Comparison · Backend-as-a-service platforms

Firebase vs Nhost: which is better in 2026?

Firebase ranks higher in our list of backend-as-a-service platforms (#2 against #5, score 90.0 against 85.5).

How we rank Share

  • 90.0
    Editorial score
    85.5
  • 1
    Platforms
    1
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

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

FirebaseNhost
Score90.085.5
Rank in list#2 of 10#5 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesSpark plan with no-cost limits; Blaze pay-as-you-go; $300 credit if eligibleFree plan, paid upgradesStarter free forever; Pro $25 a month; Team $599 a month
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWebWebWebWeb
Made byGoogleNhost
Main focusGoogle-hosted app servicesPostgres, GraphQL and auth
LicenseProprietaryMIT
Best forMobile and web apps on Google's platformPostgres and GraphQL apps with MIT-licensed code
Strengths
  • Spark plan has no-cost usage limits
  • Eligible new users can get $300 in credit
  • MIT-licensed source on GitHub
  • Postgres with a GraphQL API
  • Free Starter plan
Limits
  • Proprietary, not open source
  • Costs spread across many separate line items
  • Team plan starts at $599 a month
  • Compute is priced separately from the plan
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Firebase vs Nhost

Is Firebase better than Nhost?
Firebase ranks higher in our list of backend-as-a-service platforms (#2 against #5, score 90.0 against 85.5). Firebase is best for: mobile and web apps on Google's platform. Nhost is best for: postgres and GraphQL apps with MIT-licensed code.
Which is cheaper, Firebase or Nhost?
Firebase: Spark plan with no-cost limits; Blaze pay-as-you-go; $300 credit if eligible. Nhost: Starter free forever; Pro $25 a month; Team $599 a month.
Do Firebase and Nhost run on the same platforms?
Firebase supports Web. Nhost supports Web.