Need advice - choosing the right backend for Noloco

Ask for Help
1

Hi everyone,

I could really use your help.

We’re currently using another no-code platform but are migrating to Noloco. I’ve spent the past few weeks working with Xano as a backend, since it’s very flexible, but I’ve also realized that it can quickly become complex - especially with all the database triggers we’d need to set up to make it work for our use case.

I’m therefore exploring other backend options and currently considering either Airtable or Noloco Tables. I’m based in Europe.

For those of you using Airtable with a large number of records (50,000+):

  1. How is the performance in Noloco?
  2. I’ve read that Airtable has an API rate limit of 5 requests per second - have you run into any issues with this in Noloco?
  3. Is it “allowed” to just buy one Airtable seat and connect it to Noloco, then manage all your users within Noloco instead of having separate Airtable accounts for each?

What I like about Noloco is that there are no API limits, and their plans support more records compared to syncing with an external source like Airtable.
What I like about Airtable is that you get more workflow/automation runs, and their automation features are more advanced than Noloco’s native workflow options.

Thanks a lot in advance - I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences.

2

Hi, I use a mixture of both Noloco tables (small amount of records) and mysql hosted with Siteground in the UK.

What I’ve found:

  • I cant tell much difference between load times to be honest between the two sources.
  • With MySql we create our own queries inside Noloco, really useful for more complex reporting if that’s your thing.
  • Reports can take some time to load with MySql but that may just be the amount of data I fetch
  • If using MySql, you cant determine which records are synced. So, if you have 100,000 backend rows that’s what will sync and be charged for.
  • I like the fact I have our data ‘in our control’, just peace of mind really knowing the data can be used for any other sources or apps if needed in the future. That said, you can also export the Noloco tables locally if needed.

Hope that helps a little.

3

Thanks for your input @garyGHL, on the Noloco and MySql scenario :slight_smile:

4

Are there others who have any input? :slight_smile:

5

I use airtable for systems under a few thousand records and it works amazingly well.

No rate limits I have come across and yes you only need one seat, maybe even free depending on your needs.

6

Thanks for the input @Kieran :slight_smile:

1 Like