Comparison · Backend-as-a-service platforms
Firebase vs Nhost: which is better in 2026?
Firebase90.0#2 in best backend-as-a-service platforms
Nhost85.5#5 in best backend-as-a-service platformsFirebase ranks higher in our list of backend-as-a-service platforms (#2 against #5, score 90.0 against 85.5).
- 90.0Editorial score85.5
- 1Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- NoOpen sourceYes
Which should you choose?
Choose Firebase if you want
Mobile and web apps on Google's platform.
A mature app backend from Google with a no-cost Spark plan and a pay-as-you-go Blaze plan, plus up to $300 in credit for eligible customers. It is proprietary, and its costs spread across many line items.
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.
The main differences
- Nhost is open source; Firebase is not.
Side by side
| Score | 90.0 | 85.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in list | #2 of 10 | #5 of 10 |
| Price | Free plan, paid upgradesSpark plan with no-cost limits; Blaze pay-as-you-go; $300 credit if eligible | Free plan, paid upgradesStarter free forever; Pro $25 a month; Team $599 a month |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | WebWeb | WebWeb |
| Made by | Nhost | |
| Main focus | Google-hosted app services | Postgres, GraphQL and auth |
| License | Proprietary | MIT |
| Best for | Mobile and web apps on Google's platform | Postgres and GraphQL apps with MIT-licensed code |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |