Appwrite vs Supabase vs Firebase: Choosing the Right Backend in 2025

Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platforms have completely reshaped how developers build applications. Rather than spending weeks setting up servers, authentication, and databases, teams can plug into ready-made backend APIs and focus on shipping features.

But three of the most popular platforms: Appwrite, Supabase, and Firebase – offer different approaches to this problem. Let’s dive into their strengths, weaknesses, and where they fit best, and then look at an alternative approach with UI Bakery AI App Generator.

Firebase

Firebase (by Google) has been a go-to BaaS for nearly a decade. It provides a full suite of services: real-time databases, Firestore, authentication, hosting, cloud functions, and analytics.

Best for: Startups, mobile-first apps, and teams that want a fast way to prototype with Google’s ecosystem.

Strengths:

• Real-time sync out of the box (great for chat or collaboration apps).
• Deep integration with Google Cloud services.
• Rich ecosystem with strong mobile SDKs.

Limitations:

• Vendor lock-in: Firestore and Firebase-specific APIs make it harder to migrate later.
• Pricing can escalate quickly with scale.
• Query flexibility is limited compared to SQL databases.

Supabase

Supabase markets itself as an open-source alternative to Firebase, powered by PostgreSQL. It offers auth, APIs, real-time subscriptions, and edge functions—without giving up SQL.

Best for: Developers who want Firebase-like speed with the flexibility and reliability of Postgres.

Strengths:

• Full SQL support, no lock-in to a proprietary database.
• Real-time subscriptions built on Postgres logical replication.
• Open-source, so self-hosting is an option.
• Expanding ecosystem with storage, edge functions, and AI integrations.

Limitations:

• Still maturing compared to Firebase’s polished ecosystem.
• Certain enterprise features (e.g., SOC 2 compliance, multi-region failover) may require extra work.
• Can be overkill for very simple apps.

Appwrite

Appwrite is another open-source BaaS, focused on developer-first APIs and self-hosting flexibility. It provides auth, databases, functions, storage, and a growing marketplace of integrations.

Best for: Teams that want full control over hosting and security while using open-source components.

Strengths:

• 100% open-source, deploy anywhere (Docker/Kubernetes ready).
• Modular: you can enable only what you need.
• Strong community and growing number of SDKs.
• Privacy and compliance friendly since you control hosting.

Limitations:

• More setup required compared to Firebase or Supabase.
• Smaller ecosystem and fewer built-in integrations.
• Scaling and monitoring is fully your responsibility.

Quick comparison

Where Does UI Bakery fit?

While Firebase, Supabase, and Appwrite focus on backend services, sometimes you also need a frontend and internal tooling layer. That’s where UI Bakery AI App Generator comes in.

Instead of just providing the backend, UI Bakery combines:

• AI-powered app generation: users describe their app, and it scaffolds UI, backend queries, and logic.
• Full-stack integrations: the tool connects to Postgres, MongoDB, Supabase, Firebase, REST, or GraphQL.
• Enterprise features: SSO, RBAC, SOC 2 compliant, and even on-premise hosting.
• Visual editing + code overrides: it lets you build dashboards, CRMs, and internal apps quickly while still keeping developer control.

If you already use Supabase, Appwrite, or Firebase, UI Bakery can serve as the UI and logic layer on top of your backend. If you don’t have a backend, the AI generator can scaffold one for you.

Wrapping up

Firebase would be a great choice if you want speed, mobile-first tooling, and don’t mind vendor lock-in. Choose Supabase if you love SQL, want open-source flexibility, and still need fast prototyping. And consider Appwrite if you require full control and self-hosting from day one.

Use UI Bakery AI App Generator if you want to go beyond backend setup and generate full-stack apps and internal tools with AI, while still integrating with the backend of your choice.