Nhost vs Appwrite

Side-by-side — pricing, strengths, tradeoffs, and fit.

Nhost

Open-source Firebase alternative built on Postgres, GraphQL, and Hasura.

Appwrite

Open-source backend server simplifying development with a REST API.

At a glance

Open SourceFree TierEnterprise
● Established·From $25/mo
Open SourceFree Tier
● Established·From N/A

Overview

One-liner

Open-source Firebase alternative built on Postgres, GraphQL, and Hasura.

One-liner

Open-source backend server simplifying development with a REST API.

Maturity

Established

Maturity

Established

Open source

✓ Yes

Open source

✓ Yes

Pricing

Free tier

✓ Available

Free tier for projects

Free tier

✓ Available

Starts at

$25/mo

Starts at

N/A

Model

Usage-based

Model

Flat rate

Enterprise

✓ Available

Enterprise

✕ None

Best for

✓ Best for

Postgres + GraphQL backendsInstant GraphQL via Hasura
Open-source Firebase alternativeSelf-hostable BaaS

✓ Best for

Developers needing a self-hosted backendAppwrite provides control over data and infrastructure with its open-source nature.
Projects requiring a unified API for multiple servicesAppwrite's REST API simplifies integration and management of backend services.

Not ideal for

✕ Not for

—

✕ Not for

Teams looking for a fully managed backend serviceAppwrite requires self-hosting and infrastructure management.
Developers unfamiliar with DockerAppwrite's setup relies heavily on Docker, which may be challenging for some.

Strengths

↑ Strengths

Postgres + instant GraphQL
Open source
Full BaaS feature set

↑ Strengths

Comprehensive feature set
Open-source and self-hosted
Strong community support
Multi-platform support

Weaknesses

↓ Weaknesses

Smaller than Supabase/Firebase
GraphQL-centric

↓ Weaknesses

High number of open issues
Complex initial setup
Limited ecosystem compared to larger competitors
Full Nhost profile →Full Appwrite profile →
Nhost vs Appwrite | AI Navigator