BaaS vs FaaS: Your Complete Guide to Serverless Architecture

You’ve probably heard people in tech talk about “serverless” architecture—but what does that really mean? And how do terms like FaaS (Function as a Service) and BaaS (Backend as a Service) fit into the picture?

In this guide, we’ll break it all down in plain English. Whether you’re a curious beginner or someone trying to decide between BaaS and FaaS for your next project, you’re in the right place.

What Is Serverless Architecture Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. Despite what the name suggests, “serverless” doesn’t mean there are no servers involved. It simply means that you don’t have to manage the servers yourself.

In traditional app development, you’d have to set up a server, manage how it scales, take care of security patches, and monitor performance. That’s a lot to deal with.

With serverless architecture, all of that is handled by a cloud provider like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure.

There are two major components of serverless architecture:

• FaaS (Function as a Service)
• BaaS (Backend as a Service)

Each serves a different purpose. So let’s dive into how they work and when to use one over the other.

What is BaaS? (Backend as a Service)

Ever wished you didn’t have to write your own backend code, set up databases, or create authentication systems from scratch?

That’s where BaaS comes in. It provides ready-to-use backend services—so you can focus on building the front end (the part users see) without worrying about what’s going on behind the scenes.

Common Features of BaaS:

• User authentication (login/signup)
• Database management
• Push notifications
• Cloud storage
• APIs integration

Think of it like this: you start building a house, and someone already laid the foundation and built the walls. All you have to do is paint and decorate—that’s BaaS for your app.

Some Popular BaaS Providers

• Firebase (by Google)
• Backendless
• Parse
• Kinvey

FaaS Explained: Function as a Service

Now let’s talk about FaaS. Instead of using a full backend service, FaaS allows you to write small bits of code—called functions—that run in response to events.

Imagine you have an online store. Every time someone places an order, you want to send them a confirmation email. With FaaS, you can write a function that only runs when an order is placed. And guess what? Once the task is done, the function shuts down. You only pay for it while it runs.

Key Features of FaaS

• Event-driven: Functions run only when triggered
• Scalable: Grows with your usage
• Cost-efficient: No need to pay for idle resources
• Modular: Break your app into smaller, focused pieces

Top FaaS Platforms

• AWS Lambda
• Google Cloud Functions
• Microsoft Azure Functions
• IBM Cloud Functions

If BaaS is a ready-made backend, FaaS is like building backend features on demand—one small, efficient piece at a time.

BaaS vs FaaS: What’s the Difference?

Now that we know what these terms mean, let’s talk about how they compare.

When Should You Use BaaS?

If you want to build an app quickly and don’t need a lot of custom backend logic, BaaS is perfect.

Use BaaS when:

• You’re building a simple mobile or web app
• You need fast deployment
• You want minimal backend coding
• You’re okay with limited customization options

Example: Let’s say you’re building a to-do list app. You just want users to sign up, save tasks online, and get notified. BaaS offers all of that out of the box.

When Should You Use FaaS?

FaaS shines when you have specific backend tasks and events you want to control closely.

Use FaaS when:

• You need custom business logic
• Your app depends on specific triggers (like user actions)
• You prefer breaking your app into smaller pieces
• You want to optimize costs based on usage

Example: Imagine you run an eCommerce store. You might need a pricing engine that changes prices during promotions. With FaaS, you write a function that updates prices when promotions are launched.

BaaS and FaaS: Better Together?

You might be wondering—can I use both together? Absolutely!

In fact, many developers combine BaaS and FaaS to get the best of both worlds.

Let’s say you use Firebase for user login and data storage (BaaS), but you still want to send a custom email when users register. That email logic could be handled by an AWS Lambda function (FaaS).

This mix allows you to build faster, save costs, and keep flexibility where it matters.

Final Thoughts: BaaS vs FaaS—Which Should You Choose?

At the end of the day, the choice between BaaS and FaaS depends on your project’s needs, timeline, and how much control you want.

Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

• Go for BaaS if you want speed, simplicity, and don’t need much custom backend.
• Go for FaaS if you need precise control over backend processes and want event-based execution.
• Or combine both to build powerful, scalable, and flexible applications.

Still unsure? Start small by trying out both approaches in a test project. You’ll quickly get a feel for what fits your development style and goals.

Ready to Go Serverless?

Now that you understand the difference between BaaS and FaaS, you’re one step closer to building smarter and faster apps.

Whether you’re launching the next great mobile app or streamlining a business process, serverless architecture can help you get there without the headache of servers.

Have you tried working with BaaS or FaaS? Share your experience in the comments below—we’d love to hear your thoughts!