Appwrite vs Supabase
Self-host pick — both replace Firebase (Backend-as-a-service (auth + DB + storage + realtime)).
Both Appwrite and Supabase self-host as a replacement for Firebase (Backend-as-a-service (auth + DB + storage + realtime)). Pick Appwrite if you want the lighter footprint — 10min docker-compose (single-command install), $10 vps for a small app; the stack pulls a few containers (server, mariadb, redis, influxdb). Pick Supabase if you need apps that can live with Postgres-shaped data — most Firestore use is shallow document storage that maps fine to a JSONB column or a relational schema — 20min docker-compose (the official self-host bundle) and $10-20 vps — postgres + gotrue + postgrest + realtime + storage in one stack.
| Appwriteopen-source | Supabaseopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | BSD-3-Clause | Apache-2.0 |
| Setup time | 10min docker-compose (single-command install) | 20min docker-compose (the official self-host bundle) |
| Monthly cost | $10 VPS for a small app; the stack pulls a few containers (server, MariaDB, Redis, InfluxDB). | $10-20 VPS — Postgres + GoTrue + PostgREST + Realtime + Storage in one stack. |
| GitHub | appwrite/appwrite | supabase/supabase |
| Replaces | Firebase | Firebase |
Good fit for
Appwrite
Apps that want the Firebase shape (multi-DB, auth, storage, functions, realtime) preserved as closely as possible.
Weak at:Multi-container stack is heavier than Pocketbase; the Functions runtime is its own thing — Cloud Functions code does not port directly.
Supabase
Apps that can live with Postgres-shaped data — most Firestore use is shallow document storage that maps fine to a JSONB column or a relational schema.
Weak at:Realtime semantics differ from Firestore's offline cache + listener model; client SDK swap is not transparent.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli firebase prints Firebase's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Appwrite or Supabase?
Appwrite: 10min docker-compose (single-command install). Supabase: 20min docker-compose (the official self-host bundle).
What does each cost to run?
Appwrite: $10 VPS for a small app; the stack pulls a few containers (server, MariaDB, Redis, InfluxDB).. Supabase: $10-20 VPS — Postgres + GoTrue + PostgREST + Realtime + Storage in one stack.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Appwrite and Supabase replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Firebase.