By Toolradar Team · Updated February 2026
Mobile backend as a service
React Native development platform
Expo is a platform for making universal native apps with React Native. Build iOS and Android apps from a single JavaScript codebase with tools that handle the native complexity. Features include over-the-air updates, push notifications, and managed build services. Expo Go app lets you preview changes instantly on your device. From prototype to production, Expo makes React Native development faster and easier.
App development platform by Google
Firebase is Google's app development platform providing backend services for mobile and web applications. Realtime Database and Firestore handle data without server management. Authentication supports email, social login, and phone auth. Cloud Functions run backend code without servers. Hosting, analytics, and crash reporting included. The complete backend for apps that need to ship fast and scale automatically.
Flexible, scalable NoSQL cloud database
Firestore is Firebase's flexible, scalable database. Documents and collections, real-time sync, and queries that work—NoSQL that handles mobile and web app data elegantly. Real-time updates happen automatically. Offline support keeps apps working. The query model fits app development patterns. Firebase developers use Firestore as their primary database for the real-time sync and mobile-optimized design.
Open-source backend in a single file
PocketBase provides backend in a single file. Database, auth, and file storage—complete backend that just works. The simplicity is remarkable. The single file deploys anywhere. The features are complete. Developers wanting simple backend choose PocketBase for all-in-one simplicity.
Native mobile apps with web tech
Capacitor is a cross-platform native runtime that makes it easy to build web apps that run natively on iOS, Android, and the web. Drop Capacitor into any web project to access native device features like camera, geolocation, and push notifications. Works with any JavaScript framework. Officially maintained by the Ionic team. Turn your web app into a native mobile app without rewriting your code.
Build full-stack apps fast
AWS Amplify is a development platform for building full-stack web and mobile apps on AWS. Host static sites and single-page applications with global CDN. Backend features include authentication, APIs, storage, and analytics. Deploy with Git-based CI/CD workflows. Libraries for React, Vue, Angular, and mobile platforms. The fastest path from code to production on AWS infrastructure.
Distributed NoSQL cloud database
Couchbase combines document database flexibility with SQL queries and in-memory caching. Scale horizontally for massive workloads while keeping the developer experience accessible. Mobile sync keeps apps working offline. The query language is SQL-like. Geographic distribution brings data close to users. Applications needing flexible schema, offline capability, and horizontal scale choose Couchbase for NoSQL with enterprise features.
Low-code backend platform
Back4App is a backend as a service platform built on Parse Server. Deploy backend infrastructure in minutes with built-in database, authentication, and cloud functions. GraphQL and REST APIs auto-generated from your schema. Real-time queries and push notifications included. Scalable infrastructure without managing servers. The managed Parse platform for developers who want backend simplicity with open-source flexibility.
Document database with sync and offline support
CouchDB stores JSON documents with built-in synchronization and conflict resolution. Deploy it anywhere, work offline, and trust that data will sync when connectivity returns. The replication protocol is elegant and proven. REST API makes access straightforward. The focus on reliability over speed serves specific use cases well. Applications with offline requirements or multi-master replication needs choose CouchDB for a database designed around sync.
CI/CD for mobile development teams, streamlining app builds, testing, and releases.
Codemagic is a comprehensive CI/CD solution designed specifically for mobile development teams. It automates the entire app release pipeline, from building and testing to distribution, across various platforms like Android, iOS, Flutter, React Native, Unity, and more. It integrates seamlessly with popular Git repositories such as GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, and Azure DevOps, allowing developers to trigger builds simply by pushing code. The platform caters to individual developers, small teams, and large enterprises, offering flexible pricing models including a free tier, pay-as-you-go, and fixed-price plans. Codemagic aims to simplify complex mobile development workflows, particularly code signing for iOS, and provides a fully hosted, maintained cloud infrastructure. Its intuitive UI and `codemagic.yaml` configuration offer flexibility for different user preferences, ensuring efficient and secure app delivery.
Mobile backend as a service
According to our analysis of 10+ tools, the mobile backend software market offers solutions for teams of all sizes, from solo professionals to enterprise organizations. The best mobile backend tools in 2026 combine powerful features with intuitive interfaces.
Automate repetitive mobile backend tasks to save time
Work together with team members in real-time
Track progress and measure performance
Protect sensitive data with enterprise-grade security
Mobile Backend software is used by a wide range of professionals and organizations:
When evaluating mobile backend tools, consider these key factors:
Based on our analysis of features, user reviews, and overall value, Expo ranks as the #1 mobile backend tool in 2026 with a score of 88/100. Other top-rated options include Firebase and Firebase Firestore.
Yes! Expo, Firebase, Firebase Firestore offer free plans. In total, 9 of the top 10 mobile backend tools have free or freemium pricing options.
Our rankings are based on multiple factors: editorial analysis of features and usability (40%), community reviews and ratings (30%), pricing value (15%), and integration capabilities (15%). We regularly update rankings as tools evolve and new reviews come in.
Key factors to consider include: core features that match your workflow, ease of use and learning curve, pricing that fits your budget, quality of customer support, integrations with your existing tools, and scalability as your needs grow.
At Toolradar, we combine editorial expertise with community insights to rank mobile backend tools:
Share your experience and help others make better decisions.