Free Backend-as-a-Service Platforms Like Appwrite, Supabase, Nhost (and More)
Introduction to BaaS
Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platforms let developers quickly build and manage backend infrastructure—databases, authentication, storage, serverless functions, real-time APIs—without maintaining all server code manually. These solutions are especially useful for web and mobile apps, and many offer free plans or fully open-source versions you can self-host. (Wikipedia)
1. Supabase
Overview: Open-source backend platform built on PostgreSQL that replicates many Firebase features with SQL power. (Wikipedia)
Key Features:
- Managed PostgreSQL database with REST & GraphQL APIs
- Built-in authentication and user management
- Real-time subscriptions (WebSocket sync)
- File storage and edge/serverless functions
- Self-host or use hosted free tier
Best For: Developers who prefer SQL databases and a Firebase-like developer experience with open-source tooling.
2. Appwrite
Overview: Fully open-source backend server designed for modern full-stack and mobile development. (Medium)
Key Features:
- Authentication (email/password, OAuth, etc.)
- Database and document storage
- File storage with access control
- Serverless functions in multiple runtimes
- SDKs for web, mobile, and desktop
- Can run via Docker/Kubernetes
Best For: Projects needing fine-grained access control, multi-language SDKs, and self-hosted backend services.
3. Nhost
Overview: Open-source BaaS that wraps Hasura GraphQL Engine on PostgreSQL with added services like auth and storage. (UI Bakery)
Key Features:
- Instant GraphQL API
- Built-in authentication
- File storage
- Serverless functions
- CLI and SDKs for rapid development
Best For: Developers who prefer GraphQL-first backend workflows.
4. PocketBase
Overview: Lightweight open-source backend in a single file, ideal for small apps and prototypes. (Gist)
Key Features:
- Embedded SQLite database
- Auth, file storage, and real-time sync
- Runs as a single executable (simple deployment)
- Extendable with JS/Go hooks
Best For: MVPs, prototypes, indie projects, or offline/edge-embedded apps.
5. Parse Server / Back4App
Overview: Parse Server is a long-standing open-source BaaS; Back4App provides an easy managed interface around it. (Gist)
Key Features:
- Database, auth, file storage
- Push notifications
- GraphQL & REST APIs
- Admin dashboard for managing data
Best For: Developers seeking a mature open-source ecosystem and low-code backend option.
Additional Free / Open Source Options
- Hasura: Real-time GraphQL engine that auto-generates APIs on PostgreSQL. (ToolJet)
- Backendless: Free tier with visual backend builder, real-time DB, push notifications. (ToolJet)
- Kuzzle: Node.js BaaS with Elasticsearch backend for search and real-time. (Gist)
- Directus & Strapi: Headless CMS platforms often used as flexible backend layers (not pure BaaS, but useful for APIs and data management). (Gist)
Why Choose Free / Open-Source Solutions?
- No vendor lock-in: You can self-host and migrate without provider dependency. (formbold.com)
- Customization & control: Full access to backend logic and infrastructure.
- Cost-effective: Free tiers or fully free software reduce project costs, especially in early stages. (formbold.com)
Use Case Summary
| Platform | Free / OSS | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Supabase | Yes | SQL-centric apps needing realtime and auth |
| Appwrite | Yes | Cross-platform apps with multi-language SDKs |
| Nhost | Yes | GraphQL-first app backends |
| PocketBase | Yes | Lightweight, portable backends |
| Parse / Back4App | Yes/Free tier | Mature open-source backend with many integrations |
| Hasura | Yes | Instant GraphQL APIs |
| Backendless | Free tier | Visual backend and enterprise features |
Conclusion
If you want free or self-hostable backend platforms similar to Appwrite, Supabase, and Nhost, there is a rich ecosystem of options—each with unique strengths. Choosing the right BaaS depends on your project’s architecture (SQL vs GraphQL), scale, and whether you prioritize self-hosting and open-source flexibility versus managed hosted services. (Reddit)
Top comments (1)
Great overview! Just a small clarification - Strapi is a headless CMS rather than a pure BaaS, but you're right that it's commonly used as a flexible backend/API layer.
Some additional Strapi highlights:
Full REST & GraphQL APIs out of the box
Self-hosted or managed via Strapi Cloud (free tier available)
Extensive plugin ecosystem
TypeScript support in v5
Thanks for including us in the list!