🔍 Appwrite vs Supabase vs Firebase: A Detailed Comparison

Abvhishek KumarAbvhishek Kumar
3 min read

Appwrite, Supabase, and Firebase are all Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platforms that help developers build apps faster by handling authentication, databases, storage, and serverless functions. However, each has different strengths, weaknesses, and use cases. Let’s compare them! 🚀


📌 Quick Comparison Table

FeatureAppwrite 🎯Supabase 🟢Firebase 🔥
HostingSelf-hosted & CloudSelf-hosted & CloudFully managed (Google Cloud)
DatabaseNoSQL (Appwrite DB)PostgreSQLFirestore (NoSQL), Realtime DB
Realtime SupportYesYesYes
AuthenticationEmail, OAuth, Magic LinksEmail, OAuth, PhoneEmail, OAuth, Phone, Custom
StorageYes (File-based)Yes (Bucket Storage)Yes (Cloud Storage)
Serverless FunctionsYesYes (Edge Functions)Yes (Cloud Functions)
Self-hosting✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No
PricingFree & Open SourceFree & Open SourceFree tier with paid plans
Best ForPrivacy-focused apps, self-hostingSQL-based appsFast development on Google Cloud

🔍 Deep Dive into Each BaaS

1️⃣ Appwrite 🎯 (Best for Self-Hosting & Privacy)

Pros:

  • Open-source and self-hostable on Docker/Kubernetes.

  • Provides authentication, NoSQL database, file storage, and cloud functions.

  • RBAC & Permissions for fine-grained access control.

  • Realtime APIs for database and authentication.

  • Multi-language support (Node.js, Python, PHP, Dart, etc.).

Cons:

  • Limited database options (only NoSQL).

  • Not as mature as Firebase or Supabase.

  • No GraphQL support (yet).

💡 Best for: Developers who want an open-source Firebase alternative with full control over their backend.


2️⃣ Supabase 🟢 (Best for SQL-based Apps & Firebase Alternative)

Pros:

  • Uses PostgreSQL, a powerful relational database.

  • Realtime database capabilities.

  • Authentication with row-level security (RLS).

  • Edge Functions for running backend logic.

  • GraphQL support via PostgREST.

Cons:

  • More complex than Firebase due to SQL-based database.

  • Scaling PostgreSQL requires optimization.

  • No built-in NoSQL option.

💡 Best for: Developers who need SQL-based databases with Firebase-like functionality.


3️⃣ Firebase 🔥 (Best for Fully Managed Backend & Google Cloud Integration)

Pros:

  • Fully managed backend (no need to self-host).

  • Firestore (NoSQL) and Realtime Database for flexible data storage.

  • Built-in analytics, crash reporting, and push notifications.

  • Powerful machine learning (ML Kit) integrations.

  • Great documentation and Google Cloud integration.

Cons:

  • Vendor lock-in (Google Cloud-dependent).

  • Expensive at scale due to Firestore reads/writes pricing.

  • No self-hosting option.

  • Limited SQL support (Firestore is NoSQL only).

💡 Best for: Developers who want a quick, managed backend solution without dealing with infrastructure.


🤔 Which One Should You Choose?

Use CaseBest Choice
🔹 Self-hosted backend with privacy controlAppwrite
🔹 SQL database with Firebase-like featuresSupabase
🔹 Fast, managed backend with Google Cloud integrationFirebase
🔹 Best for React Native appsAppwrite or Firebase
🔹 Best for SQL-based Web appsSupabase

🚀 Final Thoughts

  • Use Appwrite if you want a self-hosted, open-source Firebase alternative with a NoSQL database.

  • Use Supabase if you need a PostgreSQL-based alternative to Firebase, with full SQL capabilities.

  • Use Firebase if you want a fully managed, production-ready backend with Google Cloud integration.

Each platform has its strengths, so your choice depends on your project requirements. 🔥🎯🟢

Would you like a hands-on guide for setting up any of these in React Native? Let me know! 🚀

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Written by

Abvhishek Kumar
Abvhishek Kumar