Airtable vs. Xano: Which Backend Builder is Best?

Why consider Airtable or Xano for your backend? Airtable is great for quick setups with its user-friendly interface, while Xano offers deeper functionalities and power. 

However, Xano’s plans start at roughly four times more expensive than Airtable.

Read on to learn: 

• A glance at their main differences

• Similarities

• Features, pricing, and intended audiences 

• How to pick between Airtable and Xano 

• A popular frontend app builder that integrates with both

Let’s now quickly examine the main differences between Xano vs. Airtable. 

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Airtable vs. Xano: A Quick Summary of Differences

Similarities

While Airtable and Xano are quite different, they have a few features in common, including:

• Backend and database builders: One of the first commonalities when comparing Airtable and Xano is that they are excellent tools for creating your backend, which is your app’s command and control center and database or info-storage warehouse. 
  
  ‍Your backend will work in tandem with your frontend (the parts of your app users see, like screens, buttons, etc.) and database, filling the database with new information entered by users and displaying requested data.  
  
  Additionally, the backend connects to other applications using APIs and transfers data from those applications to your database. So, the backend and database play an essential role in the information your app displays and how smoothly it works.  

• Functional free versions: Are you not keen on paying for a platform before knowing how it works? We don’t blame you, and neither do Airtable and Xano.
  
  Both platforms offer free versions that give you an excellent feel for the building interface so you can make an informed decision before shelling out cash. 

• Integrate seamlessly with Adalo: While both Airtable and Xano are fantastic backend and database builders, they don’t offer a tool to create your frontend. Luckily, they integrate with Adalo, one of the most accessible and robust no-code app builders. 
  
  With just a few clicks, you can connect your Airtable and Xano-made database directly to your Adalo app, allowing you to create a professional-looking app. 
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• ‍Work with collaborators in real time: Because it's common for several team members to edit a database, Xano and Airtable allow for real-time editing, making it easy for you and your team to see instant changes.
  
  This ensures nothing slips through the cracks and everyone is on the same page.

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Airtable 

Who It’s Good For

If you lack technical or coding experience and need an intuitive tool to create a backend, Airtable is a solid option. It’s easy enough to learn right out of the box, and it presents a splendid backend builder for businesses of all sizes and industries. 

Features 

• The platform allows you to build unlimited bases (databases), even in the free version. This will enable you to organize all your data in one place without worrying about database limits.  

• Getting started with Airtable is a breeze. You can select from its library of 1,000+ templates or prompt Airtable AI to create a custom template for your specific needs.

• Simplify your workflows by administering automation runs to update records after a task has been completed or gather data from an API after a third-party app posts new info.

Pricing 

Airtable’s entry-level tier starts at $24/month per user, and it provides you with a generous 20GB of storage per base, 50,000 records per base, and 25,000 monthly automation runs. The $54/month per user version gives you 100GB of storage and 125,000 records per base with an eyebrow-raising 100,000 automation runs.

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Xano 

Who It’s Good For

Xano is one of the most potent no-code backend builders available today. It’s a great tool for creating a complex backend for a medium-sized business or above. 

The platform comes with a learning curve, so possessing some technical skills, like knowing how APIs work and experience with marking up database schema, will be essential.  

‍Features 

• Xano is a Turing Complete backend builder. This means you can build a backend that can handle any computation, no matter how complex. Folks who need a scalable backend to deal with loads of external data take note. 

• Suppose you want to understand all the features and functionalities that Xano offers. In that case, you’ll be delighted by its enormous ecosystem, which offers an abundance of tutorials, videos, help guides, and forums. 

• Xano provides features that simplify scaling your app, like allowing for several different database schemas and running background tests. So, if your business is growing and you need a backend builder for support, consider Xano.  

• If you’re using Adalo’s Team or Business Plan, Adalo will cover a subscription to Xano’s Launch Tier, a deal worth $99/month. You can couple advanced Adalo features like GPS capabilities, APIs, Google Maps, and more with a powerful Xano backend. 

Pricing 

Start using Xano for $99/month (billed monthly) and get up to 3 workspaces, as well as unlimited databases and records. The $225/month version gives you 5 workspaces and access to HIPAA-compliant features. 

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Which Platform Should You Choose?

Ok, now that you’re familiar with both platforms' functionalities, pricing, and target audiences, it’s decision-making time. These points can get you off on the right foot:

• Your level of technical expertise: As mentioned above, you’ll need to know a few technical concepts for Xano. If you’re completely new to database building, you’ll most likely struggle with it.
  
  ‍We recommend non-techies go with Airtable simply because it’s a super user-friendly and simple platform. 

• Your need for advanced features and functionalities: While Airtable allows for powerful automations and provides generous data storage, Xano is indeed the more powerful option, highlighted by its ability to complete any computation. 
  
  So, if you need a backend that scales and executes complex tasks, you’ll probably want to go with Xano. 

• Your budget: Airtable starts at $24/month per user, which might add up if several folks work with your backend. Xano’s entry-level cost of $99/month gives you up to 3 editors. But if you need more features, you’ll need to go with the $225/month version, more than $100 above the entry-level. 
  
  So, keep in mind that the number of backend editors for each backend project will most likely affect the price you pay.  
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Next Steps: Build Your Frontend with Adalo 

Are you looking for a solid frontend builder to support your Airtable or Xano backend? Look no further than Adalo. 

Adalo is a no-code native mobile app-building platform that integrates seamlessly with Xano and Airtable. It’s one of the simplest no-code app builders, but it offers 1,000 integrations and more design freedom than most other front-end builders. 

You can also publish your app on the web, in the Apple App Store, and the Google Play Store. So, when considering Airtable vs. Xano, you can rest assured that Adalo will provide the tools to build a complete and kick-ass app.

Get Adalo today for free. ‍