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Appwrite — Open Source Firebase

Open Source Firebase is the leading open source alternative to Firebase. Self-hosted backend platform. Auth, database, storage, functions — all in one.

Firebase charges $25/mo + usage fees. This alternative is free, self-hosted, and gives you full control.

Terminal window
docker run -d -p 80:80 appwrite/appwrite:latest

Open http://localhost:PORT and you’re running.

Coming soon — companion YouTube video for this episode.

FeatureAppwriteFirebase
AuthenticationEmail, OAuth, magic links, phone
DatabaseReal-time, SQL/NoSQL hybrid
StorageFile uploads with previews
Cloud FunctionsServerless backend logic
RealtimeWebSocket subscriptions
Free tierUnlimited projects
Self-hostedFull data control

Explore the docs and start building. Most tools have a hosted free tier if you don’t want to self-host.