Appwrite vs AWS Amplify

Open-source Firebase alternative that actually lets you self-host without selling your soul to a cloud provider meets aws's 'easy button' for full-stack apps that works great until you need to escape its walled garden. Here's our take.

Appwrite

Open-source Firebase alternative that actually lets you self-host without selling your soul to a cloud provider.

Pros

• Fully open-source with self-hosting on Docker for complete control
• Built-in authentication, databases, storage, and real-time features in one package
• RESTful and GraphQL APIs with auto-generated SDKs for multiple languages
• No vendor lock-in—migrate away anytime without rewriting your app

Cons

• Self-hosting requires DevOps skills and ongoing maintenance
• Less polished UI and documentation compared to commercial giants like Firebase
• Community support can be slower than paid enterprise options

AWS Amplify

Nice Pick

AWS's 'easy button' for full-stack apps that works great until you need to escape its walled garden.

Pros

• Tight integration with AWS services like Cognito, AppSync, and S3 out of the box
• CLI and UI that simplify deployment, hosting, and backend setup for React, Next.js, and other frameworks
• Built-in CI/CD pipelines and environment management for rapid prototyping
• Generous free tier for small projects and startups

Cons

• Vendor lock-in: migrating away from Amplify often requires rewriting chunks of your backend
• Limited customization for complex use cases—you'll hit walls if you need fine-grained control over infrastructure

The Verdict

Use AWS Amplify if: You want tight integration with aws services like cognito, appsync, and s3 out of the box and can live with vendor lock-in: migrating away from amplify often requires rewriting chunks of your backend.

Use Appwrite if: You prioritize fully open-source with self-hosting on docker for complete control over what AWS Amplify offers.

The Bottom Line

AWS Amplify wins

AWS's 'easy button' for full-stack apps that works great until you need to escape its walled garden.