Top 10 Backend Platforms For Mobile Apps

The use of mobile applications is record high nowadays. Indeed, around 257 billion mobile apps are downloaded annually, according to Statista.

It signifies that dev teams are dealing with heavy workloads, mainly when it comes to server-side development. Therefore, it is efficient to utilize backend services for mobile app development.

These MBaaS platforms are helpful in creating, deploying, hosting, and administering backends for mobile apps.

With features like cloud storage, real-time database, authentication, and cloud functions, backend platforms enable you to emphasize frontend development and core competencies. 

However, if you are hesitant about choosing a backend platform for mobile apps, read our suggestions in detail.

Top 10 Backend Platforms for Mobile Apps

Let’s delve into leading mobile app backend platforms.

1. Back4app

Back4app is a valuable MBaaS platform founded in 2015. This low-code backend solution reduces the development time by 80%.

So, with REST & GraphQL APIs, live queries, managed infrastructure, and file storage, it becomes seamless to build, deploy, and run mobile applications. 

Correspondingly, Back4app is an open-source platform that offers ample community support to users.

Around 190k developers from 200 countries across the globe depend on this backend builder. Under its free tier offering, you can access 25k requests, 250MB data storage, 1GB file storage, and 1GB transfer.

On the other hand, its MVP and Pay as you go models cost you $15/month and $80/month if you pay annually. 

Suitable for: Back4app is ideal for crafting and deploying highly scalable startups to enterprise-grade mobile applications. You can mainly employ Back4app to deal with server-side operations for modern mobile apps. 

Core Features

• Realtime Database – Using real-time databases is the best to backlog and query data spontaneously. Back4app also lets you illustrate data models utilizing SDKs and APIs. You can fetch data using this DB whether you are offline or online.

• Cloud Functions – You can add business logic to the backend of your mobile app through JS functions. Cloud Functions can drive the server-side code without administering the infrastructure. 

• GraphQL & REST APIs – REST & GraphQL application programming interfaces play a significant role in obtaining data from your mobile app. Hereof, REST API confers query assistance, and GraphQL helps in automation. 

• Authentication – A thorough user management system is another exciting feature of this backend platform. It allows you to approach third-party sign-in and registration support. Moreover, it performs all user administration duties, from password encryption to session management. 

• File Storage – It offers cloud-based and highly secure file storage. Using this trait, you can seamlessly store various files like images, videos, PDFs, etc. 

• Push Notifications – Whether you want to validate an email address or are willing to send push notifications as a marketing strategy, use this function. Back4app also adds a geofencing attribute to strengthen this feature. 

Benefits 

• An open-source platform without vendor lock-in
• Low learning curve with a spreadsheet-like interface
• Predictable pricing structure with free tier option
• Secure platform to build mobile backends on the fly

2. Firebase

Firebase is a simple-to-use BaaS platform made public in 2012. It helps in developing iOS, web, and Android applications on the fly.

Millions of companies love using Firebase because of its advanced features and robust backing of Google Cloud.

Similarly, its free-to-start plan is another reason behind its worldwide acceptance. Yes, its Spark Plan lets you access 5GB cloud storage, 10GB hosting, 50k/day reads, and 20k/day writes for nothing. 

However, you can go with the Blaze Plan if your requirements exceed that. This premium package follows a pay-as-you-go pricing structure. 

Suitable for: Firebase is considered best for crafting prototype to mid-sized mobile applications. Especially the ones that need real-time data queries. 

Core Features

• Cloud Firestore – Cloud Firestore is an advanced NoSQL database that empowers you to sync, backlog, and obtain data spontaneously. Powerful user-centric security and offline mode are advantages of using this real-time DB.

• Remote Config – This functionality lets dev teams add more personalized attributes to their iOS and Android applications. With seamless integration with AI and A/B testing, you can revamp the appearance and functioning of your mobile app via remote config.

• Crashlytics – Firebase not only helps build backends for mobile applications but is also useful for tracking and fixing glitches. This reporting tool can monitor crashes and find their root cause.   

• Hosting – Google Cloud-backed hosting with zero configuration gives Firebase an edge over rivals. You can deploy and host your mobile applications on Firebase with free SSL certification and subdomain.

• In-App Messaging – This property has a crucial role in engaging potential mobile application users. You can send messages to these app users based on their app activity. Undoubtedly, it is an effective tool to accelerate user retention. 

Benefits

• A free-to-start MBaaS solution
• Easy-to-scale infrastructure
• Excellent cross-platform support 
• Seamless integration with other Google products

3. Backendless

Backendless is a no-code/low-code solution that helps create backends for web and mobile applications.

Although this platform began its journey in 2012 but, now leading tech giants are its customers. Yes, Accenture, Vodafone, Orange, and Dell are among the customers of Backendless.

This is a highly affordable MBaaS provider for all sizes of businesses. You can simply employ a free tier of Backendless Cloud to get unmetered monthly API calls, 1GB of file storage, and 100k push notifications. On the other hand, the monthly cost of its Scale Plan also starts at $15. 

Suitable for: It is an optimal choice if you need a visual app builder for applications. Also, it supports businesses of all sizes, from Start for Free to Fully Managed offerings. 

Core Features

• Cloud Code – Cloud code timers, API event handlers, and API services are three major components of this feature. API services free you from server-side deployments. Correspondingly, event handlers and timers deal with API modifications and schedules. 

• Visual Database – Backendless confers NoSQL and SQL backlog solutions through its visual database. It doesn’t require code or API integration to deploy your mobile backend. Moreover, a free database training course is also available on its YouTube channel.

• User Management – It is straightforward to handle new signups and existing users through the User Management APIs of Backendless. Besides, you can view all the data of users on the Console interface. You can modify permissions, data types, and further constraints here.

• Pub/Sub Messaging – Backendless allocates publishing and subscription APIs to dev teams under this offering. You can conduct cross-platform messaging and enable gaming chats with this fantastic feature. 

Benefits

• User-friendly interface and easy backend handling
• Seamless deployments with autogenerated APIs & pre-built server-side functionalities
• Open-source and cross-platform support

4. Supabase

Supabase is one of the best backend platforms for mobile apps that was made public in 2020.

The majority of developers consider Supabase as an alternative to Firebase with rapid scaling. However, Supabase has an edge over Firebase because it is an open-source vendor.

Furthermore, Supabase permits startups to benefit from its free tier. Hereof, its Free plan grants 1GB file storage, 5GB bandwidth, and 50k/month active users. The Pro Plan is more compatible with production projects, and its monthly fee begins at $25.   

Suitable for: It is an ideal mobile backend platform for developers and companies because of its user-friendly interface.

Core Features

• Realtime Functionalities – It is a highly recommendable backend solution to build and deploy real-time applications. This feature is helpful for performing database editing, online syncing, and updating charts spontaneously. 

• Authentication – Open-source authentication lets mobile app users sign up using any social media or email account. On the other hand, if your project is for big companies, you can also proceed with enterprise logins.

• Serverless Storage – Serverless object storage facilitates you to backlog any file type with great scalability. The CDN support for 285 cities across the globe also fastens data access. 

• Vector Database – It has a Postgres vector database to develop highly engaging AI applications. In this regard, you can also sync your database with technologies like Hugging Face and OpenAI.  

• Edge Functions – This feature is helpful for adding tailored logic to mobile applications. Fast deployment and efficient server-side functioning are further pros of edge functions. 

Benefits

• An ideal BaaS vendor to deal with tangled data structures
• 100% portable and open-source backend builder
• Cost-efficient service for all sizes of businesses

5. 8Base

If you need a visual builder to develop applications, don’t skip 8Base. This Backend as a Service (BaaS) provider lets you create and set up backends within 5 minutes only.

In short, you should emphasize frontend chores, and 8Base will deal with all server-side operations from data modeling to cloud functions.

8Base also has a free tier offering like other MBaaS vendors. With its Free plan, you can get serverless functions, CLI, and GraphQL API support. Withal, its charges for the Developer plan start from $25/month. 

Suitable for: It is appropriate for developing feature-rich mobile applications and digital platforms. 

Core Features

• Support for Client-Side – It authorizes you to craft and deploy mobile backends for a wide range of client-side technologies. Yes, it offers seamless integration with frontend technologies, including React, Vue, Angular, Swift, Android, and Flutter. 

• Robust Backend Development – Server-side programming is lightning fast with 8Base. You must define data models, import datasets, query them, and set the roles. Then, you can generate functions. 

• API-First Infrastructure – This is a highly scalable platform where APIs play an important role. So, you can easily categorize server-side and frontend via GraphQL APIs. 

Benefits

• It has role-based security for a fully managed low-code environment
• Ready-to-use backend functionalities
• A full-stack platform with both frontend and BaaS offerings

6. Appwrite

Appwrite is another open-source backend platform that comes with a dark, sleek dashboard.

It simplifies the server-side operations and lets you develop mobile apps on the fly. In this regard, you can utilize features like authentication, storage, and DBMS with minimal coding.

On the other hand, the pricing of Appwrite is very economical. Its Starter plan is free and allocates you 10GB bandwidth, 75k monthly active users, 2GB storage, and 750k executions. By the same token, the Pro program asks for $15/member monthly. 

Moreover, with 39k+ repository stars on GitHub, Apple, IBM, and TikTok are leading tech giants that use Appwrite.

Suitable for: It is a flawless service to build highly scalable mobile and web backends. 

Core Features

• Authentication – Appwrite not only supports the registration and user login process but also effectively handles the user accounts. You can easily set preferences and control permission using this platform. 

• Realtime API – With GraphQL and REST, you can leverage Realtime APIs here. This feature enables you to notice events in the meantime. You can simply employ this functionality through the ‘subscribe’ procedure while using Appwrite.

• SDK Libraries – These libraries authorize the dev teams to communicate with API protocols of Appwrite without scripting codes from the beginning. However, make sure you are using server SDKs to deal with the backend of your mobile app.

• Functions – Appwrite Functions allows you to convert your ideas into reality quickly. These functions could occur in response to HTTP requests, webhooks, or server events.

Benefits

• A well-documented and easy-to-use platform
• This open-source platform has ample community support
• Less time to market

7. Xano

Are you looking for a powerful no-code backend platform for mobile apps? If yes, try Xano. Indeed, Xano is another reliable MBaaS solution on our list that enterprises and mid-sized companies use globally. 

You can launch backends within moments using Xano. Hereof, this platform provides you with extensible servers, databases, and no-code API generators. If we talk about pricing, Xano also has a free tier offering like other backend solutions.

Its Build plan offers you 100k records, 1 workspace, no-code API build, and several other features for nothing. However, the Launch program costs you $85/month if you need dedicated infrastructure and instances. 

Suitable for: It is an optimal platform for building mobile backends with complicated APIs, data models, and business logic.

Core Features

• API Creator – This trait lets you generate business logic without restricting exposure. Also, you can utilize this developer-friendly feature to approach third-party services like Redis Caching, Lambda Functions, and much more. 

• Flexible Database – Xano confers PostgreSQL DB to its users to support relational and non-relational queries. In this regard, you find a spreadsheet-like interface where you can define data types into integer, date, and text. 

• Scalable Server – This mobile app backend provides developers with a flexible server environment. Mainly, it allows you to deploy backends within Docker containers. Similarly, the presence of Kubernetes enables you to focus on business logic instead of server-side capabilities. 

• Security & Compliance – Xano follows enterprise-grade security standards. Indeed, with solid encryption and SSL certification, it also complies with GDPR, HIPAA, ISO, and SOC2 Type II.  

Benefits 

• A well-optimized solution for mobile applications
• Offers a pure no-code environment
• Lean learning curve 

8. DigitalOcean App Platform

If you want to deploy your mobile backend using a Platform as a Service (PaaS) provider, the DigitalOcean App Platform could be an economical choice. DigitalOcean accrued this platform in 2019; before that, it was known as Nanobox. 

It works simply when you run a scripted application in a Docker container. Hereof, you can also deploy a repository by connecting DigitalOcean with platforms like GitHub.

Correspondingly, it permits developers to sync their accounts with cloud providers like AWS or Google Cloud.

CI/CD and instant rollbacks also play vital roles in the deployment of an application. Although its Starter package doesn’t cost you anything but, the monthly billing of its Basic plan begins from $5.   

Suitable for: The fast deployment process makes it a perfect option for backend development of APIs and mobile and web apps.  

Core Features

• Support for Popular Technologies – The App Platform supports various programming languages and frameworks. Yes, it provides incredible support for Python, Node.js, PHP, Go, Django, etc.

• Functions – Adding functions to your mobile app while using the App Platform is seamless. You can also utilize these functions, including serverless application programming interfaces to your mobile app. 

• Rollbacks – The availability of endless rollbacks is another exciting feature of the App Platform. With this trait, you can easily retrieve a database or configuration for your previous deployments. It is also beneficial to smoothly troubleshoot errors and improve business continuity.

• Log Management – The App Platform doesn’t glue you with its log analysis. Yes, you can get third-party log management services from Papertrail or Datadog to get better insights. 

Benefits

• Horizontal and vertical scaling
• A very affordable platform
• Fast & secure deployments

9. Heroku

Heroku is a highly acclaimed cloud computing service founded in 2007. This PaaS platform officially supports a variety of backend technologies, including Python, Node.js, PHP, Ruby, and Java. So, you can build, deploy, and host highly scalable mobile backends using Heroku.

It is also essential to know that Heroku has developed over 13 million apps and 2.8 million data stores for its customers. Besides, it has the ability to handle 60 billion requests daily. 

The starting fees of its Eco and Mini plans are $5/month for Containers and Data Services, respectively.  

Suitable for: An ideal fully-managed platform to build and deploy from startup to production level projects. 

Core Features

• Heroku Runtime – It is liable for administering and running your mobile app. In this regard, Heroku runs applications in smart containers called Dynos. These containers are responsible for extending resources and providing an isolated environment. HTTP routing and ready-made Docker images are also some highlights of Runtime. 

• Data Services – Heroku backs multiple open-source databases. Yes, you can seamlessly utilize several data services on Heroku, including Redis, Postgres, and Apache Kafka. 

• Heroku Flow – This feature promises continuous delivery. Hereof, it unifies continuous integration, pipelines, ChatOps, Git, and review apps. Complete documentation is also available for developers on the official Heroku website.

• Heroku OpEx – Operational experience permits you to emphasize core competencies, and Heroku takes care of major indicators. This platform provides a fully optimized solution for end users. Also, it deals with webhooks, analytics, logs, and autoscaling.

Benefits

• Active community support
• Smart architecture & managed databases
• Developer-friendly and easy-to-use platform

10. Parse

Parse Platform is the last but highly recommended option on our list. This is basically an open-source backend platform you can use to build iOS and Android applications for free.

You can get all server-side properties from authentication to object storage and push notifications on this platform.

Meta has benefited from Parse so that you can use it without hesitation. Yes, Meta got its ownership from 2013 to 2017 and used it for different tech stacks. Since 2016, this CSP has been working as an open-source platform.

Suitable for: An eligible option to build mobile backends for MVPs. 

Core Features

• SDKs & Libraries – It supplies users with a wide range of open-source SDKs. You can approach these libraries through GitHub. The prominent SDKs that Parse offers are JS, Flutter, PHP, Objective-C, Dart, Android, and Swift.

• Data Modeling – Parse delivers a spreadsheet-like interface to define data models. Adding new data elements and editing or removing existing properties here is also smooth.

• GraphQL APIs – You can generate GraphQL APIs with little effort on the Parse Platform. This application programming interface is highly beneficial to issues related to under-fetching and over-fetching. Easy code sharing and integration with cloud functions are also its pros.

• Push Notifications – This platform has the ability to engage iOS and Android users through push notifications. It needs only a few clicks to customize and enable push notifications for mobile apps.

Benefits

• An open-source and freemium solution
• Easy to utilize through other BaaS platforms 
• A tested BaaS provider with ample community support

Conclusion

Finding the best backend service for your mobile application is challenging. That is why we mentioned a variety of mobile backend platforms with their core credentials. Hopefully, this thorough guide will assist you in choosing a suitable solution for your projects.