Back4App vs Heroku: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Back4App and Heroku comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Back4App
Deploy backend infrastructure in minutes with GraphQL and REST APIs
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • Low-code backend
- • Parse Server based
Heroku
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
Best for you if:
- • You need cloud & infrastructure features specifically
- • Platform as a service that scales with you
- • Deploy apps with git push heroku main
| At a Glance |  Back4App |  Heroku |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $25/monthShared | $5/monthEco |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Back4App or Heroku?
Choose Back4App if
Deploy backend infrastructure in minutes with GraphQL and REST APIs
- Parse server hosting
- Easy backend setup
- Good free tier
- Your work is low-code backend-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose Heroku if
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
- Easiest platform for deploying apps
- Git-based deployment workflow
- Large add-on marketplace
- Budget matters ($5/month vs $25/month)
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not low-code backend-shaped
| Feature | Back4App | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.8/5 63 reviews | ★4.6/5 326 reviews |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendCloud & Infrastructure | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
Back4App
Deploy backend infrastructure in minutes with GraphQL and REST APIs
Strengths
- +Parse server hosting
- +Easy backend setup
- +Good free tier
- +BaaS features
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Parse lock-in
- -Limited customization
- -Performance varies
- -Documentation gaps
- -Smaller community
Key features
Heroku
The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce
Strengths
- +Easiest platform for deploying apps
- +Git-based deployment workflow
- +Large add-on marketplace
- +Great for prototypes and small projects
- +Managed Postgres included
Weaknesses
- -No more free tier (removed in 2022)
- -Expensive at scale compared to alternatives
- -Limited customization options
- -Cold starts on lower tiers
- -Performance ceiling for high-traffic apps
Key features
Pricing: Back4App vs Heroku
| Plan | Back4App | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $5 month Eco |
| Tier 2 | $25 month Shared | $7 month per dyno Basic |
| Tier 3 | $250 month Dedicated | $25 month per dyno Standard-1x |
| Tier 4 | custom Enterprise | $50 month per dyno Standard-2x |
| Tier 5 | N/A | $250 month per dyno Performance-M |
| Tier 6 | N/A | $500 month per dyno Performance-L |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Back4App pricing and Heroku pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Back4App has a free tier. Heroku is paid only.
Go with: Back4App
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Back4App
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Heroku
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Back4App is freemium. Heroku is paid. Back4App lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Back4App is a low-code backend tool. Heroku is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Heroku
- Larger review base (326 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Back4App
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.8/5 vs 4.6/5
- Better fit for low-code backend
The Bottom Line
Heroku is our pick. Back4App has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Back4App or Heroku better?
Heroku is rated in our evaluation. Back4App is freemium and Heroku is paid.
What are Back4App and Heroku used for?
Back4App: Deploy backend infrastructure in minutes with GraphQL and REST APIs. Heroku: The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce.
What does Back4App cost vs Heroku?
Back4App is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Heroku is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.