Skip to content
Toolradar
Nhost logo

Nhost

Claim this toolEditor reviewed

Open-source Firebase alternative

Low-Code BackendCloud & InfrastructureData & DatabasesHosting & Deployment
Visit Website
Reviews onCapterra
2 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free plan available, paid tiers above

Biggest pro

Open source backend

Biggest con

Newer platform

TL;DR - Nhost

  • Nhost is a backend-as-a-service platform with GraphQL and Postgres
  • It provides authentication, storage, and serverless functions for app development
  • Offers a free tier, with paid plans available
Pricing: Free plan available
Best for: Growing teams

What is Nhost?

Editorial review
Nhost provides an open-source Firebase alternative. Authentication, database, storage, and functions-backend services you can self-host. The Firebase model is familiar. The self-hosting option exists. The stack is modern. Developers wanting an open-source backend-as-a-service choose Nhost for self-hostable Firebase.

Available on: Web

how we evaluateSourcenhost.io ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Open source backend
  • Firebase alternative
  • GraphQL built-in
  • Self-hostable
  • Good documentation

Cons

  • Newer platform
  • Smaller community
  • Learning curve
  • Enterprise features require a paid plan
  • Still maturing

Ratings Across the Web

5(2 reviews)

Nhost holds an aggregate rating of 5 out of 5 from 2 reviews across Capterra, last checked March 18, 2026.

Capterra2 reviews
5/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Backend platformGraphQLAuthStoragePostgreSQLOpen source

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 21, 2026

Starter

Free

  • Core features
  • Pauses after 1 week inactivity
  • Instant reactivation

Pro

$25/month

  • $15 compute credits included
  • Custom domains $10/project
  • No long-term contracts
  • Full production use
Calculate your costView full pricing

Is Nhost worth the price?

85/100

Nhost's pricing is generous, especially with a free Starter tier that pauses only after a week of inactivity, making it suitable for hobbyists.

The Pro tier at $25/month, including $15 in compute credits, offers good value for production use. This structure is best for developers and small teams looking for a cost-effective, open-source backend solution.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Compute overage fees beyond included credits

Custom domains cost $10 per project

Potential for increased costs with high usage

How Nhost Compares to Competitors

Compared to Firebase, Nhost's Pro tier at $25/month with included compute credits appears more transparent and potentially more cost-effective for predictable workloads, as Firebase's 'Blaze' plan is purely pay-as-you-go. While Supabase also offers a generous free tier and similar paid plans, Nhost's specific credit inclusion in its Pro tier provides a clear initial value proposition.

Reviews

Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT cover
$99Free with your review

Review Nhost, get a free AI guide

Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.

Write a review

Best Nhost Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

Firebase logo
FirebaseFreemium

App development platform by Google

4.6
Supabase logo
SupabaseFreemium

Open source Firebase alternative

4.6
Pocketbase logo
PocketbaseFree

Open-source backend in a single file

4.1
Appwrite logo
AppwriteFreemium

Open-source backend for web, mobile, and Flutter. Self-host or cloud

4.4
See all low-code backend tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Nhost vs FirebaseHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsNhost vs SupabaseHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsNhost vs PocketbaseHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

Explore More

Best Low-Code Backend ToolsBest Cloud & Infrastructure ToolsBest Data & Databases ToolsBest Hosting & Deployment ToolsBest Free Low-Code BackendBest Free Cloud & InfrastructureBest Free Data & DatabasesBest Free Hosting & Deployment

Nhost FAQ

How does Nhost support developers looking for a backend-as-a-service solution?

Nhost offers a comprehensive backend-as-a-service solution that includes authentication, a database, storage, and serverless functions. It provides a familiar model similar to Firebase but with the added benefit of being open-source and self-hostable.

Which teams would benefit most from using Nhost?

Teams that prioritize an open-source stack and prefer the flexibility of self-hosting their backend services would find Nhost particularly beneficial. It's well-suited for developers who need a modern backend with built-in GraphQL capabilities.

How is Nhost priced?

Nhost is available on a free tier, allowing users to get started without initial cost. For increased usage, additional features, and enterprise capabilities, paid plans are offered.

What kind of trade-offs should users consider when choosing Nhost?

Users should be aware that Nhost is a newer platform with a smaller community and a learning curve. While it offers robust features, some enterprise features are part of paid plans, and the platform is still maturing.

Can Nhost be self-hosted, and what are the advantages of this option?

Yes, Nhost is designed to be self-hostable, providing developers with full control over their backend infrastructure. This option is a key advantage for those who require an open-source Firebase alternative that can be deployed on their own servers.

How does Nhost compare to Supabase?

Nhost, like Supabase, provides an open-source backend-as-a-service, but Nhost specifically highlights its built-in GraphQL support and its focus as a self-hostable Firebase alternative. Both aim to offer modern backend solutions with familiar development patterns.

Does Nhost include built-in GraphQL support?

Yes, Nhost features built-in GraphQL capabilities, which streamlines data fetching and manipulation for developers. This integration simplifies the process of building robust and efficient applications.

Source: nhost.io

Guides & Articles

Best Synthetic Data Tools 2026

Expert guide

Best Open Source Databases in 2026

Expert guide

Best Free Hosting and Deployment Platforms in 2026

Expert guide