programcode

Category · 6 tools · 4 comparisons

Backend-as-a-service platforms

Backend services that provide APIs, databases, authentication, and app infrastructure.

Prices checked Nov 10, 2026 from each vendor's pricing page

Our ranked shortlist: the best backend-as-a-service platforms →

At a glance

Tools tracked
6
Entry plans
$25–$99/mo
Typical entry plan
$25/mo
Free plan
6 of 6
Cheapest paid
Convex, $25/mo
Best value score
Firebase, 8/10

Every tool we cover

API pricing →
ToolScoreFromTop listed planFree planTrialPages
Firebase7.8Free*—Yes3 monthsReviewPricingAlternatives
Appwrite7.8Free*—Yes—ReviewPricingAlternatives
Convex7.6$25/mo$2,500/moYes—ReviewPricingAlternatives
PlayFab7.6$99/mo*$1,999/moYes—ReviewPricingAlternatives
Supabase7.5$25/mo$599/moYes—ReviewPricingAlternatives
Xano7.2$85/mo$224/moYes—ReviewPricingAlternatives

* Lower confidence: the vendor's pricing page couldn't be read directly or didn't list every price, so the figure was compiled from other public sources and may be incomplete. Check the vendor's page before you buy.

Head-to-head

vs

Convex vs Supabase

Convex 13 tiedSupabase 4

vs

Xano vs Supabase

Xano 14 tiedSupabase 3

vs

Supabase vs Firebase

Supabase 24 tiedFirebase 2

vs

Firebase vs Convex

Firebase 34 tiedConvex 1

Highest scored

Firebase

Firebase speeds up app development, but usage-based bills and proprietary services shape your exit plan.

7.8/10

Appwrite

A flexible, open-source backend platform; budget around resource limits and validate function behavior.

7.8/10

Convex

A capable TypeScript backend for reactive apps, with hosted-service lock-in and usage costs to weigh.

7.6/10

Backend-as-a-service platforms: quick answers

How much do backend-as-a-service platforms cost?

Paid plans for the 6 backend-as-a-service platforms we track start between $25 and $99 a month, and the typical entry plan is about $25 a month. 6 of them have a free plan. Prices are the vendors' own, checked Nov 10, 2026; most quote the per-month price when billed annually.

Which backend-as-a-service platform is the cheapest?

Convex has the lowest paid entry plan at $25 a month, followed by Supabase at $25. If you can live with limits, Firebase, Appwrite, Convex and PlayFab have a free plan.

Which backend-as-a-service platforms have a free plan?

Firebase, Appwrite, Convex, PlayFab, Supabase and Xano have a free plan. Free plans are usually capped on usage, seats or features; each review lists the limits.

Which backend-as-a-service platform scores highest in our reviews?

Firebase scores highest at 7.8/10. Firebase speeds up app development, but usage-based bills and proprietary services shape your exit plan.