Open-source backend platform — auth, database, storage and functions.
Why we recommend it
For designers prototyping real applications, it removes the backend problem without locking the project into a proprietary platform you can't leave.
Strengths
- Self-hostable — no vendor lock-in
- Auth, database, storage and functions in one system
- SDKs for most major frameworks
Drawbacks
- Self-hosting needs Docker and ongoing maintenance
- Smaller ecosystem than Firebase or Supabase
- Cloud tier is younger and less proven
Appwrite alternatives and related tools
Cloudflare Pages
Static site hosting on Cloudflare's edge network with unlimited free bandwidth.
FreemiumRetool
Rapid internal-tool builder that connects directly to databases and APIs.
FreemiumFramer
If your team values code-first design and interactive prototypes, Framer is unmatched — it bridges design and real…
PaidVercel
Deployment platform from the Next.js team, optimised for frontend frameworks.
FreemiumAll product names, logos and brands referenced on this site are the property of their respective owners. They are used here for identification purposes only, to describe the tools being reviewed. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship of The Design Tools by those owners.