Comparison · Backend-as-a-service platforms

Appwrite vs Nhost: which is better in 2026?

Appwrite ranks higher in our list of backend-as-a-service platforms (#3 against #5, score 88.0 against 85.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.

How we rank Share

  • 88.0
    Editorial score
    85.5
  • 2
    Platforms
    1
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    Yes

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 Nhost if you want

Postgres and GraphQL apps with MIT-licensed code.

MIT-licensed Postgres backend with a GraphQL API and built-in authentication, a free Starter plan and a self-hosted option. It ranks just under Supabase here, and its Pro tier and compute are priced separately.

Side by side

AppwriteNhost
Score88.085.5
Rank in list#3 of 10#5 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree plan; dedicated database compute from $10 a monthFree plan, paid upgradesStarter free forever; Pro $25 a month; Team $599 a month
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsWebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hostedWebWeb
Made byNot statedNhost
Main focusAuth, databases and storagePostgres, GraphQL and auth
LicenseBSD-3-ClauseMIT
Best forOpen-source backend that can self-hostPostgres and GraphQL apps with MIT-licensed code
Strengths
  • BSD-3-Clause open source with self-hosting
  • Auth, databases and storage in one backend
  • MIT-licensed source on GitHub
  • Postgres with a GraphQL API
  • Free Starter plan
Limits
  • Dedicated compute costs extra beyond the free plan
  • Many tiers for compute and quotas
  • Team plan starts at $599 a month
  • Compute is priced separately from the plan
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Appwrite vs Nhost

Is Appwrite better than Nhost?
Appwrite ranks higher in our list of backend-as-a-service platforms (#3 against #5, score 88.0 against 85.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Appwrite is best for: open-source backend that can self-host. Nhost is best for: postgres and GraphQL apps with MIT-licensed code.
Which is cheaper, Appwrite or Nhost?
Appwrite: Free plan; dedicated database compute from $10 a month. Nhost: Starter free forever; Pro $25 a month; Team $599 a month.
Do Appwrite and Nhost run on the same platforms?
Appwrite supports Web, Self-hosted. Nhost supports Web.