Category guide

Backend tools for mobile apps

Find backend platforms for auth, databases, APIs, storage, server-side logic, and app data that needs to sync across devices.

Who needs this

Apps with accounts or shared data.
Builders who need auth and database infrastructure quickly.
Teams that expect the data model to evolve after launch.

When to use it

You need auth, synced data, APIs, storage, or server-side rules.
You want a portable schema and SQL-friendly reporting.
You are moving beyond a purely local prototype.

Recommended tools

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Backend

Supabase

Open-source backend platform with Postgres, Auth, Storage, and Edge Functions.

iOSAndroidWebReact NativeFlutterFree tier for small projects; Pro is $25 per month with usage-based overages; Team is $599 per month; Enterprise is custom.

Best for

Auth
Postgres
Rapid backend setup

Official site Details

Pricing checked Jul 19, 2026

Backend

Firebase

Google-backed backend, analytics, crash reporting, and messaging suite.

iOSAndroidWebUnityFlutterThe Spark plan is free within generous quotas; the Blaze plan adds metered pay-as-you-go pricing through Google Cloud, while analytics and Crashlytics stay free on both.

Best for

Google ecosystem apps
Realtime app backends
Crashlytics

Official site Details

Pricing checked Jul 19, 2026

Backend

Appwrite

Open-source backend platform for auth, databases, functions, and storage.

iOSAndroidWebReact NativeFlutterA free cloud tier, a Pro plan from $25 per month with metered overages, and custom Enterprise pricing; the open-source server is free to self-host.

Best for

Open-source backend
Self-hosting option
Auth and storage

Official site Details

Pricing checked Jul 19, 2026

Backend comparison

Feature	Supabase	Firebase	Appwrite
Pricing	Free tier for small projects; Pro is $25 per month with usage-based overages; Team is $599 per month; Enterprise is custom.	The Spark plan is free within generous quotas; the Blaze plan adds metered pay-as-you-go pricing through Google Cloud, while analytics and Crashlytics stay free on both.	A free cloud tier, a Pro plan from $25 per month with metered overages, and custom Enterprise pricing; the open-source server is free to self-host.
Platforms	iOS, Android, Web	iOS, Android, Web	iOS, Android, Web
Best fit	Auth	Google ecosystem apps	Open-source backend
Pricing checked	Jul 19, 2026	Jul 19, 2026	Jul 19, 2026

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Related guides and comparisons

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Supabase vs Firebase vs Appwrite for mobile app backends

How to choose between Postgres-first Supabase, Google-native Firebase, and open-source Appwrite for an indie mobile app backend.

FAQ

When does a mobile app need a backend?

Choose a backend once the app needs accounts, synced data, server validation, or content that should not live only on-device.

Is Postgres a good default for indie apps?

A relational backend can be easier when your app has structured entities, permissions, and reporting needs.