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11 Best Backend and databases in 2026

Backend and database platforms provide managed data storage, authentication, and server logic for applications, used by developers building web and mobile apps.

Top backend and databases

ToolBest forLicensePriceReviewsLikes
AirtableSmall-to-midsize teams that need a relational database with a spreadsheet UI to run project trackers, content calendars, or lightweight CRMs without writing code.FreemiumFree tier · paid from $20/mo0
Appwritedeveloper teams building web, mobile, or Flutter apps that want a Firebase-style backend (auth, database, storage, functions) they can self-host for free instead of relying solely on a vendor's cloudOpen sourceFree tier · paid from $25/mo0
CockroachDBteams running multi-region transactional workloads on PostgreSQL-compatible SQL that need automatic failover without manual shardingFreemiumFree tier · paid from $0.18/mo0
Convexdevelopers and small teams building AI agents or real-time web apps who want a database, functions, and search layer in one TypeScript-native system instead of assembling separate servicesOpen coreFree tier · paid from $25/mo0
Firebasemobile and web developers who want a fully managed backend (database, auth, hosting, functions) without provisioning or maintaining their own serversFreemiumFree0
MongoDB Atlasdevelopers and teams building on a flexible document schema who want a managed, multi-cloud MongoDB deployment instead of self-hostingFreemiumFree0
Neondevelopers who want instant, low-cost database branching for every pull request or preview deployment without provisioning full new Postgres instancesOpen coreFree0
PlanetScaleteams needing a managed, horizontally-scalable MySQL (Vitess) or Postgres database with Git-style branching workflows, who don't need a permanent free tierPaidFrom $5/mo0
PocketBasedevelopers who want a single-binary backend (database, auth, storage, realtime API) for a side project or small-to-medium app without assembling separate servicesOpen sourceFree0
Supabasedevelopers who want a Postgres-based backend (auth, storage, realtime, auto-generated APIs) they can self-host later, rather than committing to a proprietary NoSQL platform like FirebaseOpen coreFree tier · paid from $25/mo0
Tursodevelopers building AI agent or multi-tenant applications that need thousands of lightweight SQLite databases instead of one large shared databaseOpen coreFree tier · paid from $4.99/mo0
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Find alternatives to a specific tool

Alternatives to Airtable7Alternatives to Appwrite4Alternatives to CockroachDB3Alternatives to Convex5Alternatives to Firebase6Alternatives to MongoDB Atlas4Alternatives to Neon3Alternatives to PlanetScale3Alternatives to PocketBase3Alternatives to Supabase4Alternatives to Turso4

Frequently asked questions

What is the best backend and database tool right now?

Airtable leads this list by user signals — it is best for small-to-midsize teams that need a relational database with a spreadsheet ui to run project trackers, content calendars, or lightweight crms without writing code.. Appwrite is the strongest runner-up.

Which backend and databases are free?

10 of the 11 tools here have a usable free tier or are fully free: Airtable, Appwrite, CockroachDB, Convex, Firebase and 5 more.

Are there open-source backend and databases?

Yes — Appwrite, Convex, Neon, PocketBase, Supabase, Turso are open source.