12 Firebase Alternatives

A curated list of the best free, open source alternatives to Firebase, ranked based on category revelancy & feature completeness.

# Open-source Alternatives

Open-source alternatives offer extensive customization through public code access. Most of them provide free / paid cloud service. Some might require self-hosting to use.

A developer-friendly platform that provides a suite of open-source tools for backend development, including PostgreSQL database, authentication, and real-time capabilities

Supabase

Supabase is an open-source backend-as-a-service (BaaS) that empowers developers with a PostgreSQL database, real-time data sync, and authentication out of the box. It offers SQL-based storage, allowing developers to use familiar SQL commands while benefiting from Supabase’s real-time API, enabling seamless updates across clients. With its authentication service, Supabase supports multiple authentication providers, making it simple to implement secure user management for web and mobile applications.

Supabase is best used for
  1. SQL-Based Projects: Ideal for projects requiring relational database structure.
  2. Real-Time Applications: Build collaborative apps, chats, and live data dashboards.
  3. Open-Source Development: Suitable for developers preferring open-source solutions.

A developer-focused backend-as-a-service (BaaS) solution providing core APIs for authentication, database, file storage, and server-side functions

Appwrite

Appwrite is an open-source BaaS designed to help developers manage core backend functions such as user authentication, database management, and file storage without needing to set up extensive infrastructure. Built for both web and mobile applications, Appwrite supports a variety of front-end technologies and offers a self-hosted environment for greater data control. Its modular, RESTful API architecture allows developers to efficiently integrate key backend functionalities, making it easier to create robust, scalable applications.

Appwrite is best used for
  1. Privacy-Focused Applications: Ideal for apps needing strict data control and compliance.
  2. Custom Backend Logic: Build scalable server-side functions for complex workflows.
  3. Self-Hosted Projects: Suitable for organizations requiring in-house backend hosting.
Github stars 40.9k stars
Fully open-source

A simple yet powerful open-source BaaS solution that combines a real-time database, user authentication, and file storage into a single package for rapid application development

Pocketbase

PocketBase is an open-source backend-as-a-service (BaaS) designed to facilitate fast application development with minimal overhead. It provides a real-time database, user authentication, and file storage, allowing developers to focus on building their applications without the complexities of traditional backend management. With its lightweight architecture, PocketBase can be easily deployed on any server, offering flexibility and scalability for various projects.

Pocketbase is best used for
  1. Rapid Prototyping: Quickly build and test application ideas without complex backend setup.
  2. Real-Time Applications: Create collaborative apps with live data updates.
  3. Small to Medium Projects: Ideal for projects that require a lightweight backend without extensive infrastructure.
Github stars 20.9k stars
Fully open-source

A flexible, scalable, and developer-friendly backend platform that simplifies application development by providing robust server-side infrastructure and data management

Parse

Parse is an open-source backend framework that enables developers to rapidly build and deploy mobile and web applications by providing a comprehensive set of server-side services. It abstracts complex backend development tasks, offering easy-to-use data storage, user authentication, and cloud function capabilities.

Parse is best used for
  1. Mobile Application Development: Rapid backend setup
  2. Prototype Creation: Quick server-side infrastructure
  3. Scalable Web Services: Flexible backend management
Github stars 21.8k stars
Fully open-source

A flexible platform providing single sign-on and multi-factor authentication to enhance security for web applications

Authelia

Authelia is a robust open-source authentication and authorization server designed for identity and access management (IAM). It provides single sign-on (SSO) capabilities and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for secure access to applications, all while integrating seamlessly with common reverse proxies.

Authelia is best used for
  1. Enterprise Security: Centralized IAM for business applications.
  2. Web Applications: Secure user access management for online services.
  3. Customizable Authentication Solutions: Tailored IAM for developers and IT teams.

A flexible platform for centralized access management, supporting SSO, MFA, and various authentication protocols

Authentik

Authentik is a powerful identity provider (IdP) and single sign-on (SSO) platform designed to provide secure, centralized access management across environments. It supports multiple authentication standards, including OAuth2, SAML, LDAP, and SCIM, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with various applications. With a user-friendly admin interface, Authentik simplifies user, group, and application management.

Authentik is best used for
  1. Centralized Authentication: Ideal for managing user access across applications with single sign-on.
  2. Enterprise Security: Suitable for businesses needing robust authentication and MFA to protect data.
  3. Customizable Access Control: Perfect for organizations requiring tailored login and access flows.
Github stars 23.6k stars
Fully open-source

A flexible solution for secure single sign-on (SSO) and user authentication, ideal for web applicationsPostgreSQL database, authentication, and real-time capabilities

Keycloak

Keycloak is an open-source identity management platform that enables secure authentication, SSO, and role-based access control (RBAC) across multiple applications. With support for social logins, multi-factor authentication, and customizable login flows, Keycloak centralizes user management, making it easy to secure access without relying on third-party services.

Keycloak is best used for
  1. Enterprise SSO Implementations: Securely manage logins across corporate apps.
  2. Flexible Access Control: Customize permissions for users and roles.
  3. Self-Hosted IAM Solutions: Organizations needing in-house identity management.

Empower your applications with flexible and secure authentication, authorization, and user management, tailored to meet your organization’s needs.

Ory

Ory provides a modern, modular identity and access management (IAM) solution designed for flexibility and scalability. It enables seamless integration with various applications through Single Sign-On (SSO), social logins, and passwordless authentication, all while offering customizable user interfaces and workflows.

Ory is best used for
  1. Enterprise IAM: Central management of user identities and access.
  2. Consumer Applications: Secure user authentication for customer-facing services.
  3. Developer-Focused Solutions: Build tailored identity systems using APIs.

A open-source platform enabling secure user authentication and authorization with customizable options for any web or mobile application

Supertokens

SuperTokens provides an open-source, self-hosted authentication solution focused on simplicity and scalability. It supports common authentication methods, including passwordless login, social login, and single sign-on (SSO), and integrates easily with existing applications. Designed to prevent vulnerabilities, SuperTokens offers comprehensive attack protection and ensures secure user access.

Supertokens is best used for
  1. Custom Application Authentication: Tailored login for unique requirements.
  2. Mobile and Web Apps: Adaptable login options across devices.
  3. Enterprise Access Control: Centralized login management for internal apps.

A versatile solution enabling developers to implement secure, passwordless authentication using passkeys, alongside support for email passcodes and optional passwords

Hanko

Hanko is an open-source authentication and user management system that emphasizes modern, secure login methods. It facilitates the integration of passkeys—an advanced, passwordless authentication technology—into applications, enhancing both security and user experience. Additionally, Hanko supports email passcodes and offers optional password integration, catering to diverse security requirements.

Hanko is best used for
  1. Modern Web Applications: Ideal for applications seeking to implement cutting-edge authentication methods.
  2. Mobile Applications: Enhances mobile user experience with seamless biometric authentication.
  3. Enterprise Solutions: Offers scalable authentication for organizations aiming to adopt passwordless security.

A backend solution that transforms SQL databases into a no-code, API-driven CMS for managing data, content, and user access with ease

Directus

Directus offers a unique, unopinionated approach to managing SQL databases, allowing users to retain their custom schemas while benefiting from a no-code data studio and robust API support through REST, GraphQL, and WebSocket. With role-based access control and real-time updates, Directus adapts to complex project needs while ensuring a highly customizable experience.

Directus is best used for
  1. Content-Rich Sites: Suitable for managing extensive media and user-generated content.
  2. Enterprise Applications: Scalable backend solution for large corporations.
  3. E-commerce Applications: Provides flexible product and inventory management.

A customizable identity infrastructure designed to streamline authentication and authorization for applications of any size

Zitadel

Zitadel is a powerful identity management platform that simplifies authentication and authorization processes across applications. It supports various modern authentication methods, including Single Sign-On (SSO), social logins, and passwordless authentication, while offering a customizable hosted login page and robust APIs for seamless integration.

Zitadel is best used for
  1. Enterprise Authentication: Centralized access management for businesses.
  2. Consumer Applications: Secure user authentication for customer-facing services.
  3. Developer-Centric Solutions: Customizable identity solutions for developers.
Firebase

Firebase
Freemium

A comprehensive backend-as-a-service (BaaS) for app development and deployment

Muhammad Syakirurohman Made by
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