Best Backend for Flutter Apps
The right backend gets your Flutter app to launch faster and cheaper. Here's how the top options compare — and which to pick for your situation.
Firebase
4.5The fastest path to a shipping Flutter app, with first-class SDKs.
Supabase
4.6Real Postgres and full data portability if you want to avoid lock-in.
Appwrite
4.3A clean, self-hostable backend when you need to own your infrastructure.
Compared at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan | Rating | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Firebase | Shipping mobile apps fast with realtime data | Free · pay-as-you-go | Yes | 4.5 | Visit |
Supabase | Teams that want an open-source Postgres backend | Free · Pro $25/mo | Yes | 4.6 | Visit |
Appwrite | Self-hostable backend with a clean console | Free · Pro $15/mo | Yes | 4.3 | Visit |
AWS Amplify | Teams already invested in AWS | Free tier · usage-based | Yes | 4.0 | Visit |
PocketBase | Solo devs and small projects wanting a single binary | Free (open source) | Yes | 4.2 | Visit |
The 10-second answer
Firebase vs Supabase in one line
Firebase is the fastest way to ship a realtime mobile app, but it's NoSQL and Google-hosted. Supabase gives you real Postgres and full portability, with realtime that's improved a lot but still trails Firebase for mobile. We compare them in depth on a dedicated page.
Deep-diving these two specifically?
Read Firebase vs SupabaseHow to choose
- Mobile app, ship this week → Firebase
- Relational data + SQL queries → Supabase
- Must self-host / own your data → Appwrite or PocketBase
- Already deep in AWS → AWS Amplify
- Tiny project or prototype → PocketBase (single binary)
The tools, in detail
Firebase
Best for MobileFree planBest for: Shipping mobile apps fast with realtime data
Why we picked it
Google's app platform: auth, realtime DB, and hosting in one.
Pros
- Fastest to ship
- Great Flutter/mobile SDKs
- Realtime out of the box
Cons
- NoSQL only (Firestore)
- Costs can spike at scale
- Vendor lock-in
Supabase
Best Open SourceFree planBest for: Teams that want an open-source Postgres backend
Why we picked it
The open-source Firebase alternative, built on real Postgres.
Pros
- Real SQL (Postgres)
- Open source, portable
- Row-level security
Cons
- Realtime less mature than Firebase
- You manage more of the schema
Appwrite
Free planBest for: Self-hostable backend with a clean console
Why we picked it
Open-source BaaS you can self-host or run in their cloud.
Pros
- Self-hostable
- Clean developer console
- Generous free tier
Cons
- Smaller ecosystem
- Fewer managed integrations
AWS Amplify
Free planBest for: Teams already invested in AWS
Why we picked it
AWS's app backend — powerful, deeply integrated, more complex.
Pros
- Full AWS power
- Scales to anything
- Flexible data options
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Config-heavy
- Costs hard to predict
PocketBase
Free planBest for: Solo devs and small projects wanting a single binary
Why we picked it
One lightweight file: SQLite backend, auth, and admin UI.
Pros
- Dead-simple to run
- Single binary
- Free and open source
Cons
- Not for huge scale
- Smaller community
Independent
Rankings aren't for sale.
Kept current
Reviewed and dated.
Clear method
Same 5 criteria, every time. See how
Frequently asked questions
Is Firebase or Supabase better for Flutter?
Firebase has the most mature Flutter SDKs and realtime support, so it's usually faster to ship. Supabase is the better pick if you need SQL, complex relational data, or want to avoid vendor lock-in.
Can I self-host a Flutter backend?
Yes — Appwrite and PocketBase are both self-hostable. Supabase can be self-hosted too, though most teams use its managed cloud.
Which backend is cheapest?
All have free tiers. PocketBase is free and open source (you only pay for a server). Firebase and Supabase are free to start and scale with usage.
Keep reading
Firebase vs Supabase
Firebase vs Supabase compared for real projects: database, realtime, auth, pricing, and lock-in. A clear answer plus a side-by-side table.
Best Hosting for Small Businesses
The best web hosting for small businesses, ranked for speed, support, and value. Fast picks with pricing, pros, and cons — no fluff.