15 Powerful Free Self-Hosted Backend Frameworks to Replace Firebase

15 Powerful Free Self-Hosted Backend Frameworks to Replace Firebase
Photo by Hardik Sharma / Unsplash

Firebase is Google's superior app platform, allows developers to rapidly develop top-tier apps, expand your user base, and significantly increase your earnings.

It includes set of features that can be customized to perfectly suit any developer's requirements. This includes a real-time database, user authentication, crash reporting, analytics, and more. With Firebase, you have the right tools to excel.

However, many developers require to have their own self-hosted alternative, so this post explore the best open-source alternatives.

1. Poketbase

PocketBase is an open-source Go backend that includes an embedded SQLite database with real-time subscriptions, built-in files and user management, a convenient Admin dashboard UI, and a simple REST-ish API.

It takes less than 3 mins to get it up and running with and without Docker.

Build A Backend For Your Apps in Mins with The Low-code Pocketbase
Pocketbase is a free low-code open-source solution that offers developers a fast way to build backend systems for their apps. It is written in the Go programming language and works extremely fast. Also, it does not take much to setup on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Pocketbase comes in a compact
GitHub - pocketbase/pocketbase: Open Source realtime backend in 1 file
Open Source realtime backend in 1 file. Contribute to pocketbase/pocketbase development by creating an account on GitHub.

2. Clorabase

Clorabase is a free Backend as a Service (BaaS) for small Android apps with limited backend/server/database needs. It aims to provide a cost-free, production-ready backend for hobbyist or start-up app development.

Its features include no account requirement, unlimited usage, and no paid plans. However, it may not be suitable for larger apps or those requiring more database storage or bandwidth.

GitHub - Clorabase/Clorabase: Clorabase is a free backend (BaaS) alternative for android apps. Use Databases,Storage,Push messaging, In-App messaging and lot more engage features for free without creating an account
Clorabase is a free backend (BaaS) alternative for android apps. Use Databases,Storage,Push messaging, In-App messaging and lot more engage features for free without creating an account - Clorabase…

3. Supabase

Supabase is an open-source alternative to Firebase, offering features such as a hosted Postgres database, authentication and authorization, auto-generated APIs, REST, GraphQL, realtime subscriptions, database functions, edge functions, file storage, AI and Vector/Embeddings toolkit, and a dashboard.

GitHub - supabase/supabase: The open source Firebase alternative.
The open source Firebase alternative. Contribute to supabase/supabase development by creating an account on GitHub.

4. Parse

Parse Server is regularly tested with the latest releases of Node.js and MongoDB to ensure compatibility. It follows the Node.js Long Term Support plan and MongoDB support schedule, testing only against versions that are officially supported and have not reached their end-of-life date.

GitHub - parse-community/parse-server: Parse Server for Node.js / Express
Parse Server for Node.js / Express. Contribute to parse-community/parse-server development by creating an account on GitHub.

5. ToolJet

ToolJet is an open-source low-code framework for building and deploying internal tools quickly and with minimal engineering effort.

It features a drag-and-drop frontend builder and supports integration with various data sources, including databases, API endpoints, SaaS tools, and object storage services.

GitHub - ToolJet/ToolJet: Low-code platform for building business applications. Connect to databases, cloud storages, GraphQL, API endpoints, Airtable, Google sheets, OpenAI, etc and build apps using drag and drop application builder. Built using JavaScript/TypeScript. 🚀
Low-code platform for building business applications. Connect to databases, cloud storages, GraphQL, API endpoints, Airtable, Google sheets, OpenAI, etc and build apps using drag and drop applicati…

6. Appwrite

Appwrite is an end-to-end backend server for various applications, packaged as Docker microservices.

It simplifies the process of building a modern backend API, facilitating faster and secure app development. Appwrite offers features like user authentication, database management, file storage and manipulation, and Cloud Functions.

GitHub - appwrite/appwrite: Build like a team of hundreds_
Build like a team of hundreds_. Contribute to appwrite/appwrite development by creating an account on GitHub.

7. KVDB

KVDB is a simple, postgres-based key-value database server designed to bypass limitations of free plans from services like Firebase and Appwrite.

It allows for unlimited reads, writes, and connections, with the only constraint being the storage space on your server.

Features

  • Very simple API - create, update, read and delete - that's it
  • Meant to be directly connected to from the client, no additional backend needed
  • No authentication (key name is considered secret) - please keep this in mind when using this project
  • Optional response speed throttling
  • Optional key expiration
  • Key/value length limits
  • Read-only keys that respond with the same value but don't allow writes
  • CORS support
GitHub - mrrfv/kvdb: Postgres-based key-value database backend server, perfect for simple applications that need basic cloud storage / syncing
Postgres-based key-value database backend server, perfect for simple applications that need basic cloud storage / syncing - mrrfv/kvdb

8. Baserow

Baserow is an open-source, no-code database tool that serves as an alternative to Airtable. It allows users to create their own online databases without technical experience.

It combines the ease of use of spreadsheets with powerful data organization. Baserow can be self-hosted with no storage restrictions, or users can sign up on their website.

It operates under the MIT License for all non-premium and non-enterprise features, allowing for commercial and private use. It is headless, API-first, and uses popular frameworks like Django, Vue.js, and PostgreSQL.

Install Baserow in No Time With Docker
Baserow is an open-source online database tool that allows users to create and manage databases without any programming knowledge. It provides a user-friendly interface for creating tables, defining fields, and managing data. Baserow can be used for various purposes, such as building custom business applications, tracking inventory, managing customer data,
Baserow / baserow · GitLab
Baserow is an open source no-code database and Airtable alternative. Create your own database without technical experience. Our user friendly no-code tool…
Baserow - Open source no-code database
Self hosted open source no-code online database and Airtable alternative. Baserow gives you the powers of a developer without leaving your browser.

9. Nocodb

Nocodb is an open Source Airtable Alternative transforms any MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, SQLite & MariaDB into a smart spreadsheet.

But it can used as a low-code backend alternative to Firebase.

NocoDB is an Open Source No Code Database System and Airtable Alternative
What is NocoDB? NocoDB is a self-hosted open source Low and No-code platform that can be an ideal alternative to Airtable. Unlike other similar No Code and Low Code platforms, NocoDB offers several and clean installation methods, and it does not consume your server resources as it runs. It takes
GitHub - nocodb/nocodb: 🔥 🔥 🔥 Open Source Airtable Alternative
🔥 🔥 🔥 Open Source Airtable Alternative. Contribute to nocodb/nocodb development by creating an account on GitHub.

10. Apitable

Apitable is an API-oriented low-code platform for building collaborative apps. It offers real-time collaboration, a user-friendly database-spreadsheet interface, full-stack API access, and supports over 100k+ data rows.

It also provides a variety of features including CRUD operations, field operations, workspace separation, theme customization, and seven view types. It uses community-friendly programming languages like TypeScript and Java.

APITable Is An Open-source Low-code Solution and Airtable Alternative
APITable is a free open-source and self-hosted API-oriented low-code platform for building collaborative apps and better than all other Airtable open-source alternatives. It comes with dozens of useful features which include team collaboration in real-time, automatic headless API dashboard, several data views, and automatic form generation. APITable offers two editions:
GitHub - apitable/apitable: 🚀🎉📚 APITable, an API-oriented low-code platform for building collaborative apps and better than all other Airtable open-source alternatives.
🚀🎉📚 APITable, an API-oriented low-code platform for building collaborative apps and better than all other Airtable open-source alternatives. - GitHub - apitable/apitable: 🚀🎉📚 APITable, an API-orie…

11. nHost

Nhost is an open-source Firebase alternative that incorporates GraphQL and SQL, aiming to provide a great developer experience. It utilizes PostgreSQL for database, Hasura for instant GraphQL API, authentication and storage, and Node.js for serverless functions. It also includes a CLI for local development.

GitHub - nhost/nhost: The Open Source Firebase Alternative with GraphQL.
The Open Source Firebase Alternative with GraphQL. - nhost/nhost

12. Mixcore

Mixcore CMS is an open-source, future-proof Enterprise headless Web CMS built on ASP.NET Core / Dotnet Core, supporting both headless and decoupled architectures.

It offers special features such as support for multiple databases (MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite), member roles and permissions for reliability, strong data encryption for high security, and flexible multilingual content migration.

Features

  • MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, SQLite Databases
  • Member roles and permissions for reliability
  • Strong Data Encryption and Security compliance
  • Flexible multilingual content migration
  • High Performance with millisecond response time
  • Powered by .NET Core, allowing cross-platform use
  • Incorporates Visual Studio Code for online coding
  • Customizable designs for various websites
  • SEO-friendly without the need for extra plugins
  • Media Management supporting multiple file formats
  • On-the-go management and coding
  • Easy and accessible, requiring no deep tech knowledge
  • Embedded Google Analytics dashboard
  • Dynamic Modular Architecture with powerful module layers & Attribute sets feature
  • API-first architecture for easy extensibility
  • Easy Backup with powerful 1 step export
  • More time for relaxation with unlisted additional features
GitHub - mixcore/mix.core: 🚀 Mixcore CMS is an Future-Proof Enterprise Web CMS that supports both headless and decoupled to easily build any kinds of app/web app/all in all/customizable APIs built on top of ASP.NET Core / Dotnet Core. It is a completely open-source ASP.NET Core (Dotnet Core) CMS solution. https://mixcore.org
🚀 Mixcore CMS is an Future-Proof Enterprise Web CMS that supports both headless and decoupled to easily build any kinds of app/web app/all in all/customizable APIs built on top of ASP.NET Core / Do…

13. ILLA

ILLA is a robust open-source low-code platform that allows developers to quickly create business apps and internal tools such as dashboards, CRMs, and CMSs.

It supports various databases and APIs, and enables workflow automation. Using ILLA's library of components and actions can save developers significant amounts of time.

GitHub - illacloud/illa-builder: Low-code platform allows you to build business apps, enables you to quickly create internal tools such as dashboard, crud app, admin panel, crm, cms, etc. Supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, Supabase, GraphQL, MongoDB, MSSQL, Rest API, Hugging Face, Redis, etc. Automate workflows with schedule or webhook. Open source Retool.
Low-code platform allows you to build business apps, enables you to quickly create internal tools such as dashboard, crud app, admin panel, crm, cms, etc. Supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, Supabase, Grap…

14. Pipedream

Pipedream offers a free platform for connecting apps and creating event-driven automations, with over 1,000 fully-integrated applications.

It allows running Node.js, Python, Golang, or Bash code for custom logic and is SOC 2 compliant.

GitHub - PipedreamHQ/pipedream: Connect APIs, remarkably fast. Free for developers.
Connect APIs, remarkably fast. Free for developers. - PipedreamHQ/pipedream

15. NocoBase

NocoBase is an open-source, scalable no-code development platform that can be deployed quickly and easily.

It differs from other no-code products by separating the data structure from the user interface, allowing for more complex scenarios and greater flexibility. This design allows the creation of multiple data views with varying types, styles, content, and actions.

GitHub - nocobase/nocobase: NocoBase is a scalability-first, open-source no-code/low-code platform to build internal tools.
NocoBase is a scalability-first, open-source no-code/low-code platform to build internal tools. - GitHub - nocobase/nocobase: NocoBase is a scalability-first, open-source no-code/low-code platform…







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