Firebase by Google is one of the most popular backend-as-a-service (BaaS) platforms, offering tools like real-time databases, authentication, cloud storage, analytics, and hosting. It’s widely used for web, iOS, and Android apps thanks to its scalability and ease of integration.

However, Firebase has some limitations:

• Vendor lock-in with Google Cloud

• Pricing that escalates quickly

• Limited backend flexibility

• No on-premise or self-hosting option

Whether you’re looking for better data privacy, open-source control, or more backend customization, here are the 10 best Firebase alternatives in 2025 worth considering.

1. Supabase – Open-Source Firebase Alternative

Supabase is often called “the open-source Firebase.” It uses PostgreSQL, and offers authentication, real-time updates, storage, and edge functions—with the flexibility to self-host.

Best for: Developers seeking an open-source backend stack.
Why it’s great: SQL-based, self-hostable, with real-time features built-in.

2. Appwrite – Modern, Open-Source BaaS

Appwrite is a rising star that offers a full suite of backend tools including databases, file storage, authentication, cloud functions, and more—all self-hostable.

It supports multiple programming languages and is built with developer experience in mind.

Best for: Teams wanting complete backend control.
Highlight: Secure, modular, and open-source.

3. AWS Amplify – Scalable, Serverless AWS Integration

Amplify is Amazon’s answer to Firebase. It provides backend services, GraphQL/REST APIs, authentication, and hosting—all integrated with AWS infrastructure.

It’s powerful and scalable, though more complex than Firebase for beginners.

Best for: Teams building enterprise apps on AWS.
Key strength: Deep integration with the AWS cloud ecosystem.

4. Backendless – Visual Backend with Codeless Logic

Backendless offers real-time databases, cloud code, push notifications, and a visual app builder. Its standout feature is the codeless logic builder, allowing non-coders to set up workflows.

Best for: Startups and non-technical founders.
Why it’s unique: Drag-and-drop backend logic + full-stack hosting.

5. Parse Platform – Self-Hosted Backend Framework

Parse was acquired and then open-sourced by Facebook. It provides database management, user authentication, cloud functions, and push notifications.

You can run Parse on your own server, giving full data control.

Best for: Developers seeking a customizable, self-hosted backend.
Highlight: Mature community + strong mobile SDKs.

6. Hasura – Instant GraphQL API over PostgreSQL

Hasura instantly turns a PostgreSQL database into a real-time GraphQL API, with support for auth, role-based access control, and triggers.

It’s ideal for frontend developers who want a fast, scalable, and modern GraphQL layer.

Best for: Teams working with GraphQL-first architecture.
Why it’s powerful: Real-time GraphQL + blazing-fast setup.

7. Nhost – Full Firebase Replacement with GraphQL

Nhost combines PostgreSQL, GraphQL (via Hasura), auth, storage, and cloud functions into one backend.

It offers open-source deployment, but also a managed cloud version, and it’s developer-friendly out of the box.

Best for: Developers building JAMstack or GraphQL apps.
Key feature: Open-source Firebase-like backend + GraphQL focus.

8. Realm (MongoDB Atlas App Services)

Realm is the serverless platform from MongoDB, offering offline-first sync, GraphQL, and triggers. It’s perfect for mobile apps that need robust offline support.

Best for: Mobile apps with real-time and offline-first functionality.
Why it stands out: Seamless MongoDB integration + rich SDK support.

9. Kuzzle – Open-Source Backend for Real-Time Apps

Kuzzle offers a multi-protocol API, real-time pub/sub engine, database, authentication, and admin console. It’s a solid Firebase alternative for real-time web, mobile, and IoT projects.

Best for: IoT and real-time web applications.
Why developers choose it: MQTT + WebSocket support + elastic scaling.

10. FlutterFlow Backend – Visual + Firebase-Free Stack

In 2025, FlutterFlow introduced its own backend tools, allowing users to manage data, set up authentication, and trigger workflows—without writing backend code or relying on Firebase.

Best for: Flutter app developers looking for an all-in-one visual solution.
Why it’s great: No-code backend + native mobile frontend = fast development.

 Conclusion:

While Firebase is powerful, 2025 offers more flexible and privacy-friendly alternatives for developers of all levels:

• Use Supabase or Appwrite for open-source Firebase-like functionality.

• Try AWS Amplify or Hasura for enterprise-grade scalability and GraphQL support.

• Choose Parse, Kuzzle, or Nhost for customizable, real-time app development.