Supabase is an open-source Firebase alternative built on PostgreSQL. It provides a full suite of backend services including a real-time database, authentication, edge functions, and storage. Developers love the combination of PostgreSQL's power with Firebase-like simplicity. The generous free tier and excellent documentation make it accessible to projects of all sizes.
Starting priceFree/$25/mo
Strengths
Full PostgreSQL with SQL support
Excellent developer experience
Open-source and self-hostable
Generous free tier
Limitations
Edge functions still maturing
Fewer mobile-specific features than Firebase
Who it's for: Ideal for developers who want Firebase-like simplicity with the power and familiarity of PostgreSQL and SQL.
Firebase is Google's comprehensive app development platform that pioneered the BaaS category. It offers real-time and document databases, authentication, hosting, cloud functions, and mobile-specific features like Crashlytics and Analytics. The tight integration with Google Cloud and excellent mobile SDKs make it the go-to choice for mobile app development.
Starting pricePay-as-you-go
Strengths
Best mobile SDK and tooling
Crashlytics and Analytics built-in
Mature, battle-tested platform
Full Google Cloud integration
Limitations
NoSQL databases can be limiting
Vendor lock-in concerns
Who it's for: Best for mobile app developers who want a complete, mature platform with excellent SDKs and mobile-specific features.
AWS Amplify provides a BaaS layer on top of AWS services like Cognito, AppSync, Lambda, and DynamoDB. The GraphQL API through AppSync is particularly powerful, offering real-time subscriptions and offline sync. Enterprise teams appreciate the full access to AWS services and the ability to eject to lower-level services when needed.
Starting pricePay-as-you-go
Strengths
Full AWS services access
Powerful GraphQL with AppSync
Enterprise-grade security
Amplify Studio visual builder
Limitations
Steeper learning curve
Complex pricing model
Who it's for: Perfect for enterprises already using AWS who want a managed frontend development experience with full AWS service access.
Appwrite is a 100% open-source backend server packaged as Docker containers. It provides authentication, databases, storage, cloud functions, and real-time capabilities. Teams that need full control over their infrastructure or have compliance requirements appreciate the ability to self-host. The platform also offers a managed cloud service.
Starting priceFree
Strengths
100% open-source
Easy Docker deployment
Privacy and compliance friendly
Active community development
Limitations
Smaller ecosystem than Firebase
Self-hosting requires DevOps knowledge
Who it's for: Great for teams that need self-hosted solutions for privacy, compliance, or cost reasons with a modern developer experience.
Convex is a TypeScript-first reactive backend that handles data synchronization automatically. Unlike traditional backends, Convex functions are reactive queries that automatically update the UI when data changes. The platform eliminates the need to manage caching, subscriptions, or optimistic updates. It's particularly powerful for collaborative and real-time applications.
Starting priceFree/$25/mo
Strengths
TypeScript-first development
Automatic real-time sync
No manual caching needed
Excellent for collaborative apps
Limitations
New paradigm requires learning
Less flexible than SQL databases
Who it's for: Ideal for TypeScript developers building collaborative or real-time applications who want automatic data synchronization.
PocketBase is a unique BaaS that ships as a single executable file with an embedded SQLite database. It provides authentication, real-time subscriptions, file storage, and a built-in admin dashboard. The simplicity of deploying a single binary makes it perfect for small projects, internal tools, or situations where minimal infrastructure is desired.
Starting priceFree
Strengths
Single executable deployment
SQLite embedded database
Built-in admin dashboard
Extremely lightweight
Limitations
SQLite scaling limitations
No cloud functions
Who it's for: Perfect for small projects, prototypes, or internal tools that need a simple, portable backend without infrastructure complexity.
Nhost combines PostgreSQL with Hasura's instant GraphQL API to provide a powerful GraphQL-first backend. The platform includes authentication, storage, and serverless functions. Teams that prefer GraphQL over REST will appreciate the automatic API generation and powerful query capabilities that Hasura provides.
Starting priceFree/$25/mo
Strengths
Instant GraphQL with Hasura
Full PostgreSQL database
Powerful query capabilities
Open-source stack
Limitations
GraphQL learning curve
Hasura complexity for simple apps
Who it's for: Best for teams that want GraphQL-first development with the power of PostgreSQL and automatic API generation.
Our team built real applications with each BaaS platform. Here's what we measured:
Developer Experience (25%) — SDK quality, documentation, and ease of getting started.
Database Features (25%) — Query capabilities, migrations, and data modeling.
Authentication (20%) — Auth providers, security features, and user management.
Scalability (15%) — Performance under load and scaling capabilities.
Value for Money (15%) — Pricing model and free tier generosity.
How to Choose
Choose Supabase if you need PostgreSQL with great DX.
Choose Firebase if you need Mobile app development.
Choose AWS Amplify if you need AWS enterprise.
Choose Appwrite if you need Self-hosted requirement.
Choose PocketBase if you need Minimal infrastructure.
Common Questions
BaaS platforms provide ready-made backend features like databases, authentication, and file storage so developers can focus on building their frontend application without managing servers.
Choose Supabase if you prefer SQL/PostgreSQL and want open-source. Choose Firebase if you're building a mobile app and want the most mature platform with best mobile SDKs.
Yes, major BaaS platforms like Firebase and Supabase power production apps with millions of users. They handle scaling, security, and infrastructure management.
Migration difficulty varies. Supabase and Appwrite are easier to migrate from due to standard PostgreSQL. Firebase and Amplify have more vendor-specific features that can create lock-in.
