add) for AI generation
Pricing tiers side by side
Backendless plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Limited backend resources |
| Cloud 9 | ~$25/mo | Entry paid Scale plan |
| Cloud 99 | ~$99/mo | Higher limits, unlimited developer seats |
| Backendless Pro / Managed | Custom | On-premise self-hosting, no functional limits |
Adalo plans
| Plan | Price | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Build/test, 500 records, web publishing on Adalo subdomain |
| Starter | ~$36/mo | App Store + Google Play publishing, no usage caps |
| Professional | ~$65/mo | More apps, custom domains |
| Team | ~$200/mo | Collaboration / payment-processing tier |
Tiers compiled from the vendors' published plans and independent reviews; prices are approximate and change often, so confirm current figures (and your region's taxes) on each vendor's site.
Strengths compared
Where Backendless wins
A complete no-code backend (DB, APIs, real-time, auth) with a self-hostable Pro edition.
- Full-stack: backend, database, hosting and UI in one platform.
- On-premise/self-hosted option (Backendless Pro) with no functional limits.
That makes it the stronger pick for developers and teams needing a full-stack backend behind their app, including self-hosting.
Where Adalo wins
One of the few accessible no-code tools that ships genuinely native mobile apps to both app stores.
- Produces true native IPA/APK builds, not just PWAs.
- Free plan allows full development and web publishing.
That makes it the stronger pick for startups and non-developers who need a native mobile MVP on iOS and Android.
Verdict: choose by fit
Pick by fit rather than by an overall score.
- Choose Backendless if you fit its core audience — developers and teams needing a full-stack backend behind their app, including self-hosting.
- Choose Adalo if you fit its core audience — startups and non-developers who need a native mobile MVP on iOS and Android.
FAQ
Is Backendless better than Adalo?
Adalo is the stronger default for most users, but Backendless can be the better fit depending on your budget and use case.
What is the main difference between Backendless and Adalo?
Backendless is a complete no-code backend (DB, APIs, real-time, auth) with a self-hostable Pro edition. Adalo is one of the few accessible no-code tools that ships genuinely native mobile apps to both app stores.
Which is cheaper, Backendless or Adalo?
Both Backendless and Adalo offer a free tier, so the real comparison is the paid plans above — pick based on the storage, features and limits you actually need.
Sources
Facts above are drawn from these independent reviews and the vendors' own pages for Backendless and Adalo: