No-code backend builders have transformed how entrepreneurs and creators bring app ideas to life without writing a single line of code. These powerful tools handle everything from database management to business logic, letting you focus on building products that users love.
While standalone backend solutions offer flexibility, pairing them with a complete app builder like Adalo streamlines your entire development process. Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms, published to the Apple App Store and Google Play. This means you can build your frontend and backend together, launching faster and reaching the widest possible audience through app store distribution and push notifications.
Here are the top four no-code backend builders to power your next project.
The 4 Best No-Code Backend Builders
- Xano, the best overall no-code backend builder.
- Backendless, the best no-code app builder for developers.
- Zapier, for limited but simple backend building.
- Airtable, the most truly non-technical backend builder.
What is a No-Code Backend?
A backend is a crucial part of any app - it’s where the app’s information is stored, and all app’s logical decisions are made. For instance, on a social networking app like LinkedIn, your profile data, such as your job history, location, skills, etc., is stored in a database on the backend.
During a common LinkedIn search for electrician jobs in your area, the backend executes the search (or executes an action). It does this by combing through all the electrician jobs on LinkedIn’s database and narrowing them down to the ones in your area.
In this way, the backend is akin to the “brain” of an app, bringing the data from the database to the user’s screen.
A backend has three components:
Logic/Functionality: A backend communicates with the user and transports information. The backend executes the following tasks:
- Listens to user requests.
- Sorts, retrieves, and displays the data on the user interface (like my LinkedIn example).
- Saves information to the database.
- Makes calculations.
- Connects to services, like a 3rd-party application.
- ..and many more.
Integrations: In order to get the most out of your backend, you’ll want to connect to 3rd party integrations. These integrations, or “add-ons,” will execute specialized tasks in your backend, giving it more power and flexibility.
For instance, if you have an online store, you’ll want to integrate your backend with payment platforms like Stripe or Square to receive money and keep track of revenue.
Database: The database is the “library” that holds all the data crucial to your backend. This includes user information, profiles, images, and more. Having a database with ample space to hold all of your data is crucial.
If you lack the space, you won’t be able to collect more data, so your backend - and the entire app - will stop working. The way your data is organized (structured) on the database is also extremely important, as it will directly affect how quickly data can be brought to the user interface. Slow delivery can result in slow loading times as your user navigates through your app.
What is a No-Code Backend Builder?
A no-code backend builder is a tool that allows you to build your very own backend using an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Here are some things most no-code backend builders have in common:
- They allow you to create logic, workflows, and decision-making with a simple point-and-click interface.
- They let you execute technical tasks, like building APIs, without using coding or programming.
- They store data, and most support a user login.
Some no-code backend builders require users to have a technical background, while others can be used by tech-averse people almost right out of the box.
Why Use a No-Code Backend Builder?
Even for developers or those with just some technical knowledge, a no-code backend builder is a fast way to create your own backend without spending (too many) painstaking hours typing in lines of code. You’ll be able to scale your backend to accommodate, at the very least, a few hundred users.
As a bonus, no-code backend builders come packed with premade features and integrations. You can also integrate your backend to other no-code tools like Adalo—a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms, published to the Apple App Store and Google Play—as well as Softr, Webflow, and more.
What to Look For in a No-Code Backend Builder
- Functionality: A no-code backend builder must be super powerful. If you’re using a dedicated backend builder, it should be more powerful than an all-in-one platform that includes an app builder and a backend builder (like Bubble and Adalo).
A no-code backend builder must be able to build a backend for any application. It must allow for changes, updates, and prototyping, all with the flick of a switch.
- Hard Bits Done For You: A no-code backend builder needs to take away the challenges of traditional development if it's worth using over a full no-code app building tool.
The tools on my list solve common problems for you: They’re already hosted and scalable, they come with databases built-in and connected, they make it easy to work with user accounts and they have security and compliance built-in from the get-go.
- Escape Hatches: No matter how powerful a no-code backend builder gets, sometimes you just need to run a little code to get over the last hurdle.
Companies that make no-code backend builders recognize these limits and provide you opportunities to “escape” by allowing you to use code to build out specific features you need.
- Scalability: While being able to grow your backend is crucial, your backend should also be able to handle lots of users and the actions they request.
You’ll need a no-code backend builder that doesn’t break down when your app is running and will handle anything your users throw at it.
#1 The Best Overall No-Code Backend Builder
Xano
What is it?
Xano is a no-code backend builder designed for creating backends rapidly and at scale. It’s Turing-Complete, meaning you can build anything on Xano.
Why do I like it?
While the tradeoff for all of Xano’s power is a bit of a learning curve, it comes packed with everything you need to scale your backend to accommodate millions of users.
And the best part: Instead of paying developers gobs of cash to build a complex backend, you can do it yourself at a fraction of the cost with Xano.
Who is it best for?
People with some IT background will find Xano useful. This is because Xano shows users all of its programmatic functions. While you don’t need to be a full-stack developer to use Xano, you do need to have some idea of how computers work.
Pricing
You can build out your backend starting at $85/month. For those who want a more powerful backend with super-high scalability, HIPAA compliance, and the ability of your team to work on projects together, you’ll need to level up to the $199/month version.
Features
- You can find several pre-made backends on Xano’s Marketplace if you want to save time or get an idea of what a professional backend looks like.
- If you find yourself in over your head when building your backend, you’ll be glad to hear that Xano’s super helpful support team is available 24/7 and is almost always willing to book an impromptu Zoom call.
- Xano integrates nicely with Adalo and Bravo Studio, so if you’re building an app with these platforms, you’ll be able to up the ante on what they can do using a Xano-built backend.
#2 The Best No-Code Backend Builder for Developers
Backendless
What is it?
Backendless is a no-code backend and full web and mobile app builder that requires technical knowledge to use.
Why do I like it?
It’s battle-tested - Backendless has been used to create backends for major companies like Kellogg’s and Dell and world-class educational institutions like the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania. Backendless is an excellent choice if you’re developing an enterprise-grade backend.
Who is it best for?
People who have a solid technical background but want to build an app faster than they can program will be right at home with Backendless. Large-scale enterprises will also benefit from Backendless’s ability to accommodate scaling.
Pricing
Backendless’s Scale Plan starts at $15/month. While this may seem cheap, add-ons can get expensive, starting at about $20/feature. Visit their site for more details.
Features
- If you’re a hardcore tech lover, Backendless will have you smitten. It comes with a full package of technical features you can use interchangeably, like Codeless Logic, The Backendless Core Database, and many more. Pick and choose how much of each feature you want.
- Backendless excels for use cases where security is paramount. The platform integrates with 18 authentication providers, including Auth0 and Okta. It also has robust security features.
#3 A Platform for Limited and Simple Backend Building
Zapier
What is it?
Known for its ability to integrate over 6,000+ services, tools, and APIs into your app, you can use Zapier to build limited and simple backends using Zapier Tables and Zapier Paths.
Why do I like it?
Zapier’s backend builder is very easy to learn and relatively simple to use, making it a great choice for non-technical people. It also has an eye-watering number of integrations with 3rd parties - you’d be hard-pressed to find a service that doesn’t support Zapier.
Who is it best for?
If you want to get started building a brand new backend and prefer your and aren’t ready to scale up, Zapier is a good choice. And if your technical knowledge is limited, you’ll find that Zapier is the easiest backend builder on this list.
Pricing
Zapier’s pricing starts at $19.99/month. But if you want to scale, you’ll need to purchase additional add-ons, which can get expensive fast.
Features
- Zapier puts your team on the same page with its Canvas feature. This will enable your team to work in sync on workflow design and other tasks that are crucial to your backend.
#4 The Most Non-Technical No-Code Backend Builder
Airtable
What is it?
Airtable is a truly no-code backend builder that stores, manages, and structures data in the form of a spreadsheet.
Why do I like it?
The low learning curve of Airtable’s interface makes it an attractive choice for anyone who wants to build a backend quickly. Platforms like Adalo and Stacker integrate with Airtable, allowing you to supercharge the front end of your app with a powerful backend.
Who is it best for?
Anyone - tech-head or tech-averse - will find Airtable’s spreadsheet-like interface intuitive and easy to start using right from the get-go.
Pricing
At $20/month per user, you can get up to 50,000 records in your database. If that’s not enough, go for the $45/month per user plan, which gets you up to 125,000 records.
Features
- Airtable comes with an automation tool that lets you set a predefined trigger that will initiate any time a user executes a certain action. This feature can help you reduce manual tasks.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I easily build an app with a powerful backend without coding? | Yes, with Adalo's No Code App Builder, you can easily build an app with a powerful backend without coding. Adalo integrates seamlessly with no-code backend builders like Xano and Airtable, allowing you to create sophisticated database-driven applications using intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces. |
| Why choose Adalo over other App Builder solutions? | Adalo is a no-code app builder for database-driven web apps and native iOS and Android apps—one version across all three platforms, published to the Apple App Store and Google Play. This ability to publish directly to app stores is crucial because marketing and distribution is often the hardest part of launching a new app or business. Having your app available in the App Store and Google Play gives you immediate access to millions of potential users, making Adalo a powerful choice for entrepreneurs and businesses looking to reach their audience effectively. |
| What is a no-code backend and why do I need one? | A no-code backend is the "brain" of your app where all data is stored and logical decisions are made, built without traditional programming. It handles user requests, stores information in databases, makes calculations, and connects to third-party services. You need one to power your app's functionality, from user authentication to data management. |
| Which no-code backend builder is best for beginners? | Airtable is the most beginner-friendly no-code backend builder, featuring a spreadsheet-like interface that anyone can start using immediately. Zapier is another good option for those seeking simplicity with its easy-to-learn platform. Both integrate well with app builders like Adalo for creating complete applications. |
| What should I look for when choosing a no-code backend builder? | Key factors include functionality (the ability to build backends for any application), scalability (handling many users and requests), built-in features like hosting and security, and "escape hatches" that allow custom code when needed. You should also consider whether the platform handles complex tasks like database connections and user authentication out of the box. |
| Can I integrate multiple tools with my no-code backend? | Yes, most no-code backend builders support extensive third-party integrations for added functionality. For example, you can connect payment platforms like Stripe, authentication providers like Auth0, and app builders like Adalo or Softr. Zapier alone offers over 6,000 integrations, making it easy to connect virtually any service to your backend. |
