Appwrite and Supabase are the two most popular open-source backend-as-a-service solutions. Both call themselves “open-source Firebase,” but architecturally they are very different. Let’s break it down.
Architecture
Appwrite: A monolithic Docker container with all services inside. The database is MariaDB (document model). Functions run in separate containers.
Supabase: A set of services around PostgreSQL. Each component can be scaled independently: database separately, auth separately, realtime separately.
Winner: Supabase — the native PostgreSQL architecture offers more flexibility.
Database
Appwrite: Document database, collections and documents. Relationships and aggregations are now available, but you cannot write SQL queries.
Supabase: Full-fledged PostgreSQL. Indexes, triggers, functions, extensions (pgvector for AI), Row-Level Security.
Winner: Supabase — PostgreSQL is powerful.
Authentication
Appwrite: 30+ OAuth providers, email/password, phone auth, anonymous login, 2FA, JWT.
Supabase: 15+ OAuth providers, email/password, phone auth, magic links, SSO, integrated Row-Level Security.
Winner: Appwrite — more providers, but Supabase — deeper integration with the database via RLS.
Realtime
Appwrite: WebSocket subscriptions for document changes. A simple model: subscribe to a collection — receive events.
Supabase: PostgreSQL LISTEN/NOTIFY + WebSocket. You can subscribe to row changes with SQL filtering. More powerful.
Winner: Supabase — database-level filtering offers more control.
Functions
Appwrite: A custom runtime supporting Node.js, Python, Go, Dart, Ruby, Java, .NET. Cold start.
Supabase: Edge Functions on Deno — globally distributed, fast startup.
Winner: Tie — Appwrite has more languages, Supabase starts faster.
Self-Hosting
Appwrite: Docker, 2–4 GB RAM. Updates are complex.
Supabase: Docker Compose with many services, 4–8 GB RAM. Tricky for production but actively being improved.
Winner: Appwrite — easier to set up.
Cloud Pricing
Appwrite: From /month (Starter). Free tier — 75K MAU.
Supabase: From /month (Pro). Free tier — 50K MAU, 500 MB DB.
Winner: Depends on your needs.
Summary
| Criterion | Appwrite | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Monolith | Microservices around PostgreSQL |
| Database | Document | Relational (PostgreSQL) |
| Authentication | More providers | Deeper integration |
| Realtime | Simple | Powerful |
| Self-hosting | Easier | More complex but flexible |
| Best for | Mobile/web apps | Data-intensive apps |
Choose Appwrite if: you need a backend quickly with many authentication providers and simple realtime, without deep SQL needs.
Choose Supabase if: your data is complex, PostgreSQL is your tool, and you want maximum query power and extensibility.