Backendless vs Knack: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Backendless and Knack side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Backendless leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Backendless
Backend as a service with visual app development
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
Knack
No-code platform for building online databases
Best for you if:
- • You want generates complete applications, not just source code, focusing on business solutions
| At a Glance | Backendless | Knack |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan | From $39/mo, billed monthly Starter plan |
Category | Low-Code Backend Data & Databases | App Builders No-Code |
Rating | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 56 reviews | 4.3/5 G2 4.3 114 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Backendless or Knack?
Choose Backendless if
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want codeless backend
- You want visual development
- You work in low-code backend, not app builders
Choose Knack if
- You want generates complete applications, not just source code, focusing on business solutions
- You want provides immediate live solutions with fully hosted infrastructure, eliminating concerns about server management
- You work in app builders, not low-code backend
In-Depth Analysis
Backendless
Backend as a service with visual app development
The pricing structure is incredibly generous, offering both a fully functional free cloud tier and a self-hosted 'Pro' tier for $0.
Strengths
- Pro: Codeless backend
- Pro: Visual development
- Pro: Real-time database
- Pro: Good for prototypes
- Pro: Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- Con: Vendor lock-in
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Limited customization
- Con: Performance varies
- Con: Documentation gaps
Key features
Knack
No-code platform for building online databases
Knack's pricing is fair for small to medium-sized businesses, with the Starter tier at $39 offering good value for basic needs.
Strengths
- Pro: Generates complete applications, not just source code, focusing on business solutions.
- Pro: Provides immediate live solutions with fully hosted infrastructure, eliminating concerns about server management.
- Pro: Offers AI-powered application creation through conversational interfaces.
- Pro: Includes true application logic and workflows, built-in compliance, and support for unlimited users.
- Pro: Features over 500 native integrations for connecting various tools and syncing workflows.
Weaknesses
- Con: The 'New Customer Offer' pricing is significantly lower than the standard pricing, which could be misleading for long-term cost planning.
- Con: The number of database records and AI credits are capped at lower tiers, potentially limiting scalability for rapidly growing businesses without upgrading.
- Con: Advanced features like App Restores, Advanced SSO, and higher record limits are only available at Corporate and Enterprise tiers, requiring significant investment for larger organizations.
Key features
Plans and prices: Backendless vs Knack
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Backendless |
| backendless.com/pricing read Nov 2, 2026 |
| Knack |
| knack.com/pricing |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Backendless pricing and Knack pricing.
Key Takeaways
Backendless
- Has a free plan
Knack
- Choose if you want no-code platform for building online databases
What the data shows
On the data below, Backendless leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.4/5 from 56 reviews for Backendless, 4.3/5 from 114 reviews for Knack).
- Knack starts at $39/mo, billed monthly; Backendless has no public paid plan price on file.
- Only Backendless has a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Backendless and Knack compare in 2026?
On the data below, Backendless leads on a free plan. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.4/5 from 56 reviews for Backendless, 4.3/5 from 114 reviews for Knack). Knack starts at $39/mo, billed monthly; Backendless has no public paid plan price on file. Only Backendless has a free plan.
What are Backendless and Knack used for?
Backendless: Backend as a service with visual app development. Knack: No-code platform for building online databases.
What does Backendless cost vs Knack?
Backendless has no public paid-plan price on file. Knack's cheapest paid plan is Starter at $39/mo, billed monthly. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 2, 2026.
What's the main difference between Backendless and Knack?
Backendless's main strength: codeless backend. Knack's main strength: generates complete applications, not just source code, focusing on business solutions.