Backendless vs Parse: 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 Parse side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Backendless leads on higher user rating. 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 codeless backend
Parse
An open-source backend framework for building scalable applications quickly.
Best for you if:
- • You want completely open-source and free to use
| At a Glance | Backendless | Parse |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan | Free plan |
Category | Low-Code Backend App Builders | Low-Code Backend Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.4/5 G2 4.4 56 reviews | 3.8/5 G2 3.8 52 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Backendless or Parse?
Choose Backendless if
- You want codeless backend
- You want visual development
Choose Parse if
- You want completely open-source and free to use
- You want accelerates application development
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
Parse
An open-source backend framework for building scalable applications quickly.
Strengths
- Pro: Completely open-source and free to use
- Pro: Accelerates application development
- Pro: Flexible hosting options (self-hosted)
- Pro: Strong community support
- Pro: Supports multiple SDKs for various platforms
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires self-hosting and infrastructure management
- Con: Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to managed services
- Con: Maintenance and updates are the user's responsibility
Key features
Plans and prices: Backendless vs Parse
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Backendless |
| backendless.com/pricingread Sep 28, 2026 |
| Parse | No plan prices on file | parseplatform.org |
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 Parse pricing.
Key Takeaways
Backendless
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 3.8/5
Parse
- Choose if you want an open-source backend framework for building scalable applications quickly
What the data shows
On the data below, Backendless leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Backendless has the higher user rating (4.4/5 from 56 reviews for Backendless, 3.8/5 from 52 reviews for Parse).
- Both have 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 Parse compare in 2026?
On the data below, Backendless leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Backendless has the higher user rating (4.4/5 from 56 reviews for Backendless, 3.8/5 from 52 reviews for Parse). Both have a free plan.
What are Backendless and Parse used for?
Backendless: Backend as a service with visual app development. Parse: An open-source backend framework for building scalable applications quickly.
What does Backendless cost vs Parse?
Backendless has no public paid-plan price on file. Parse has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Sep 28, 2026.
What's the main difference between Backendless and Parse?
Backendless's main strength: codeless backend. Parse's main strength: completely open-source and free to use.