Nhost is an open source backend-as-a-service built on PostgreSQL and Hasura GraphQL that provides authentication, file storage, serverless functions, and a real-time API in a single platform, serving as a self-hostable alternative to Firebase.
The Problem
Firebase's NoSQL model forces developers to denormalize data and work around its query limitations. Teams that need relational data, complex joins, or SQL-compatible reporting end up fighting Firebase's document model. Developers who prefer GraphQL over REST often want a batteries-included backend that has Hasura pre-configured rather than assembling each service separately.
How Nhost Solves It
Nhost deploys Hasura (GraphQL engine over PostgreSQL), Hasura Auth (authentication), Hasura Storage (S3-compatible file storage), and serverless functions together in a pre-configured stack. The GraphQL API auto-generates CRUD operations from your Postgres schema. MIT licensed for the self-hosted version; Nhost Cloud provides managed hosting.
Key Features
- Auto-generated GraphQL API from PostgreSQL schema using Hasura, with real-time subscriptions
- Built-in authentication with email/password, magic links, OAuth providers, and MFA support
- S3-compatible file storage with access control rules enforced via GraphQL permissions
- Serverless functions in Node.js and TypeScript co-located with your backend for custom business logic
- Nhost CLI for local development that mirrors the production stack
- MIT licensed for self-hosted deployments; Nhost Cloud available for managed hosting
Who It's For
Nhost is best for JavaScript and TypeScript teams building web or mobile applications that want a full-stack open source backend with GraphQL and Postgres without manually integrating Hasura, auth services, and storage. It suits developers who prefer GraphQL over REST and want a Firebase-like workflow over SQL-native Postgres.
Compared to Firebase
Unlike Firebase, Nhost uses PostgreSQL as its data store, enabling relational data modeling, complex joins, and SQL-compatible analytics. Firebase has a more mature mobile SDK ecosystem and simpler initial setup, but Nhost provides the relational power of Postgres without vendor lock-in or NoSQL data modeling constraints.
