Appwrite is an open-source backend platform that gives web, mobile and AI apps ready-made authentication, databases, file storage, serverless functions, messaging and web hosting behind one set of APIs.
Instead of assembling separate services for each backend need, developers connect their frontend to Appwrite through SDKs and manage everything in one console. You can run it yourself with Docker or use the managed Appwrite Cloud, which makes it a common open-source alternative to Firebase.
Key features
- Authentication with email, OAuth, phone, magic links, MFA and teams
- Databases with permissions, relationships and realtime subscriptions
- File storage with image transformations
- Serverless Functions in many runtimes, including Node.js, Python and Bun
- Messaging for email, SMS and push notifications
- Sites for hosting web apps alongside your backend
- SDKs for web, Flutter, Apple, Android and server languages
- Self-hosting with Docker or the managed Appwrite Cloud
Who it's for
Appwrite suits frontend and mobile developers, startups and agencies that want a complete backend without writing and operating server code, and teams that need a self-hostable alternative to proprietary backend services.
Common use cases
- Building the backend of a mobile or Flutter app
- Adding auth and a database to a web app
- Running background jobs with serverless functions
- Self-hosting a Firebase-style backend for data control
Pricing
The self-hosted edition is open source and free to run. Appwrite Cloud has a Free plan, under which projects freeze once they reach a resource limit, and a paid Pro plan, under which usage beyond the included limits is billed as extra charges. Dedicated database add-ons start at $10 per month. See Appwrite's pricing page for current plan prices.
Alternatives
- Supabase: open-source Postgres backend with auth and storage
- Firebase: Google's backend-as-a-service platform
- Convex: reactive TypeScript backend and database
FAQ
Is Appwrite free?
Yes. Appwrite is open source and free to self-host, and Appwrite Cloud has a Free plan.
What is Appwrite used for?
Appwrite is used as the backend for web and mobile apps, providing auth, databases, storage, functions, messaging and hosting.
Is Appwrite a good Firebase alternative?
Yes. Appwrite covers most Firebase features and can be self-hosted, which Firebase cannot.
Appwrite vs Supabase: what's the difference?
Supabase is built around a full PostgreSQL database, while Appwrite offers a broader all-in-one API set, including messaging and Sites, with its own database layer.
Can I self-host Appwrite?
Yes. Appwrite runs on your own server with Docker.
Does Appwrite support Flutter?
Yes. Appwrite has official Flutter SDKs as well as web, Apple and Android SDKs.