KeystoneJS vs Backendless: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between KeystoneJS and Backendless 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
KeystoneJS
Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • KeystoneJS is an open-source headless CMS and application framework for Node.js
- • It provides a GraphQL API, admin UI, and flexible content modeling
Backendless
Backend as a service with visual app development
Best for you if:
- • You need api tools 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
| At a Glance |  KeystoneJS |  Backendless |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | API Tools |
Rating | 84/100 | 80/100 |
| Feature | KeystoneJS | Backendless |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 84 | 80 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendGraphQL Tools | API ToolsLow-Code Backend |
How KeystoneJS and Backendless Compare
KeystoneJS
Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework
Free · 84/100 score
Backendless
Backend as a service with visual app development
Free tier available · 80/100 score
KeystoneJS is a low-code backend tool. Backendless is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
KeystoneJS is free. Backendless is freemium.
Go with: KeystoneJS
Want the highest-rated option?
KeystoneJS: 84/100. Backendless: 80/100.
Go with: KeystoneJS
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: KeystoneJS
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
KeystoneJS is free. Backendless is freemium. Go with KeystoneJS if free matters most.
What's your use case?
KeystoneJS is a low-code backend tool. Backendless is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
KeystoneJS scores higher: 84/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
KeystoneJS
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 80
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Backendless
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
KeystoneJS (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KeystoneJS or Backendless better?
KeystoneJS scores 84/100 in our evaluation. KeystoneJS is free and Backendless is freemium.
What are KeystoneJS and Backendless used for?
KeystoneJS: Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework. Backendless: Backend as a service with visual app development.
What does KeystoneJS cost vs Backendless?
KeystoneJS is completely free. Backendless is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.