Backendless vs Heroku: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Backendless 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.
Bottom line: Backendless is our overall pick for low-code backend workflows. Pick Heroku if you need cloud & infrastructure.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Backendless
Backend as a service with visual app development
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • Backendless is a visual app development platform with backend-as-a-service capabilities
- • It provides database, user management, push notifications, and business logic without code
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 |  Backendless |  Heroku |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free tier + paid plansFree tier available | $5/monthEco |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Backendless or Heroku?
Choose Backendless if
Backend as a service with visual app development
- Codeless backend
- Visual development
- Real-time database
- You want a free tier before you commit
- 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
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not low-code backend-shaped
| Feature | Backendless | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 59 reviews | ★4.6/5 326 reviews |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendApp Builders | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
Backendless
Backend as a service with visual app development
Strengths
- +Codeless backend
- +Visual development
- +Real-time database
- +Good for prototypes
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Vendor lock-in
- -Learning curve
- -Limited customization
- -Performance varies
- -Documentation gaps
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: Backendless vs Heroku
| Plan | Backendless | Heroku |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $5 month Eco |
| Tier 2 | Free Pro | $7 month per dyno Basic |
| Tier 3 | custom Managed | $25 month per dyno Standard-1x |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $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 Backendless pricing and Heroku pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Backendless has a free tier. Heroku is paid only.
Go with: Backendless
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Backendless
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Backendless
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Backendless is freemium. Heroku is paid. Backendless lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Backendless 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
Backendless
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Heroku
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Larger review base (326 reviews)
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
Backendless is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Backendless or Heroku better?
Backendless is rated in our evaluation. Backendless is freemium and Heroku is paid.
What are Backendless and Heroku used for?
Backendless: Backend as a service with visual app development. Heroku: The original easy deployment platform, now owned by Salesforce.
What does Backendless cost vs Heroku?
Backendless is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Heroku is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.