Xano vs Thunkable
Xano and Thunkable are two distinct platforms catering to different aspects of app development. Xano serves as a backend-as-a-service (BaaS) that focuses on creating and managing APIs and databases without code. In contrast, Thunkable is a no-code platform designed for building mobile and web applications with a focus on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).
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1. Target Audience and Use Cases
Xano:
- Developers and Product Teams: Best for users needing a robust backend solution to build APIs and manage complex data relationships.
- API Development: Ideal for creating and managing APIs that can connect to various frontend applications.
Thunkable:
- Non-Technical Users and Entrepreneurs: Geared toward users who want to build applications quickly without coding knowledge.
- Mobile App Development: Especially suited for creating mobile applications for iOS and Android, along with web apps.
Verdict: Xano is aimed at backend development, while Thunkable focuses on frontend application building for non-technical users.
2. Ease of Use
Xano:
- User-Friendly for Backends: While it offers an intuitive interface for backend services, it may require some technical knowledge to set up databases and APIs.
- Comprehensive Documentation: Provides resources to help users navigate its features, though there can be a learning curve.
Thunkable:
- Visual Drag-and-Drop Interface: Features an easy-to-use interface that allows users to create applications without any coding experience.
- Quick Setup: Users can swiftly design applications and customize their functionality with minimal training.
Verdict: Thunkable is easier to use for beginners, while Xano may require more technical knowledge for backend management.
3. Design and Customization
Xano:
- No Frontend Design Capabilities: Focuses solely on backend services; users need to integrate it with a separate frontend solution for UI design.
- Customizable APIs: Allows for extensive customization of APIs to meet specific application needs.
Thunkable:
- Extensive UI Customization: Provides a wide range of UI components and customization options for creating visually appealing applications.
- Pre-Built Templates: Users can leverage templates to speed up the development process and reduce design time.
Verdict: Thunkable excels in design and UI customization, while Xano focuses on backend functionality.
4. Backend and Database Management
Xano:
- Advanced Backend Functionality: Users can create complex databases and business logic without coding, making it suitable for intricate applications.
- Automated API Generation: Automatically generates RESTful APIs, simplifying integration with frontend applications.
Thunkable:
- Basic Backend Functionality: Provides some backend capabilities but primarily focuses on frontend design and user experience.
- Integration with Databases: Allows users to connect to various external databases and services but lacks the advanced capabilities of Xano.
Verdict: Xano is the superior choice for advanced backend and database management.
5. Performance and Scalability
Xano:
- Highly Scalable: Designed to handle large volumes of data and API requests efficiently, making it suitable for enterprise-level applications.
- Optimized for Performance: Offers tools for performance tuning, ensuring fast response times for APIs.
Thunkable:
- Scalable for Small to Medium Projects: Suitable for most applications, but may face limitations with very large datasets or complex backend logic.
- Performance Optimization Tools: Users can optimize performance, but large-scale applications may require additional resources.
Verdict: Xano offers better performance and scalability for data-intensive applications.
6. Integrations and Extensibility
Xano:
- Robust API Integration: Easily connects with various services and applications via APIs, providing great flexibility for developers.
- Custom Code Support: Users can extend functionalities with custom code, making it a powerful tool for developers.
Thunkable:
- Wide Range of Integrations: Offers integrations with many popular tools (e.g., Google Sheets, Firebase), allowing users to connect their applications with external services.
- Built-In Logic for Workflows: Users can set up workflows and logic within the app for automation and data handling.
Verdict: Xano is more flexible in terms of API integration and custom coding, while Thunkable excels in user-friendly third-party integrations.
7. Pricing
Xano:
- Tiered Pricing Structure: Offers a free plan with limited capabilities; paid plans start at around $49/month based on API usage and features.
- Usage-Based Pricing: Scales according to API calls and database usage, which can be cost-effective for certain projects.
Thunkable:
- Free Plan Available: Offers a free tier for small projects, with paid plans for additional features and support.
- Predictable Pricing Model: Allows for predictable budgeting, especially for larger teams and projects.
Verdict: Thunkable is generally more affordable for teams focusing on app development, while Xano provides value for users needing advanced backend services.
Final Verdict
- Choose Xano if you need a robust backend solution for creating APIs and managing complex databases, especially for data-intensive applications.
- Choose Thunkable if you want a no-code platform to build mobile and web applications quickly and easily, especially if you lack technical expertise.
In summary, Xano excels in backend API and database management, making it ideal for developers and teams needing backend solutions. In contrast, Thunkable provides a user-friendly platform for building full-featured applications without coding, appealing to non-technical users looking for rapid application development.
Pushing No-Code to Its Limits
Launching an app has never been more cost-effective and time-efficient. Platforms like Bubble.io and Flutter Flow have transformed the development landscape, enabling developers to create sophisticated applications rapidly.
Fast and Cost-Effective Launch
No-code platforms empower startups to launch their apps at lightning speed—often multiple times faster than traditional development—at a fraction of the cost. This agile approach helps startups focus on growth and innovation rather than high upfront development expenses.
Agile Iteration
For early-stage startups, quickly reaching a problem-solution fit is critical. No-code platforms allow rapid adaptation, letting you implement and push new features live in a matter of hours, not weeks. This flexibility means you can stay responsive to market needs and iterate on your product with ease.
Seamless Integration and Plugins
Platforms like Bubble.io and Flutter Flow come with built-in integrations and a wealth of plugins, giving you instant access to essential features and functionalities. Whether you're building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or scaling up, these platforms make it easy to connect with tools you need, from payments to analytics.
Version Control Made Simple
Launching new versions of your app has never been easier. No-code platforms provide flexible version control, enabling you to create save points, roll back to previous versions if needed, and experiment confidently
Geo George: Leading the No-Code Frontier
While no-code development can have limitations in performance and certain functionalities, Mayfly Ventures, led by CTO Geo George, is pushing past these boundaries. We specialise in building high-performance, highly scalable MVPs with advanced features, deep integrations, and native user experiences that feel polished and professional.
Geo has been at the forefront of low-code development, becoming one of the earliest adopters of Bubble.io in Australia. Over the past six years, he’s honed his expertise in low-code and no-code capabilities, training the Mayfly team to push these platforms to their full potential.
Geo
Startup mentor, product strategist, no-code wiz and PMF expert. Eclectic dance style.
MUCUDU: deep integrations and AI wrapped in low code
Mayfly collaborated with the MUCUDU team to build a low-code MVP for their hospitality tech platform, which includes loyalty management, peer-to-peer monetary gifting, and Tab functionality. Beyond the standard integrations with Stripe, Apple, and Google for login and payments, we incorporated advanced integrations with Point of Sale systems like Doshii and AI-driven recommendations that personalize the dining experience.
With Mayfly Ventures, you get the speed and cost benefits of no-code, combined with the performance and functionality typically reserved for full-stack development.
VOLI Case Study: No-Code in Action
Before working with Mayfly, VOLI’s founder Charlie Crozier had approached 12 different development agencies. As a non-technical founder, Charlie struggled to get his app built and ready for users, with quotes ranging from $300,000 to $1 million. These high costs placed immense pressure on early capital raising.
“When we met Mayfly, both our budget and timeline were completely reevaluated. We were able to go to market at a fraction of the cost and time we had expected—without compromising on quality.”
— Charlie Crozier, Founder
The Process:
Mayfly worked closely with VOLI through a series of workshops to deeply understand the product, its vision, and user needs. Leveraging no-code and low-code frameworks, we built an enterprise-grade app at a fraction of the cost quoted by other studios. Now in pilot testing, VOLI is preparing for release to 10 companies already on the waitlist.
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No-Code Tools We Love
We use state of the art low code tools and push them to the limit to create performant, scalable, highly functional mobile web apps.
Bubble.io
A powerful no-code platform that lets you build fully functional web applications with drag-and-drop ease. Its flexibility allows you to design, develop, and launch complex apps quickly, without writing a single line of code.
Flutterflow
A platform designed for building mobile apps using Google’s Flutter framework, Flutterflow simplifies the development process while offering extensive customization, making it a go-to tool for responsive, high-performance mobile applications.
Xano
A no-code backend platform that gives you the tools to manage your database, set up APIs, and create scalable back-end solutions, all without the need for server-side programming knowledge.
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