KeystoneJS vs LoopBack: 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 KeystoneJS and LoopBack side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a 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:
KeystoneJS
Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework
Best for you if:
- • You want good headless CMS
LoopBack
Build highly extensible Node.js and TypeScript APIs and microservices with minimal coding.
Best for you if:
- • You want accelerates API development with minimal coding
| At a Glance | KeystoneJS | LoopBack |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free 100% free |
Category | Headless CMS API Tools | API Tools Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 11 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose KeystoneJS or LoopBack?
Choose KeystoneJS if
- You want good headless CMS
- You want GraphQL API
- You work in headless CMS, not API tools
Choose LoopBack if
- You want accelerates API development with minimal coding
- You want provides a highly extensible and flexible architecture
- You work in API tools, not headless CMS
In-Depth Analysis
KeystoneJS
Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework
KeystoneJS offers an incredibly generous pricing model, being entirely free and open source.
Strengths
- Pro: Good headless CMS
- Pro: GraphQL API
- Pro: Admin UI included
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Good for developers
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Node.js required
- Con: Less content features
- Con: Self-hosting needed
- Con: Smaller community
Key features
LoopBack
Build highly extensible Node.js and TypeScript APIs and microservices with minimal coding.
Strengths
- Pro: Accelerates API development with minimal coding
- Pro: Provides a highly extensible and flexible architecture
- Pro: Supports modern API standards like OpenAPI and GraphQL
- Pro: Open-source with an active community and extensive documentation
- Pro: Facilitates integration with various data sources and security features
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires familiarity with Node.js and TypeScript
- Con: Learning curve for new programming model concepts like Dependency Injection
- Con: EOL for older versions (LoopBack 3) means users should migrate to LoopBack 4
Key features
Plans and prices: KeystoneJS vs LoopBack
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| KeystoneJS |
| keystonejs.com read Oct 4, 2026 |
| LoopBack | No plan prices on file | loopback.io |
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 KeystoneJS pricing and LoopBack pricing.
Key Takeaways
KeystoneJS
- Choose if you want headless CMS and GraphQL API framework
LoopBack
- Choose if you want build highly extensible Node.js and TypeScript APIs and microservices with minimal coding
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- Only KeystoneJS has a published user rating (4.6/5 from 11 reviews); LoopBack has none we can show.
- 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 KeystoneJS and LoopBack compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. Only KeystoneJS has a published user rating (4.6/5 from 11 reviews); LoopBack has none we can show. Both have a free plan.
What are KeystoneJS and LoopBack used for?
KeystoneJS: Headless CMS and GraphQL API framework. LoopBack: Build highly extensible Node.js and TypeScript APIs and microservices with minimal coding.
What does KeystoneJS cost vs LoopBack?
KeystoneJS is free. LoopBack is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 4, 2026.
What's the main difference between KeystoneJS and LoopBack?
KeystoneJS's main strength: good headless CMS. LoopBack's main strength: accelerates API development with minimal coding.