What is Xano?
Xano is a no-code backend platform for building the database, APIs and business logic behind web, mobile and AI applications. It is made by Xano and runs on managed infrastructure with a PostgreSQL-based database. The problem it solves is backend work: founders and product teams can define data, build endpoints and add server-side logic without managing servers, while developers keep a REST API that any frontend can call.
Key features
- Visual function stack. Logic is built from stacked functions for conditions, loops, data processing and external API calls, with a canvas view for the overall flow.
- API builder. Teams create REST endpoints, add request validation, caching, middleware and versioning, and generate OpenAPI documentation.
- Managed Postgres database. Xano provides tables, relationships, direct database access and CSV or YAML export on paid plans.
- AI and MCP tooling. An MCP builder and agent builder let AI assistants discover and call backend tools, and coding agents can work through the CLI or MCP.
- Branching and merging. Paid plans support development branches, schema versioning and workflow tests before changes reach production.
- Background work. Serverless Lambda functions, scheduled tasks and background jobs handle work outside the request cycle.
- Compliance options. Paid plans list GDPR, ISO, SOC 2 and SOC 3 compliance, with HIPAA available as an add-on and self-hosting on custom plans.
Who is Xano for?
No-code and low-code builders who need a production backend without a server team, startups validating an app before hiring backend engineers, and agencies that maintain many client projects. It also suits AI app builders that need a governed API and database behind a generated frontend, and enterprises that want a self-hosted or multi-tenant deployment.
Use cases
- Building the API and database for a mobile app or SaaS product.
- Adding authentication, permissions and business logic behind a no-code frontend.
- Creating tools that an AI agent can call through MCP.
- Replacing spreadsheets and manual processes with a structured backend.
- Running separate development and production branches before a release.
Pricing
Xano has a Free plan at $0 for development and testing, with one workspace, 100,000 records, 1 GB of database storage and a limit of 10 API requests per 20 seconds. Essential costs $85 per month billed annually, or $99 monthly, with dedicated infrastructure, three workspaces, five seats, unlimited records and no API rate limit. Pro costs $224 per month billed annually, or $249 monthly, with five workspaces, ten seats, a load balancer, role permissions and a 99.99% SLA. Custom pricing adds self-hosting, multiple tenants, SSO and 24/7 support. See the official Xano pricing page.
Getting started
- Create a free account at app.xano.com.
- Create a workspace and add your first database table.
- Build an API endpoint with the visual function stack and test it in the editor.
- Connect your frontend to the generated REST API.
Alternatives
- Supabase is an open source backend platform built on Postgres.
- Appwrite is an open source backend for web and mobile apps.
- PocketBase is a lightweight open source backend in a single file.
FAQ
Is Xano free?
Yes. The Free plan costs $0 and includes one workspace, 100,000 records, 1 GB of database storage and a rate-limited API. Paid plans start at $85 per month billed annually.
What is Xano used for?
Xano is used to build the backend of an application: its database, APIs, authentication and business logic. It connects to any frontend that can make HTTP requests.
Does Xano replace Supabase?
Both provide a backend and database. Xano emphasises a visual function stack, no-code API building and AI agent tooling, while Supabase centres on Postgres with open source tools. The better fit depends on how much logic you want to build visually and whether you need self-hosting.
Can I self-host Xano?
Self-hosting is available on Custom plans, including AWS, Azure, GCP and on-premises deployments. The Free, Essential and Pro plans run on Xano's managed infrastructure.
