Firebase Open Source Alternatives in 2024

Firebase is one of the foremost platforms for building mobile and web applications without thorough scripts.

Although this BaaS provider offers several features like real-time database, hosting, cloud storage, and much more but, it is not an open-source solution.

So, this guide will present one of the leading Firebase open-source alternatives. 

Firebase Overview

Firebase is an array of server-side cloud computing services that aid dev teams in creating, deploying and scaling iOS, Android, web, Unity and C++ applications.

This CSP was made public in 2011, but Google LLC captured it in 2014. This incredibly scalable BaaS vendor allows coders to build and manage applications on a minimal budget and without backend efforts.

In this regard, this CSP categorizes its products into three sections: Build, Release & Monitor and Engage.

Cloud Firestore, Remote Config, Cloud Functions, Authentication and Crashlytics are core features of Firebase.  

Firebase Limitations

Several reasons force developers and businesses to find a substitute to Firebase, but we will discuss its key drawbacks below:

Proprietary Technology from Google

Firebase is completely owned and managed by Google LLC, so it greatly influences its functionalities.

Undoubtedly, Google is a big name in the tech world, but it is criticized for its vagueness related to algorithms.

Correspondingly, this enterprise closely works with the US government, which is why it doesn’t work in countries like China. 

All services of Google LLC are banned in China, so you can’t utilize Firebase to target the Chinese market. Moreover, many conspiracies exist about the security of data stored on Google servers. 

Limited to Google Cloud Hosting

Firebase depends on Google Cloud to fulfill its hosting needs. Although GCP is a powerful solution, but it could be expensive for many companies.

Yes, Firebase users can’t utilize cost-efficient solutions like Linode, DigitalOcean or AWS to meet their hosting requirements. 

Similarly, less control over servers, slow DNS, and the absence of free support are drawbacks to businesses using Google Cloud Hosting.  

Pricing Model is Complicated

Startups and new programmers usually pick Firebase because of its freeware Spark plan. Unfortunately, not all Firebase features come with this free-tier option.

Products like Cloud Functions are not included in the Spark Plan. Similarly, Blaze Plan follows a pay-as-you-go method, which is complicated to understand.

Advantages of Open-Source Tools

Many of you ask why we prefer an open-source platform over Firebase. So, here are the main benefits of using open-source tools rather than closed-source BaaS solutions.

No Vendor Lock-In

Open-source cloud computing services don’t glue the businesses and developers with vendor lock-in.

Basically, vendor lock-in is a scenario where you would have to stay with a CSP, and it is always troublesome to migrate to another platform. 

Fortunately, open-source platforms keep you free from vendor lock-in and the influence of proprietary technologies.

Thus, businesses always have an exit strategy and less dependency on a cloud solution if it is open-source. 

Cost Efficient

Cost efficiency is another appealing advantage of using open-source CSPs. As we begin with, most open-source app development platforms provide free-tier offerings.

Unlike proprietary solutions, the starting fee and further charges of open-source solutions are minimal. 

With cost-saving traits and a highly flexible environment, these solutions are the best options for low-budget projects.

Besides, high ROI and smooth integration with third-party tools enhance the significance of open-source tools. 

Enhanced Security

The quick identification of code-related glitches by experienced developers makes open-source tools secure.

Undoubtedly, the open-source nature of platforms empowers developers to swiftly recognize and fix all types of errors more often than closed-source solutions. 

Correspondingly, programming experts safeguard codes from vulnerabilities and notify users about errors through regular updates. 

Top 5 Open Source Alternatives to Firebase

Let’s dive into the leading open-source alternatives to Firebase:

1. Back4app

Back4app is an open-source Backend as a Service (BaaS) provider that you can use instead of Firebase.

This low-code backend service was made public in 2015 and has facilitated a community of 190k developers across the globe. 

Developers always find it straightforward to deal with server-side functionalities of their mobile and web applications using Back4app.

In this regard, Back4app confers REST & GraphQL APIs, SDKs, realtime database support, cloud functions etc. 

Moreover, its fully managed services promise robust performance, and notifications help retain potential customers.

Advantages

Open-Source

Back4app performs development tasks using open-source technologies, including Parse, Docker, NodeJS, GraphQL and Redis.

You can use these technologies for free without any vendor lock-in. Similarly, economical hosting and infrastructure costs are another advantage of using this open-source platform. 

Lean Learning Curve

Whether you are a startup or a team of seasoned developers, you will find the interface of Back4app user-friendly.

Its spreadsheet-like interface is seamless to handle. Yes, you can quickly create, edit or delete rows, columns and tables utilizing visual UIs. 

Built-in SDKs and automated APIs also play an important role in smoothly conducting server-side operations. In short, you don’t need to learn anything before using this platform.

User Privacy

Securing user privacy is the primary concern of Back4app. It doesn’t advertise or sell user data and only utilizes this information to improve services and fulfill R&D objectives.

Predictable Pricing Structure

Unlike Firebase, the pricing model of Back4app is not only affordable but also very predictable.

API requests, file storage, data transfer, and data storage are the common parameters for estimating billing. Similarly, Back4app gets amazing discounts when it hosts on AWS infrastructure. 

Improve Productivity

Back4app improves backend programming. In this regard, this CSP administers the entire backend infrastructure and ends repetitive functions with all systems going building blocks. Its premium plans also integrate CDN service to boost the performance of applications. 

Core Features

• Realtime Database – Back4app offers a similar to Firebase realtime database to query, backlog and sync data spontaneously. Meanwhile, database support enables you to construe datasets seamlessly, employing SDKs, APIs, and innate UI. Besides, users can approach and store data either offline or online. 

• Cloud Functions – This feature lets you attach business logic with your application practicing JS functions. These functions are typically carried out to answer any API call or reply to a modification in your app. Hereof, you don’t have to manage server-side infrastructure to run and execute backend code.   

• Authentication – The majority of developers choose Firebase because of its incredible authentication. Fortunately, Back4app also confers outstanding authentication functionality. With built-in security, you can swiftly verify emails, encrypt passwords and supervise the sessions. In addition, this trait lets the users sign up through social media, Apple or emails. 

• SDKs & APIs – To quickly communicate with the backend of an application, Back4app grants both RESTful and GraphQL APIs. In this regard, REST is associated with query, and GraphQL is linked with automation support. Similarly, the availability of 10+ SDKs makes your programming experience more agile.  

• Push Notifications – This feature is not only helpful for authenticating emails but also for boosting sales and retaining potential customers. These messages appear on the screen of users’ devices to get their attention towards a new service, upcoming event or discount offer. Using geofencing technology can also double your chances to attain and retain clients.

Pricing

Back4app is popular because of its easily understandable pricing structure. Concerning this, Back4app classifies its plans into the following 4 categories:

• Free Plan: This is basically a free-tier offering ideal for prototyping. With active community support, you can grab 1GB of data transfer, 1GB of file storage, 250MB of data storage, and 25k requests under this program. 

• MVP: If you are about to release an MVP, consider this plan. It includes 2GB data storage, 50GB file storage, 500k requests and 250GB data transfer. The monthly fee for MVP begins at $15/month if you pay annually. 

• Pay as you go: This is the best pick if you are running an application with more chances of scalability in the future. This plan supplies 250GB file storage, 1TB data transfer, 5 million requests, and 4GB data storage at a monthly cost of $80 (if you bill annually). 

• Dedicated: Businesses that want dedicated resources and infrastructure should consider this model. This plan includes unmetered requests, 80GB data storage, 2TB data transfer, 1TB file storage, 80GB data storage and 8 CPUs. If you choose annual billing, its starting price would be $400/month. 

On the contrary, if you are looking for on-premises and highly tailored services, you can also contact the sales team to avail of Enterprise Edition.  

2. Parse

Parse is one of the highly acclaimed Firebase open-source alternatives. This is a complete stack to craft backends of mobile and web applications.

Although Prase Inc. was founded in 2011, but Facebook got its ownership in 2014. Since 2016, this platform has been working as an open-source BaaS solution.

Programming teams and businesses can use the Parse Platform to build and deploy basic to complicated applications.

Yes, it is helpful to create and run gaming, taxi, IoT, mobile commerce, CMS and payment applications employing Parse.  

Advantages

Hosting Freedom

Parse platform doesn’t restrict you from hosting applications on third-party infrastructures like Firebase.

It frees developers to deploy their applications anywhere. If you want to pick self-hosting, you can go with AWS, DigitalOcean, Google Cloud or DigitalOcean.

By the same token, in-house hosting is also feasible with Parse. Moreover, you can also avail of a specific hosting service like Back4app. 

Community Support

Parse has been working as an open-source technology since 2016, so it has huge community support.

You can easily find massive documentation resources and queries-related support. By the way, joining the Parse Community forum to get answers from experts is also seamless.

Fast Development

The presence of ready-to-use backend functionalities, SDKs and libraries makes the app development quicker with Parse Platform.

This improved development speed also reduces the programming cost and shortens the time to market. 

Core Features

• Data Modeling – The spreadsheet-like interface of Parse permits you to arrange data straightforwardly. You can craft classes and organize rows and columns without any difficulty. Similarly, it is a duck soup to include new data or remove existing properties anytime using Parse. 

• Push Notifications – This feature is considered an absolute marketing tool to interact with application users. That is why Parse Platform lets developers send iOS and Android users notifications in a breeze.

• Authentication – A protected user authentication is another credible trait of Parse. Hereof, this open-source solution authenticates emails, encrypts passwords and confers social logins. Besides, you can get third-party backing for authentication. 

• REST & GraphQL APIs – You need minimal coding effort to create RESTful or GraphQL APIs using Parse. Mainly, GraphQL APIs overcome repetitive tasks and improve the flexibility of an application. 

Pricing

Parse is a freeware open-source solution. Its official website doesn’t reveal anything about pricing.

Although it is free but, when you go with self-hosting or specialized hosting services, the charges of those platforms are applied. 

3. Appwrite

With 38.7k repository stars on GitHub, Appwrite is an open-source platform to create applications with less code.

This BaaS solution provides authentication, cloud functions, databases, and storage functionalities to build backends in minimum time. 

Also, its advanced API support empowers developers to perform server-side operations using short scripts instead of coding an app from scratch.

The leading tech giants that use Appwrite services are Intel, TikTok, Apple, Oracle, and Nestlé.

Advantages

Cost Saving

If you want a cost-saving open-source BaaS like Firebase, Appwrite should be on the top. First of all, its open-source nature makes it an efficient vendor.

Secondly, its open-source teams are always available to assist the new developers and startups.

Similarly, it is very affordable for freelance programmers to switch from the free tier to the Pro plan because of its affordable monthly charges.

Fast Development

Time is money in app development, like in other walks of life. Appwrite Cloud is a cross-platform tool that decreases the development time by providing in-built SDKs and managed backend infrastructure.

This solution also promises app quality, reducing technical glitches and errors. 

Correspondingly, you don’t have to consume time to expand instances when your app grows. Yes, Appwrite follows auto-scaling to increase backend resources according to the requirements of applications. 

Highly Secure

Appwrite provides powerful data security and integrity and great protection for backend APIs.

You can also approach safety traits like SSL certificate, enterprise-grade encryption, DDoS protection and web application firewall while using this BaaS platform.

Technology Support

This CSP backs many programming technologies, including Vue.js, Flutter, Apple, Android, Next.js, SvelteKit, etc.

In other words, Appwrite gives broader app developers choices to businesses and dev teams to build and run their projects.

Core Features

• Realtime Events – With GraphQL and REST, Appwrite also backs real-time protocols. You can simply use the ‘subscribe’ option to avail yourself of real-time events. However, adopting a particular channel to get all meantime updates is significant. 

• Storage – This feature lets the dev teams easily manage and backlog images, documents, PDFs, and video files. To include or exclude these utilities, you can take advantage of APIs. By the way, state-of-the-art encryption, compression and transformation enhance storage safety.  

• Authentication – User management is another exciting feature of Appwrite Cloud. It permits the developers to use 30+ sign-in means. In this regard, you can also tailor your email templates and limit the user’s access. 

• Data Migrations – If you are using Firebase and want a straightforward alternative, Appwrite should be your choice. Hereof, you can benefit from the ‘migrations’ characteristic of this CSP. Moreover, you can also seamlessly switch from self-hosted, Supabase and other cloud vendors to Appwrite. 

Pricing

Here are three plans of Appwrite:

• Starter: A brilliant free-tier option for students. Under this program, you find unmetered and uninterrupted backend support for 75k monthly users. 10 GB bandwidth, 750k executions and 2 GB storage are key highlights of this plan.

• Pro: With a monthly $15/member price tag, Pro is suitable for scalable projects. You can utilize this package for unlimited projects with 150 GB storage, 300GB bandwidth, 200k monthly users and 3.5 million executions. 

• Scale: This is a forthcoming program designed for organizations. It costs $685/month for 5TB bandwidth, 10 million executions, 500k monthly active users and 500GB storage. 

4. Supabase

Supabase has presented itself as an open-source Firebase alternative since the beginning. This backend development platform was released in 2020.

However, its user-friendly interface and dev support for 20+ frameworks and embeddings made it popular in a short period of time. 

Right now, it has 61.1k repository stars on GitHub, and around 8.8k live websites use Supabase, according to BuiltWith Technology. 

Advantages

Self-Hosted & Open-Source

Supabase is an open-source BaaS vendor, and fortunately, all of its backend resources are easily available on GitHub.

Furthermore, it lets the developers run applications on an independent infrastructure. Whether you go with a third-party hosting provider or choose in-house hosting is up to you.

Economical

Supabase follows a transparent pricing model, which is very economical for beginners.

Its Free plan doesn’t cost you anything, and the starting cost of its premium solutions is also flexible.

Unlike Firebase, Supabase bills are based on data storage, API requests, and authentication services.  

Performance

Improved app performance is another advantage of using Supabase. It performs 4x and 3.1x better than Firebase regarding the number of reads and writes per second, respectively. 

Core Features

• PostgreSQL Database – This CSP offers a powerful relational database named PostgreSQL. This database is very helpful in dealing with complicated data models and supplies improved data integrity. With 100% portable functionalities, you can extend instances anytime using this database. 

• User Management – Smooth login and registration flows, session controls and social authentications also make Supabase a reliable substitute for Firebase. In addition, enterprise logins are also feasible with this CSP.

• Edge Functions – It leverages edge functions with robust backing of AWS Lambda. You can simply deploy serverless functions within a few moments using this feature. Hereof, around 29 geolocation deployments are possible across the globe. 

• Supabase Vector – Artificial intelligence is the future, and if you want to build and run an AI application, benefit from Supabase Vector. It combines an AI toolkit, vector database, OpenAI, and Hugging Face to quickly design and release such applications.

Pricing

Here are the 3 major pricing categories of Supabase:

• Free: This is an ideal plan for small and simple projects. Organizations can get 1GB of file storage, 500MB of database, and 5GB of bandwidth under this freeware package. 

• Pro: A usage-based program costs $25/month from a single organization. Hereof, 8GB database space, 2 million edge functions and 100GB file storage are the main offerings of the Pro plan.

• Team: The starting cost of the Team package is $599/month per organization. With all attributes of the Pro plan, this package also includes HIPAA, SSO and many other advanced features. 

5. Kuzzle

Kuzzle is another open-source CSP highly acclaimed because of its PaaS and backend services.

This platform provides excellent support to build backends for mobile, IoT, and web applications. In this regard, it offers incredible authentication, database, APIs and SDKs.

Advantages

Open-Source

Unlike Firebase, Kuzzle depends on open-source technologies like Docker, Elasticsearch, Node.js, and Redis. Also, it is convenient to find and use related instances on Discord and GitHub in this regard. 

Highly Scalable 

Kuzzle is an easy-to-scale backend solution. You can seamlessly include and exclude instances for your applications while using this platform.

Cloud scalability also gives more control over cost and improves the overall performance of an application. 

Core Features

• Authentication – Kuzzle grants more than 500 authentication methodologies to make the registration and login process robust. In this regard, it usually depends on auth:login API and Kuzzle User IDentifier. 

• Realtime Engine – Whether you want to send push notifications or are willing to enable a real-time subscription, Kuzzle is always here to help you. A real-time engine by Koncorde confers these functionalities. 

• Data Storage – You can backlog data using NoSQL databases. With relational database storage, this platform also provides excellent document-based storage to users.

Pricing

Kuzzle Backend is a free-to-download service. However, if you employ technical support, the monthly charges start from €500. 

Conclusion

Firebase is a widely used application development platform. However, businesses and developers avoid using this platform because of its closed-source nature.

That is why this article shares one of the best open-source alternatives to Firebase with their pros, features and pricing offerings. However, you should pick a solution according to your needs.