SashiDo vs CloudKit
iOS-only vs cross-platform. Apple lock-in vs open source.
CloudKit is free and tightly integrated with iOS. But you're locked to Apple's ecosystem with no Android support, limited Web access, and Apple-only tools. SashiDo provides the same developer experience (simple SDK, real-time data, push notifications) but works across iOS, Android, Web, Unity, and IoT. Built on open-source Parse Server. No vendor lock-in.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
An honest look at CloudKit vs SashiDo for mobile app backends
Platform Support
Database & Storage
Authentication & Push
Developer Experience
Pricing & Ownership
Note: We've done our best to present accurate information based on publicly available data and customer feedback. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know.
Why iOS Developers Choose SashiDo Over CloudKit
These are the most common reasons mobile developers cite for making the move
Cross-Platform. Not iOS-Only.
CloudKit locks you to iOS with limited Web support and zero Android support. If you ever want an Android app, web dashboard, or React Native version, you're stuck. SashiDo works across iOS (Swift, Objective-C), Android (Java, Kotlin), Web (JavaScript), React Native, Flutter, Unity, and IoT devices. One backend, all platforms. Start with iOS, expand to Android later without rebuilding your backend. See our features.
Cloud Functions. Background Jobs. Server-Side Logic.
CloudKit is client-side only with no server-side code execution. All logic runs on user devices, exposing business rules and API keys. SashiDo provides Node.js Cloud Functions for server-side logic, database triggers (beforeSave, afterSave), scheduled background jobs, and third-party integrations (Stripe, SendGrid, Twilio). Secure your API keys, validate data server-side, run complex operations safely. Check our documentation.
No Vendor Lock-In. Export Your Data Anytime.
CloudKit data stays in Apple's proprietary format within iCloud. Migrating away is painful with limited export options and Apple-specific schemas. Developers report "impossible to leave CloudKit once you're in." SashiDo uses open-source Parse Server with standard MongoDB. Export your database anytime, self-host if needed, or migrate to another Parse provider. Your data, your control. See our migration support.
GraphQL API. REST API. Real-Time Subscriptions.
CloudKit provides native iOS queries only. No GraphQL, limited REST, iOS-centric APIs. Building a web dashboard or React Native app requires complex CloudKit JS workarounds. SashiDo auto-generates GraphQL API from your data schema, provides REST endpoints, and includes LiveQueries (WebSocket subscriptions) for real-time data. Use the same API across iOS, Android, Web, and any platform.
Real Human Support. Not Apple Developer Forums.
CloudKit support is Apple Developer Forums, Stack Overflow, or expensive Apple Developer Support tickets. Developers report "weeks waiting for answers" on complex issues. SashiDo provides real-human support from Parse Server experts within 1 business day (often 8-12 hours). We've been running Parse Server since 2016. No enterprise plan required for quality support.
Android Coming? Web Dashboard Needed? You're Future-Proofed.
Many iOS-first apps eventually need Android or Web versions. CloudKit forces a complete backend rewrite when that happens. SashiDo works from day one across all platforms. Start with iOS, add Android in 6 months, launch Web in a year. Same backend, same SDK patterns, same data. No rewrites, no migrations. Future-proof your stack from the start.
Is CloudKit right for you?
CloudKit is a solid backend for iOS-only apps with free storage, tight Apple ecosystem integration, and native SDK. It's best suited for personal productivity apps, iCloud-backed utilities, or iOS-exclusive games. However, iOS developers report limitations: zero Android support, limited Web access, no server-side code, Apple vendor lock-in, and forum-only support. Many choose SashiDo for cross-platform support (iOS, Android, Web, Unity), Cloud Functions and background jobs, GraphQL and REST APIs, open-source foundation with data portability, and real-human support from Parse Server experts.
Choose SashiDo over CloudKit if you:
Common Questions
Is SashiDo free like CloudKit?
CloudKit is free up to 1GB storage and 10GB transfer. SashiDo offers a 10-day free trial, then starts at $4.95/mo. The cost difference buys you cross-platform support (Android, Web, React Native), server-side Cloud Functions, GraphQL API, background jobs, and real-human support. For iOS-only hobby projects, CloudKit's free tier is hard to beat. For production apps or cross-platform needs, SashiDo's $4.95/mo provides significantly more value. See our transparent pricing.
Can I migrate from CloudKit to SashiDo?
Yes, but requires data mapping. CloudKit uses Apple's proprietary schema. SashiDo uses MongoDB. We provide migration support assistance to export CloudKit records, convert to Parse objects, and update your iOS app to use Parse SDK. Most migrations take 2-4 days with our help. Professional migration support available (paid) or self-service with docs (free).
Will my iOS app work the same with Parse SDK as CloudKit?
Parse SDK is similar to CloudKit conceptually (save objects, query data, user auth, push notifications) but syntax differs. You'll update from `CKRecord` to `PFObject`, `CKQuery` to `PFQuery`. Most iOS apps convert in 1-2 days. Parse SDK is mature (since 2013), well-documented, and has extensive Swift examples. Check our documentation for iOS migration guides.
Does SashiDo support iCloud features like CloudKit Sharing?
No. SashiDo doesn't integrate with iCloud, Handoff, or Apple-specific features like CloudKit Sharing. If your app relies heavily on iCloud integration or Continuity features, stick with CloudKit. SashiDo is for developers who want backend control, cross-platform support, and data portability over deep Apple ecosystem integration.
What if I start with CloudKit and want to add Android later?
You'll need to migrate your backend. CloudKit doesn't support Android. SashiDo lets you start with iOS (Parse Swift SDK) and add Android (Parse Android SDK) later without backend changes. Same database, same API, same Cloud Functions. Add platforms as you grow without rewrites. Future-proof from day one.
Can I use both CloudKit and SashiDo together?
Technically yes, but not recommended. Running two backends doubles complexity, increases costs, and creates data sync issues. Better to choose one: CloudKit for iOS-only apps deeply integrated with iCloud, SashiDo for cross-platform apps or when you need server-side logic, Android support, or backend portability.
Companies that chose SashiDo
Here's what developers are saying about building with SashiDo
Vlad
iOS Dev @ producthunt.com
Focus on the product, SashiDo handle the rest.
Kasper Tornoe
CEO @ swipesapp.com
Great support team!
Finn Larsen
Co-founder and CTO @ mustache.dk
It's really simple for both migration and new projects.
Karl Dunkelman
Production Manager @ lightmaker.com
to fit the needs of a variety of mobile applications that we build at Lightmaker.
Faisal Shah
Technical lead @ merchantaccountsolutions.com
Their File Migration Tool was the core reason I got hooked up with them immediately.
They Know their STUFF!
Vlad
iOS Dev @ producthunt.com
Focus on the product, SashiDo handle the rest.
Kasper Tornoe
CEO @ swipesapp.com
Great support team!
Finn Larsen
Co-founder and CTO @ mustache.dk
It's really simple for both migration and new projects.
Karl Dunkelman
Production Manager @ lightmaker.com
to fit the needs of a variety of mobile applications that we build at Lightmaker.
Faisal Shah
Technical lead @ merchantaccountsolutions.com
Their File Migration Tool was the core reason I got hooked up with them immediately.
They Know their STUFF!
Muhamad Jawdat Akoum
Technical Manager and Software Engineer @ mojo-tribe.com
Sashido gives priority to its clients and their needs.
They are very active and responsive to their tickets, hence they are continuously improving.
Scott Carr
CEO & Co-Founder @ scancandyapp.com
I strongly urge you to move to SashiDo. They truly care about your business.
Claes Jacobsson
Founder @ lookmark.io
and has been running like clockwork for our users around the globe ever since.
The support team is super responsive!
Emre Memis
Mobile Developer @ Sayko, Inc.
especially for mobile application developers!
Thanks SashiDo!
Muhamad Jawdat Akoum
Technical Manager and Software Engineer @ mojo-tribe.com
Sashido gives priority to its clients and their needs.
They are very active and responsive to their tickets, hence they are continuously improving.
Scott Carr
CEO & Co-Founder @ scancandyapp.com
I strongly urge you to move to SashiDo. They truly care about your business.
Claes Jacobsson
Founder @ lookmark.io
and has been running like clockwork for our users around the globe ever since.
The support team is super responsive!
Emre Memis
Mobile Developer @ Sayko, Inc.
especially for mobile application developers!
Thanks SashiDo!
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