Best Firebase Alternatives (4 Free OSS)
Google's mobile and web app development platform
https://firebase.google.comFirebase is convenient as Google's BaaS, but vendor lock-in and NoSQL constraints can be limiting. devpick lists 4 alternative platforms that leverage SQL-based relational databases.
- SQL support with Supabase and Nhost built on PostgreSQL for using existing SQL skills
- GraphQL API auto-generated via Hasura in Nhost
- Lightweight backend with PocketBase providing a complete backend as a single binary
- Multi-runtime support in Appwrite with 30+ OAuth providers and extensive SDKs
- Self-hosting available across all tools via Docker
4 tools
supabase
The Postgres development platform. Supabase gives you a dedicated Postgres database to build your web, mobile, and AI applications.
pocketbase
Open Source realtime backend in 1 file
appwrite
Appwrite® - complete cloud infrastructure for your web, mobile and AI apps. Including Auth, Databases, Storage, Functions, Messaging, Hosting, Realtime and more
nhost
The Open Source Firebase Alternative with GraphQL.
How to Choose
For PostgreSQL-based development choose Supabase, for GraphQL-first architecture choose Nhost, for ultra-lightweight backends choose PocketBase, and for feature-rich BaaS choose Appwrite.