Self-hosted alternatives to Firebase
Want app backend: database, auth and hosting without handing your data to Firebase? These 7 self-hosted apps run on your own server. Cheapest estimated hosting starts at about $3.5/month.
About Firebase: Google's app backend platform with database, auth, hosting and functions.
| App | Health | Stars | License | Docker | RAM (est.) | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrailBase direct | Active | 5.7k | OSL-3.0 | ✓ | 512 MB | $3.5/mo |
| Nona direct | Active | 51 | Apache-2.0 | ✓ | 1 GB | $5/mo |
| Appwrite | Active | 57.9k | BSD-3-Clause | ✓ | 1 GB | $5/mo |
| Manifest | Active | 7.6k | MIT | – | 1 GB | $5/mo |
| Saltcorn | Active | 2.1k | MIT | ✓ | 1 GB | $5/mo |
| Para | Active | 574 | Apache-2.0 | ✓ | 2 GB | $10/mo |
| PocketBase | Unknown | – | MIT | ✓ | 512 MB | $3.5/mo |
The options in detail
1. TrailBase
Open, sub-millisecond, single-executable FireBase alternative with type-safe REST & realtime APIs, built-in JS/TS runtime, auth & admin UI.
Active Last commit 2026-11-03. Latest release v0.35.9 (2026-11-03). Needs roughly 512 MB RAM. How to run it →
2. Nona
Remote configuration and feature flag service with a single REST API, multiple environments, and official JavaScript and .NET clients (alternative to Firebase Remote Config).
Active Last commit 2026-11-03. Latest release 4.1.0 (2026-09-28). Needs roughly 1 GB RAM. How to run it →
3. Appwrite
End to end backend server for web, native, and mobile developers 🚀.
Active Last commit 2026-11-04. 10+ releases in the past year. Latest release 2.7.1 (2026-11-04). Needs roughly 1 GB RAM. How to run it →
4. Manifest
Complete backend that fits into 1 YAML file.
Active Last commit 2026-11-04. Latest release manifest@6.29.0 (2026-11-04). Needs roughly 1 GB RAM. How to run it →
5. Saltcorn
No-code database application builder for web and mobile applications. One platform for user interface, data backend, durable workflows, email, PDF generation, and AI applications.
Active Last commit 2026-11-03. Needs roughly 1 GB RAM. How to run it →
6. Para
Flexible and modular backend framework/server for object persistence, API development and authentication.
Active Last commit 2026-11-03. 10+ releases in the past year. Latest release 1.57.0 (2026-10-09). Needs roughly 2 GB RAM. How to run it →
7. PocketBase
Backend for your next SaaS and Mobile app in one file.
Unknown Needs roughly 512 MB RAM. How to run it →
Why self-host instead of Firebase?
- Own your data — it lives on a server you control, with backups you decide on.
- Predictable cost — a small VPS often replaces per-seat pricing for a whole team or family.
- No lock-in — open-source licenses let you keep running the software even if a vendor disappears.
The trade-off: you are responsible for updates, backups and security. Pick an app marked Active (a commit in the last 90 days) and with Docker support for the easiest ride.
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Other alternatives guides
Firebase is a trademark of its owner; this site is not affiliated with it. Listings come from the community-maintained awesome-selfhosted list.