Appwrite vs Supabase: Which Open-Source Backend Wins?
The two leading open-source Firebase alternatives go head-to-head. Compare features, databases, Flutter support, self-hosting, and developer experience to choose your perfect backend platform.
Quick Overview
Appwrite
Open-source backend server with Docker-based deployment, NoSQL database (MariaDB), and excellent mobile SDK support. Think of it as a self-hosted Firebase alternative with a traditional backend architecture.
- ✓Best Flutter support outside Firebase
- ✓Simpler self-hosting (single Docker container)
- ✓NoSQL flexibility for mobile apps
- ✓Traditional REST API architecture
Supabase
Open-source Firebase alternative built on PostgreSQL with real-time subscriptions, Row Level Security, and powerful SQL capabilities. Offers both self-hosting and managed cloud hosting.
- ✓PostgreSQL with advanced SQL features
- ✓Excellent web/React integration
- ✓Row Level Security for multi-tenancy
- ✓Real-time PostgreSQL subscriptions
Database: The Key Difference
Appwrite: NoSQL (MariaDB)
✅ Advantages:
- Flexible, schema-less collections
- Easy data model changes
- Great for rapid prototyping
- Familiar to mobile developers
❌ Limitations:
- No JOINs or complex queries
- Denormalization required
- Less data integrity enforcement
Supabase: PostgreSQL
✅ Advantages:
- Powerful relational queries with JOINs
- ACID transactions
- Data integrity constraints
- Full SQL capabilities
❌ Limitations:
- Requires schema design upfront
- Migrations needed for changes
- Steeper learning curve for SQL
💡 Database Verdict
Choose Supabase if your app has complex data relationships, requires data integrity, or you prefer SQL. Choose Appwrite if you need flexible schemas, rapid iteration, or prefer NoSQL document structures common in mobile development.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Appwrite | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Database | NoSQL (MariaDB) | ⭐ PostgreSQL (SQL) |
| Authentication | ✅ Built-in (email, OAuth, phone) | ✅ Built-in (GoTrue) |
| File Storage | ✅ Built-in storage | ✅ Built-in (S3-compatible) |
| Cloud Functions | ✅ Functions (multiple languages) | ✅ Edge Functions (Deno) |
| Real-time | ✅ Real-time events | ⭐ Real-time PostgreSQL subscriptions |
| Flutter SDK | ⭐ Official, excellent | ✅ Community (good) |
| React/Next.js | Good | ⭐ Excellent (official hooks) |
| Self-Hosting | ⭐ Simpler (Docker) | More complex (multi-service) |
| Dashboard/Admin UI | ✅ Built-in console | ✅ Studio (excellent) |
| Managed Cloud | ✅ Appwrite Cloud | ✅ Supabase Cloud |
Framework & Platform Support
Flutter
Official Dart SDK, comprehensive Flutter documentation, and the best Flutter support outside Firebase.
Community Flutter package works well but lacks some polish of Appwrite's SDK.
React / Next.js
Dedicated React hooks, Server Component support, and excellent Next.js integration with auth helpers.
JavaScript SDK works well but doesn't have React-specific optimizations.
React Native
JavaScript SDK with React hooks makes integration seamless. Strong React Native community.
Also works well with React Native. Choose based on database preference.
Pricing Comparison
Appwrite Pricing
Self-Hosted (Free)
- • 100% free forever
- • Unlimited users, storage, bandwidth
- • Pay only for server hosting costs
Appwrite Cloud
- • Free: Generous limits for hobby projects
- • Pro: Starting at $15/month
- • Managed infrastructure, automatic scaling
Best for: Developers wanting full control or cost-effective self-hosting
Supabase Pricing
Free Tier
- • 500MB database
- • 1GB file storage
- • Unlimited API requests
- • 2GB bandwidth
Pro ($25/month)
- • 8GB database
- • 100GB file storage
- • No daily request limits
- • 250GB bandwidth
Best for: Teams wanting managed PostgreSQL with predictable pricing
💡 Pricing Verdict
Appwrite is more cost-effective long-term if you self-host (free software, pay only for servers). Supabase offers better managed cloud experience with predictable pricing. Both have generous free tiers for development and small projects.
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Appwrite if:
- →You're building a Flutter app and need excellent mobile SDK support
- →You prefer NoSQL databases and flexible, schema-less data models
- →You want simpler self-hosting with a single Docker container
- →You're migrating from Firebase and want a similar architecture
- →You need multi-language function support (not just JavaScript/TypeScript)
- →You prefer traditional REST APIs over GraphQL or auto-generated APIs
Choose Supabase if:
- →You're building a web app (React, Next.js, Vue) and need excellent web integration
- →You need PostgreSQL for complex queries, JOINs, and relational data
- →You want Row Level Security for secure multi-tenant applications
- →You need real-time PostgreSQL subscriptions with complex filters
- →You prefer managed PostgreSQL with automatic backups and scaling
- →You want auto-generated REST and GraphQL APIs from your schema
Ready to Choose Your Backend?
Take our interactive quiz to get personalized recommendations based on your framework, database preferences, and project requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Appwrite or Supabase?
Supabase is better for web applications needing PostgreSQL, advanced SQL queries, and Row Level Security. Appwrite is better for mobile apps (especially Flutter), NoSQL flexibility, and developers wanting a more traditional backend structure. Both are excellent open-source platforms with self-hosting options.
Is Appwrite or Supabase better for Flutter?
Appwrite has superior Flutter support with an official, well-maintained Dart SDK and extensive Flutter documentation. While Supabase offers a community Flutter package that works well, Appwrite is the clear winner for Flutter development outside Firebase.
Should I choose PostgreSQL (Supabase) or NoSQL (Appwrite)?
Choose PostgreSQL/Supabase for complex relationships, JOINs, data integrity constraints, and traditional web apps. Choose NoSQL/Appwrite for flexible schemas, rapid prototyping, mobile apps, and when you need document-based data models. Your data structure needs should guide this decision.
Can I self-host both Appwrite and Supabase?
Yes, both are fully open-source with excellent self-hosting support. Appwrite offers Docker-based deployment that's simple to set up. Supabase self-hosting is more complex (multiple services) but offers managed PostgreSQL. Both provide cloud hosting options if you prefer managed services.