Back4app
Back4app: An affordable MongoDB-based backend with APIs, realtime features, and containers. Ranked #6 of 28 in Backend as a Service by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for affordable MongoDB-based application backends.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAffordable MongoDB-based application backends
- Free planYes
- Paid from$5/unit/mo
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Managed MongoDB with automatic REST and GraphQL APIs
- Free plan plus containers starting at $5 per month
- Authentication, realtime sync, storage, and scheduled jobs
Where it doesn't
- Container pricing is charged per container, per month
- Deployment regions are limited to 1
- The platform spans many services, requiring architectural decisions
Our verdict on Back4app
Back4app combines managed backend services with container-based deployment for teams building web and mobile applications. Its backend includes managed MongoDB hosting, automatically generated REST and GraphQL APIs, authentication with social login and role-based access control, cloud functions, scheduled jobs, LiveQuery realtime synchronization, file storage with a global CDN, push notifications, and transactional email. It supports web, iOS, Android, API, and self-hosted use cases, with GitHub-connected Docker deployments for application containers.
The published container plans provide a clear entry point for smaller projects. Free includes 0.25 CPU, 256 MB RAM, 100 GB transfer, shared CPU, GitHub deployment, and custom Docker containers. Shared costs $5 per container per month and adds 0.5 CPU, 512 MB RAM, and a global CDN. Shared 2 costs $15 with 1 CPU, 1 GB RAM, and 150 GB transfer; Shared 3 costs $25 with 1 CPU, 2 GB RAM, and 200 GB transfer. Dedicated starts at $50 per container per month with 2 CPU, 2 GB RAM, 250 GB transfer, and dedicated CPU. Dedicated 2 and Dedicated 3 cost $100 and $200, respectively, with higher memory and transfer allowances.
Back4app fits teams that want MongoDB-backed application services alongside container deployment, rather than assembling each backend capability separately. GitHub, Slack, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, and Claude integrations support a connected development workflow, while AI Agent and MCP integrations add another platform option. Its open-source positioning, autoscaling capabilities, and on-premises enterprise options broaden deployment choices. Teams seeking a focused database service or a simpler single-purpose backend may prefer a narrower alternative; teams needing authentication, APIs, realtime synchronization, storage, notifications, and containers in one platform should consider Back4app.
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Back4app pricing
All 7 Back4app plans and prices →
Back4app fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $5/unit/mo |
| Database type | Not verified |
| Authentication methods | Not verified |
| Serverless functions | Not verified |
| Realtime data | Not verified |
| File storage | Not verified |
| Automatic APIs | Not verified |
| Free authentication users | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Compliance & security | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA |
| Support | Email, Tickets, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: GitHub, Slack, Cursor, VS Code, Windsurf, Claude |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | back4app.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Back4app integrations
Back4app lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- GitHub
- Slack
- Cursor
- VS Code
- Windsurf
- Claude
Alternatives to Back4app
- SupabaseA full-featured Postgres BaaS with APIs, auth, realtime, storage, and self-hosting.9.2
- Appwrite RealtimeA broad open-source backend platform with permission-aware realtime subscriptions.8.5
- ConvexA strong fit for TypeScript teams building realtime applications with an adaptable backend.8.4
See all Back4app alternatives →
Back4app vs the competition
- Back4app vs Supabase
- Back4app vs Appwrite Realtime
- Back4app vs Convex
- Back4app vs PocketBase
- Back4app vs Parse Platform
- Back4app vs Nhost
Compare Back4app with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Back4app is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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