7 self-hosted options
Open-source alternatives to Firebase
The best open-source alternatives to Firebase are PocketBase, Appwrite and Supabase.
About Firebase: Google's backend-as-a-service with database, auth, storage and functions.
Every option below is free to self-host and ranked by GitHub stars, so you can move off Firebase without giving up the features you rely on.
Top picks
- Rank 1:
PocketBase
pocketbase/pocketbase
Backend for your next SaaS and Mobile app in one file.
Low-code & BackendGoDocker - Rank 2:
Appwrite
appwrite/appwrite
End to end backend server for web, native, and mobile developers 馃殌.
Low-code & BackendPHPDocker - Rank 3:
Supabase
supabase/supabase
Postgres development platform with auth, realtime, storage and edge functions, the open-source Firebase alternative.
Low-code & BackendTypeScriptDocker
Why switch
Why teams move off Firebase
Self-hosting is not only about saving money. These are the reasons people make the switch.
Own your data
Your data lives on a server you control, not on Firebase's infrastructure. No surprise policy changes and no lock-in.
No per-seat pricing
Open-source alternatives to Firebase are free to run for as many users as your server can handle. A small VPS often costs less than a single subscription.
Customize and extend
Read the code, add plugins, connect it to your own tools and automate it through open APIs. When you need a feature, you can build it or fund it.
Full ranking
All 7 Firebase alternatives
Ranked by GitHub stars. Open any app for live stats, license details and a deploy option.
- 1
PocketBase
Backend for your next SaaS and Mobile app in one file.
Low-code & BackendDocker - 2
Appwrite
End to end backend server for web, native, and mobile developers 馃殌.
Low-code & BackendDocker - 3
Supabase
Postgres development platform with auth, realtime, storage and edge functions, the open-source Firebase alternative.
Low-code & BackendDocker - 4
Directus
An Instant App & API for your SQL Database. Directus wraps your new or existing SQL database with a realtime GraphQL+REST API for developers, and an intuitive admin app for non-technical users.
Database ManagementDocker - 5
TrailBase
Open, sub-millisecond, single-executable FireBase alternative with type-safe REST & realtime APIs, built-in JS/TS runtime, auth & admin UI.
Low-code & BackendDocker - 6
Hasura
Fast, instant realtime GraphQL APIs on Postgres with fine grained access control, also trigger webhooks on database events.
API ManagementDocker - 7
Manifest
Complete backend that fits into 1 YAML file.
Low-code & Backend
What is the best open-source alternative to Firebase?
PocketBase is the most popular open-source alternative to Firebase, with 61,293 GitHub stars. Appwrite and Supabase are also strong choices. Compare features, license and recent activity to find the best fit for your team.
Is there a free alternative to Firebase?
Yes. All 7 apps on this page are open source and free to self-host, so you can run a Firebase replacement without per-user fees. You only pay for the server, and a small VPS is usually enough for personal use or a small team.
Can I self-host an alternative to Firebase?
Yes. PocketBase, Appwrite and Supabase ship a Docker image, so you can run them on a home server or VPS with Docker Compose in a few minutes. Your data then stays on hardware you control.
How do I migrate from Firebase?
Start by exporting your data from Firebase, then check the import options of the app you pick, since many projects ship importers for popular formats. Run both side by side for a week before you switch so nothing is lost.