The best open source alternative to Instant is Supabase. If that doesn't suit you, we've compiled a ranked list of other open source Instant alternatives to help you find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source alternatives to Instant are: PocketBase, Appwrite, Convex, and Encore.
Instant alternatives are mainly Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) Tools but may also be PaaS & Deployment Tools or Development Environments. Browse these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of Instant.
A powerful, scalable backend platform offering real-time databases, authentication, storage, and serverless functions for rapid development.

Supabase is an open-source platform that revolutionizes backend development, providing developers with a comprehensive suite of tools to build modern applications quickly and efficiently. At its core, Supabase offers:
Supabase combines these features into a cohesive, developer-friendly platform that scales with your needs. Whether you're building a small prototype or a large-scale application, Supabase provides the tools and flexibility to bring your ideas to life quickly and efficiently. With its open-source nature, you benefit from a transparent, community-driven ecosystem and the freedom to self-host or use the managed cloud service.
Looking for open source alternatives to other popular services? Check out other posts in the alternatives series and openalternative.co, a directory of open source software with filters for tags and alternatives for easy browsing and discovery.
A lightweight, self-hosted backend solution with real-time database, authentication, and file storage capabilities.

PocketBase is a revolutionary open-source backend solution that simplifies application development by providing a powerful, all-in-one platform. Packaged as a single executable file, it offers a real-time database, authentication system, and file storage, making it an ideal choice for developers seeking efficiency and ease of use.
Key benefits of PocketBase include:
PocketBase empowers developers to build feature-rich applications without the complexity of traditional backend setups. Its lightweight nature and comprehensive feature set make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced developers looking to streamline their development process.
Open-source development platform with built-in backend infrastructure, web hosting, and security features. Scale applications using your preferred programming languages.

Appwrite is a comprehensive open-source development platform that provides everything developers need to build and scale applications efficiently. The platform combines backend infrastructure, web hosting, and security features in a single, unified solution.
Key benefits include:
The platform has helped companies like DevKind reduce development time by 60% and K-Collect cut infrastructure costs by 700%. With thousands of developers already using Appwrite, it's trusted by organizations worldwide for both passion projects and enterprise applications.
Pricing options range from free for small projects to custom enterprise solutions, making it accessible for teams of any size. The platform's Swiss Army Knife approach lets you choose and use only the tools you need, reducing complexity while maintaining powerful functionality.
Open-source reactive database that keeps your web and mobile apps in sync. Write everything in TypeScript with built-in auth, cron jobs, and AI integration.

Build your entire backend in pure TypeScript - from database schemas to queries, authentication to APIs. Your backend code lives alongside your frontend code with full type safety and AI-powered code generation.
Real-time synchronization guaranteed - your app automatically reflects changes to frontend code, backend code, and database state instantly. No need for complex state managers, cache invalidation policies, or manual websocket setup.
Backend essentials built-in - create cron jobs, trigger AI workflows, leverage built-in authentication, and access a growing ecosystem of components that solve common backend needs with simple npm installs.
Developer-friendly features:
Enterprise-ready security with SOC 2 Type II compliance, HIPAA compliance, and GDPR verification. Trusted by developers who want the simplicity of Firebase with the power and flexibility of a modern TypeScript-first platform.
A powerful platform for building cloud backends, automating infrastructure, and simplifying development workflows for faster, more efficient coding.

Encore revolutionizes backend development by providing a seamless, integrated platform that combines the power of cloud infrastructure with the simplicity of local development. By abstracting away the complexities of distributed systems, Encore allows developers to focus on writing business logic while automatically handling scalability, deployment, and infrastructure management.
Key benefits of Encore include:
By choosing Encore, teams can significantly reduce time-to-market, improve code quality, and focus on delivering value to their users instead of wrestling with infrastructure complexities.
Fully managed backend infrastructure with built-in authentication, database, storage, and serverless functions for rapid application development.

NHost is a comprehensive serverless backend platform designed to accelerate modern application development. By providing a fully managed infrastructure, NHost eliminates the complexities of backend setup and maintenance, allowing developers to focus on building exceptional user experiences.
Key benefits of NHost include:
NHost's platform is designed to be developer-friendly, offering comprehensive documentation, SDKs for popular frameworks, and a supportive community. Whether you're building a startup MVP or scaling an enterprise application, NHost provides the tools and infrastructure to bring your ideas to life quickly and efficiently.
Looking for open source alternatives to other popular services? Check out other posts in the alternatives series and openalternative.co, a directory of open source software with filters for tags and alternatives for easy browsing and discovery.
Lightweight Firebase alternative with database, auth, storage, and workflows. Framework-agnostic backend that integrates with NextJS, Remix, Hono and more.

BKND is a comprehensive backend solution designed for modern developers who need flexibility without complexity. This lightweight Firebase alternative provides all essential backend services while maintaining the freedom to deploy anywhere.
Core Features:
Built for Modern Development:
The platform offers complete extensibility through its workflow builder, allowing you to inject custom logic into system events. As an open source solution, you maintain full control over your backend while benefiting from community contributions.
Get started instantly with npx bknd@latest run and experience a backend that adapts to your needs, not the other way around.
Build and manage custom databases with ease, create type-safe APIs, and develop applications quickly

Undb is an innovative open-source platform that empowers users to build and manage their own databases without coding. This local-first, offline-first solution offers a range of powerful features:
Undb combines the flexibility of no-code tools with the power of a backend-as-a-service, making it an excellent choice for developers, businesses, and individuals looking for a self-hosted Airtable alternative. Whether you're managing projects, organizing data, or prototyping applications, Undb provides the tools to streamline your workflow and boost productivity.
Open-source serverless platform for developers to build, test, and deploy modern apps with authentication, storage, hosting, and analytics - all without backend setup.

Build modern applications without the complexity of backend infrastructure. Juno provides everything you need to create secure, scalable projects with zero DevOps overhead.
Core Features:
Developer-Friendly Experience:
Use your favorite frontend frameworks while Juno handles the backend complexity. Quick project scaffolding with npm create juno@latest gets you started in minutes, not hours.
Built for Scale: Whether you're prototyping an MVP or deploying production applications, Juno's decentralized architecture ensures your apps remain secure and performant as they grow.