Comparison · Backend-as-a-service platforms

Appwrite vs AWS Amplify: which is better in 2026?

Appwrite ranks higher in our list of backend-as-a-service platforms (#3 against #9, score 88.0 against 81.0).

How we rank Share

  • 88.0
    Editorial score
    81.0
  • 2
    Platforms
    1
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    No

Which should you choose?

Choose Appwrite if you want

Open-source backend that can self-host.

An open-source backend with auth, databases and storage under BSD-3-Clause, with a Free plan and self-hosting. Dedicated compute costs extra, and its plan tiers are numerous.

Choose AWS Amplify if you want

Full-stack apps already on AWS.

A full-stack toolkit and hosting on AWS with no minimum fees. Costs depend on the AWS services an app uses, and it ties the app to AWS.

The main differences

  • Appwrite is open source; AWS Amplify is not.

Side by side

AppwriteAWS Amplify
Score88.081.0
Rank in list#3 of 10#9 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree plan; dedicated database compute from $10 a monthPay as you goNo minimum fees; usage billed per AWS service; AWS Free Tier applies
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesNo
PlatformsWebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hostedWebWeb
Made byNot statedAmazon Web Services
Main focusAuth, databases and storageFull-stack apps on AWS
LicenseBSD-3-ClauseProprietary (AWS)
Best forOpen-source backend that can self-hostFull-stack apps already on AWS
Strengths
  • BSD-3-Clause open source with self-hosting
  • Auth, databases and storage in one backend
  • No minimum fees or mandatory usage
  • Works with the wider AWS ecosystem
Limits
  • Dedicated compute costs extra beyond the free plan
  • Many tiers for compute and quotas
  • Costs depend on several underlying AWS services
  • Ties the app to AWS services
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Appwrite vs AWS Amplify

Is Appwrite better than AWS Amplify?
Appwrite ranks higher in our list of backend-as-a-service platforms (#3 against #9, score 88.0 against 81.0). Appwrite is best for: open-source backend that can self-host. AWS Amplify is best for: full-stack apps already on AWS.
Which is cheaper, Appwrite or AWS Amplify?
Appwrite: Free plan; dedicated database compute from $10 a month. AWS Amplify: No minimum fees; usage billed per AWS service; AWS Free Tier applies.
Do Appwrite and AWS Amplify run on the same platforms?
Appwrite supports Web, Self-hosted. AWS Amplify supports Web.