Supabase vs Appwrite: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

Supabase is the better pick for teams wanting Postgres with auth, storage and realtime built in. Appwrite is the better pick for teams that want a self-hostable Firebase alternative.

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At a Glance

Feature	Supabase	Appwrite
Best For	Teams wanting Postgres with auth, storage and realtime built in	Teams that want a self-hostable Firebase alternative
Pricing	Free open source; paid managed cloud	Free open source; paid managed cloud
Free to Start	Yes	Yes
License	Open source	Open source
Deployment	Self-hosted or managed cloud	Self-hosted or managed cloud
Link	Visit Supabase	Visit Appwrite

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Detailed Breakdown

Supabase

Open-source Postgres development platform

Pros:

• Full Postgres database
• Auth, storage, edge functions and realtime
• Self-hostable

Cons:

• Self-hosting is more involved than the cloud
• Free projects pause after inactivity

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Appwrite

Open-source backend platform for web and mobile

Pros:

• Self-host with Docker
• Auth, databases, storage and functions
• Many client SDKs

Cons:

• Smaller community than Firebase
• Cloud offering is younger

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Key Differences

• Positioning: Supabase — open-source Postgres development platform. Appwrite — open-source backend platform for web and mobile.
• Both share the same licensing model (open source), so the decision comes down to features and workflow fit.
• Pricing: Supabase — free open source; paid managed cloud. Appwrite — free open source; paid managed cloud.
• Signature strength: Supabase — full Postgres database. Appwrite — self-host with Docker.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Supabase better than Appwrite?

It depends on your requirements. Supabase is a strong fit for teams wanting Postgres with auth, storage and realtime built in, while Appwrite suits teams that want a self-hostable Firebase alternative.

Is Supabase free to use?

Yes, you can start with Supabase for free. Pricing model: Free open source; paid managed cloud.

Is Appwrite free to use?

Yes, you can start with Appwrite for free. Pricing model: Free open source; paid managed cloud.

Can I self-host Supabase or Appwrite?

Supabase can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud. Appwrite can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of Supabase and Appwrite?

Supabase: self-hosting is more involved than the cloud; free projects pause after inactivity. Appwrite: smaller community than Firebase; cloud offering is younger.