🛠️ dev tools

Supabase costs $25/mo.
These cost $0.

18 free alternatives to Supabase, checked for license, recent activity and real adoption. Each one tells you the catch, so you can switch with your eyes open.

⚡ Quick Verdict · 2027 Guide

The top-rated free, open-source replacement for Supabase is Appwrite (BSD-3-Clause Open Source). Across this category, 11 self-hostable tools are available (including Appwrite and Milvus). Switching a 5-person team saves up to $1,500/year compared to Supabase's $25/mo subscription.

The catch: Appwrite supplies the backend pieces but not Convex's end-to-end reactive TypeScript query model, automatic dependency tracking, transactional functions, or client cache semantics.

See the 18 picks ↓

Supabase vs Free Alternatives

Quick side-by-side comparison · $0/mo vs $25/mo

Alternative	Type	License	Where It Runs	Stars	Head-to-Head
Appwrite	open source	BSD-3-Clause	Self-host	★ 57.9k	Supabase vs Appwrite →
Milvus	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 46.6k	Supabase vs Milvus →
Qdrant	open source	Apache-2.0	Self-host	★ 35.5k	Supabase vs Qdrant →
PocketBase	open source	MIT	Self-host	★ 61.6k	Supabase vs PocketBase →
Chroma	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 29.7k	Supabase vs Chroma →
Neon Postgres	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 23.3k	Supabase vs Neon Postgres →
Turso	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 17.3k	Supabase vs Turso →
Zitadel	open source	AGPL-3.0	Self-host	★ 15.5k	Supabase vs Zitadel →
Weaviate	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 16.9k	Supabase vs Weaviate →
Convex	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 12.8k	Supabase vs Convex →
Encore	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 12.7k	Supabase vs Encore →
Instant	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 10.6k	Supabase vs Instant →
NHost	open source	MIT	Self-host	★ 9.4k	Supabase vs NHost →
HelixDB	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 6.3k	Supabase vs HelixDB →
Bknd	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 3.8k	Supabase vs Bknd →
SlateDB	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 3.6k	Supabase vs SlateDB →
Nitric	open source	Open Source	Local	★ 2k	Supabase vs Nitric →
undb	open source	Open Source	Self-host	★ 3k	Supabase vs undb →

The picks

18 open source · ranked by fit

01
Appwrite
open sourceBSD-3-ClauseSelf-host
57.9knov 2026
Open-source development platform with built-in backend infrastructure, web hosting, and security features. Scale applications using your preferred programming languages.
The catch vs Supabase
Appwrite supplies the backend pieces but not Convex's end-to-end reactive TypeScript query model, automatic dependency tracking, transactional functions, or client cache semantics.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Hosted Appwrite Cloud signup, or the official Docker installer/Compose stack
setup
The installer is one command, but it expands into a large multi-container platform; production use still needs a domain, TLS, SMTP, storage, backups, and careful version upgrades.
your data
Self-hosted Appwrite stores application records in MariaDB, queues and cache in Redis, and uploaded files in Docker volumes or a configured object-storage adapter; functions and build artifacts are managed by the Appwrite worker/executor services. Appwrite Cloud stores the equivalent data in Appwrite's infrastructure.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit appwrite.io ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 7 other apps →
02
Milvus
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
46.6knov 2026
Open-source vector database optimized for similarity search, scaling to billions of vectors with minimal performance loss
The catch vs Supabase
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Supabase.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/milvus-io/milvus or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit milvus.io ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 1 other app →
03
Qdrant
open sourceApache-2.0Self-host
35.5knov 2026
Qdrant is an open-source vector database that provides high-performance similarity search for AI and machine learning applications.
The catch vs Supabase
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Algolia.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/qdrant/qdrant or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit qdrant.tech ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 3 other apps →
04
PocketBase
open sourceMITSelf-host
61.6knov 2026
A lightweight, self-hosted backend solution with real-time database, authentication, and file storage capabilities.
The catch vs Supabase
PocketBase is excellent for one modest app, but a single SQLite server with no built-in functions runtime cannot match Firebase's offline SDKs, global scaling, messaging, analytics, or managed operations.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopself-hostedone-click install
install
Download one platform binary and run `pocketbase serve`; build from Go source only for custom extensions
setup
It installs unusually cleanly, but a public deployment still needs process supervision, HTTPS/reverse proxying, backups of `pb_data`, and a deliberate upgrade routine.
your data
Collections, auth records, settings, and application data live in SQLite files under `pb_data`; uploaded files live under `pb_data/storage` by default or in configured S3-compatible storage, and schema migrations can be kept as JavaScript files in `pb_migrations`.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit pocketbase.io ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 5 other apps →
05
Chroma
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
29.7knov 2026
Open-source vector database designed for AI applications. Store, search, and retrieve embeddings with semantic similarity matching and metadata filtering.
The catch vs Supabase
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Supabase.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/chroma-core/chroma or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit trychroma.com ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 1 other app →
06
Neon Postgres
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
23.3knov 2026
Cloud-native, auto-scaling Postgres with instant branching, bottomless storage, and pay-per-use pricing
The catch vs Supabase
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/neondatabase/neon or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit neon.com ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 3 other apps →
07
Turso
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
17.3knov 2026
Turso provides a simple developer experience with SQLite compatibility, allowing you to build and scale multi-tenant applications with unlimited databases.
The catch vs Supabase
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/tursodatabase/libsql or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit turso.tech ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 5 other apps →
08
Zitadel
open sourceAGPL-3.0Self-host
15.5knov 2026
ZITADEL provides a comprehensive identity management solution with easy APIs, customizable workflows, and serverless deployment options.
The catch vs Supabase
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Auth0.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/zitadel/zitadel or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit zitadel.com ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 7 other apps →
09
Weaviate
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
16.9knov 2026
Open-source vector database designed for building powerful, production-ready AI applications with hybrid search capabilities and flexible deployment options.
The catch vs Supabase
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Supabase.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/weaviate/weaviate or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit weaviate.io ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 1 other app →
10
Convex
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
12.8knov 2026
Open-source reactive database that keeps your web and mobile apps in sync. Write everything in TypeScript with built-in auth, cron jobs, and AI integration.
The catch vs Supabase
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Supabase.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/get-convex/convex-backend or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit convex.dev ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 4 other apps →
11
Encore
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
12.7knov 2026
A powerful platform for building cloud backends, automating infrastructure, and simplifying development workflows for faster, more efficient coding.
The catch vs Supabase
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/encoredev/encore or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit encore.dev ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 2 other apps →
12
Instant
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
10.6knov 2026
Instant is a database solution for building real-time and offline-enabled applications, simplifying the development of collaborative products.
The catch vs Supabase
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/instantdb/instant or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit instantdb.com ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 4 other apps →
13
NHost
open sourceMITSelf-host
9.4knov 2026
Fully managed backend infrastructure with built-in authentication, database, storage, and serverless functions for rapid application development.
The catch vs Supabase
Nhost's PostgreSQL-and-GraphQL model is conventional and powerful, but it does not reproduce Convex's reactive functions, automatic cache invalidation, or unified TypeScript data model.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hostedcliself-host, real ops
install
Hosted Nhost project, or Nhost CLI/Docker for local and self-hosted deployments
setup
Self-hosting means operating PostgreSQL, Hasura, authentication, storage, functions, networking, secrets, email, and upgrades rather than one small binary.
your data
Application and auth records live in PostgreSQL, GraphQL metadata and migrations can live beside the project in version-controlled files, uploaded objects use S3-compatible storage, and serverless-function source remains in the project directory. Nhost Cloud runs those services in Nhost's infrastructure.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit nhost.io ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 4 other apps →
14
HelixDB
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
6.3knov 2026
Rust-built native graph-vector database combining vector similarity search and graph traversals. 10x faster development with unified architecture, sub-1ms queries.
The catch vs Supabase
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/helixdb/helix-db or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit helix-db.com ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 1 other app →
15
Bknd
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
3.8knov 2026
Lightweight Firebase alternative with database, auth, storage, and workflows. Framework-agnostic backend that integrates with NextJS, Remix, Hono and more.
The catch vs Supabase
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Supabase.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/bknd-io/bknd or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit bknd.io ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 3 other apps →
16
SlateDB
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
3.6knov 2026
SlateDB is an embedded storage engine that leverages object storage for durability, scalability, and simplified replication without the need for disk management.
The catch vs Supabase
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/slatedb/slatedb or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit slatedb.io ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 6 other apps →
17
Nitric
open sourceOpen SourceLocal
2knov 2026
Nitric automates cloud infrastructure provisioning from your application code for AWS, GCP and Azure
The catch vs Supabase
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
desktopcross-platformone-click install
install
Clone https://github.com/nitrictech/nitric or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
your data
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit nitric.io ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 4 other apps →
18
undb
open sourceOpen SourceSelf-host
3knov 2026
Build and manage custom databases with ease, create type-safe APIs, and develop applications quickly
The catch vs Supabase
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Supabase.
Install, platforms & data +
platforms
webself-hosteddocker to self-host
install
Clone https://github.com/undb-io/undb or deploy with Docker Compose
setup
Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
your data
All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
checked
2026-11-07
Visit undb.io ↗Source Compare vs Supabase →also replaces 2 other apps →

Supabase Head-to-Head Comparisons (2027)

Side-by-side trade-off breakdowns · 18 free alternatives

Supabase vs AppwriteBSD-3-Clause · Self-host →

Supabase vs MilvusOpen Source · Self-host →

Supabase vs QdrantApache-2.0 · Self-host →

Supabase vs PocketBaseMIT · Self-host →

Supabase vs ChromaOpen Source · Self-host →

Supabase vs Neon PostgresOpen Source · Local →

Supabase vs TursoOpen Source · Local →

Supabase vs ZitadelAGPL-3.0 · Self-host →

Supabase vs WeaviateOpen Source · Self-host →

Supabase vs ConvexOpen Source · Self-host →

Supabase vs EncoreOpen Source · Local →

Supabase vs InstantOpen Source · Local →

Supabase vs NHostMIT · Self-host →

Supabase vs HelixDBOpen Source · Local →

Supabase vs BkndOpen Source · Self-host →

Supabase vs SlateDBOpen Source · Local →

Supabase vs NitricOpen Source · Local →

Supabase vs undbOpen Source · Self-host →

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers · Supabase open-source replacements

What is the best free alternative to Supabase?+

The top free alternative to Supabase is Appwrite (open source, BSD-3-Clause). Open-source development platform with built-in backend infrastructure, web hosting, and security features. Scale applications using your preferred programming languages. Other popular Supabase replacements include Milvus, Qdrant, PocketBase.

Can I self-host a free replacement for Supabase?+

Yes. Of the 18 free alternatives to Supabase, 11 can be self-hosted on your own server or local machine: Appwrite (BSD-3-Clause), Milvus (Open Source), Qdrant (Apache-2.0), PocketBase (MIT), Chroma (Open Source), Zitadel (AGPL-3.0), Weaviate (Open Source), Convex (Open Source), NHost (MIT), Bknd (Open Source), undb (Open Source).

How much does switching from Supabase to a free alternative save?+

Supabase starts at $25/month per seat ($300/year). Switching a 5-person team to a free alternative like Appwrite saves $1,500 per year in software subscription fees.

Should I vibe-code or build my own Supabase clone from scratch?+

Our build verdict for Supabase is NO (use a free alternative, save the tokens). Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Supabase or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 18 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Appwrite.

What is the catch when switching from Supabase to Appwrite?+

Appwrite supplies the backend pieces but not Convex's end-to-end reactive TypeScript query model, automatic dependency tracking, transactional functions, or client cache semantics.