Comparison · Backend-as-a-service platforms
Appwrite vs Nhost: which is better in 2026?
Appwrite88.0#3 in best backend-as-a-service platforms
Nhost85.5#5 in best backend-as-a-service platformsAppwrite 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.
- 88.0Editorial score85.5
- 2Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- YesOpen sourceYes
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
| Score | 88.0 | 85.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in list | #3 of 10 | #5 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesFree plan; dedicated database compute from $10 a month | Free plan, paid upgradesStarter free forever; Pro $25 a month; Team $599 a month |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | WebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hosted | WebWeb |
| Made by | Not stated | Nhost |
| Main focus | Auth, databases and storage | Postgres, GraphQL and auth |
| License | BSD-3-Clause | MIT |
| Best for | Open-source backend that can self-host | Postgres and GraphQL apps with MIT-licensed code |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit 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.