The Bottom Line: Xano allows you to build a super powerful backend that businesses of all sizes can find helpful. However, Xano users need to have a technical background, so it might not be the best fit for everyone.
Pros:
- Xano is Turing complete, which means it can solve any computational problem you throw at it. Because of this, you can build a backend that executes any task.
- Xano takes security very seriously and holds several top-notch security certifications, such as ISO 27701:2019 for Privacy Information Management. It’s also HIPAA-compliant.
- You’ll be able to scale your backend to accommodate millions of users.
Cons:
- You’ll need to have some technical experience and knowledge about how computers work before you start using Xano.
- The pricing is on the higher end of most no-code backend-building platforms.
- The enterprise version doesn’t allow for on-prem service — this means you can’t run Xano on your own server.
Pricing: Get to know Xano’s building interface by signing up for its free version. Pricing starts at $99/month (billed monthly) with Xano’s Launch Plan, which allows up to 3 backend editors and unlimited data records.
What is Xano?
Xano is a no-code backend builder that you can use to build out the entire backend for any app. Use Xano to create a database for storing your information, APIs to gather data from other apps, construct your own custom logic, and more.
While Xano doesn’t build a frontend (i.e., the part of your app that users will see, such as screens, pictures, and more), it does integrate with several popular no-code app builders, such as Adalo, Bubble, Glide, and many more. This means you can create a robust backend with Xano and easily plug it into a front-end building platform.
Xano Review: Getting Started
Sign up for Xano’s free version and get started. From the start, Xano asks what frontend platform you’ll connect to your backend. Then, Xano lets you define each data table before you even start building your backend. Because of this, knowing the types of datasets you want to include is a good idea.
If you’re a “start-from-scratch” kind of person, Xano gives you the option to start building your workspace from a blank template.
Xano’s free plan comes with a few integrations. It also lets you select which integrations you’d like to use before you even start building your backend. Some of these include:
- Twilio
- Slack
- Ably Core
- Mailgun Email
- Sendgrid Email
- Google reCAPTCHA
- Stripe
In fact, Xano is so well-connected that it allows you to let your users log in using their accounts on LinkedIn, Google, and a few other popular platforms.
When you’re taken to your dashboard, a quick start guide will conveniently appear in the lower right corner of your screen. You’ll see 3 categories of topics: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Each category has links to five or six videos explaining certain Xano aspects.
For instance, you’ll learn how to set up your database by watching the “From Idea to App” video under the Beginner Topic. Intermediate videos show you how to connect data in your database using APIs and addons, and authenticating users.
Advanced video topics include using math and calculations to enhance your backend’s logic and various data manipulation methods.
These videos will help you understand Xano. Some videos are under 2 minutes, and others are over 20. We recommend that you watch each video to learn to fully leverage each of Xano’s features.
You’ll also find many more sources of information on your dashboard. You’ll find easy access to Xano’s community forum, YouTube Channel, Documentation, and more.
Xano’s Building Interface
While building a backend with Xano is a complex undertaking, Xano provides an easy-to-understand building interface to help ease the high learning curve. You can toggle between each part of your backend on your right-hand side.
Xano provides video tutorials for building each specific part of your database. You’ll find videos instructing you on setting up your database, APIs, logic, and more.
If you’re having trouble getting started, use one of Xano’s pre-made templates. You can find these by selecting the “Marketplace” button on the left-hand drop-down menu. Xano comes with 10 free templates that you can build off of. And yes, each template has a video walkthrough instructing you on installing and using each one.
Of course, to build your backend using Xano, you’ll need to understand technical concepts like loops, conditionals, and role-based access control.
While Xano’s robust ecosystem provides the tools and guides to learn them, becoming proficient in these technical concepts using Xano’s tutorials, guides, and YouTube channel alone will take considerable time.
Is Xano Right For You?
Xano is a great, easy-to-use app builder with a limited audience. Select Xano if:
- You have some technical knowledge and know your way around a computer.
- You only need the features, functions, and power that Xano has to build a backend.
- You want to create a backend that you can scale.
However, you should take a look at other app builders if:
- You need to build a complete app, including a frontend.
- You don’t have any technical or computer knowledge.
- You want to run your backend on-prem (your own server).
What Kinds of Apps Can I Build With Xano?
Xano only builds a backend — once again, this is part of your app that stores data in a database, retrieves data from other apps, communicates with third-party applications, and executes logic within your app.
While Xano is an excellent choice for those with some tech skills who want a robust backend, you can’t build a frontend. You’ll need to select an app-building platform like Adalo, Webflow, or Bubble to develop your frontend and connect your Xano-built backend.
This means that if you want to build an app with a frontend and backend, you’ll need to use two different platforms. However, Xano does integrate with many front-end building platforms, including Adalo.
Adalo actually encourages some users to integrate their Adalo-made app with Xano. If you have an Adalo Business or Team Plan, Adalo purchases Xano’s Launch Version (a $99/month value) for you.
Integrating your Adalo plan with Xano’s Launch Plan can supercharge your app. For instance, you can perform complex logic and math in your database, bundle several API calls into a single action, and more. These features will make your user experience smooth and enjoyable
Check out Adalo’s tutorial on how to connect Xano to Adalo for detailed info.
Xano Pricing: Is it Worth it?
Xano has two pricing categories: Regular Plans for individual businesses and Agency Plans for companies that create backend tools and solutions for their clients.
Regular Plans
Check out Xano’s free version to get your feet wet. You’ll get up to 1GB of storage and 100,000 data records. Xano will even let you build your own API that you can use to get data from other sources on the web and bring it to your backend. The Regular Plan free version is the same as the Agency Plan free version.
Xano's Launch Version is $99/month (billed monthly). This plan has considerably more storage space (10GB) and unlimited data records. Plus, you can create up to 3 different backends.
You’ll also be able to test data sources and create up to 3 different schema versions for your database.
At $225/month (billed monthly) is Xano’s Scale Version. This plan lets you create up to 20 schemas for your database, run unlimited background tests, and make processing more efficient by distributing tasks equally to your resources. You’ll also get enhanced security features like HIPAA compliance.
If you’re looking for more power and storage space, look no further than Xano’s Enterprise Version. You’ll be able to deploy your project onto your own cloud, have unlimited storage space, robust security features, and more. You’ll have to contact Xano directly for pricing.
Agency Plans
The Agency Lite plan costs $145/month (billed monthly). In addition to the features you get with the Launch Version, you’ll also get a custom domain, the ability to use Java Script for custom code, and automatic backups.
The Agency Pro Plan clocks in at $350/month (billed monthly). It accommodates teams of up to 5 members and lets you create up to 12 different backends. You’ll be able to build your own extensions and run up to 20 different schema versions of your data.
Xano Alternatives: What Other Tools Should You Try?
While Xano’s a powerful backend-building tool, it’s not for everyone. Try out these Xano alternatives:
- Adalo, if you want a competitively-priced, no-code platform to build your frontend and backend without knowing any technical concepts or computer skills.
- Airtable, if you want an easy-to-use backend builder so that you can connect to almost any no-code mobile app building platform.
- Backendless, if you’re a large organization and want to run your backend on your own server.
Final Verdict
Ok, it's time for judgment day! Should you get Xano now, shortlist it, or avoid it?
Get Xano now if you have some tech skills and need to create a backend for storing data or another application that gathers data and executes complex tasks.
Shortlist it if you know your way around a computer and want to build a separate backend but are unsure about developing a frontend.
If you’re looking for a powerful no-code app-building platform to build a stunning frontend that can integrate with Xano or even be used to build your own backend, look no further than Adalo. Adalo is an easy-to-use app-building platform that brings enough power and flexibility to breathe life into any app idea.
Unlike working with Xano, you won’t need tech skills to build an app with Adalo. It’s so easy to learn that you can start building your app right after you sign up. You can publish your app to the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and the web.
