Nhost
Nhost is an open-source Firebase alternative that provides a complete backend-as-a-service platform with GraphQL, authentication, storage, and serverless functions to help you build and scale web and mobile applications.
Xano
Xano is a powerful no-code backend development platform that provides you with a scalable server, flexible database, and a visual API creator to build applications without writing code.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Nhost | Xano |
|---|---|---|
| Website | nhost.io | xano.com |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✘ No free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2019 | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Stockholm, Sweden | Los Angeles, USA |
Overview
Nhost
Nhost provides you with a complete, open-source backend so you can focus on building your frontend without worrying about infrastructure. It combines a PostgreSQL database, Hasura for instant GraphQL APIs, and built-in authentication and storage into a single unified platform. You can manage your entire data layer through a visual dashboard or via the command line, making it easy to transition from a local development environment to a production-ready cloud setup.
Whether you are building a simple MVP or a complex enterprise application, you can use Nhost to handle user management, file uploads, and real-time data syncing. The platform also supports serverless functions, allowing you to write custom logic in Node.js or Python that scales automatically. By integrating these core backend components, you save weeks of configuration time and can deploy your applications globally with just a few clicks.
Xano
Xano provides you with a complete backend solution for your applications without requiring you to write a single line of code. You can build a scalable database, create complex business logic using a visual functional builder, and generate documented APIs instantly. It eliminates the need for managing servers or manual coding, allowing you to focus entirely on your product's front-end and user experience.
You can connect Xano to any front-end framework or tool, including Webflow, Bubble, FlutterFlow, or even custom-coded applications. It is designed for founders, product managers, and developers who need to launch robust, enterprise-grade backends quickly. Whether you are building a simple MVP or a high-traffic enterprise application, you can manage your entire data infrastructure from a single, intuitive interface.
Overview
Nhost Features
- Instant GraphQL API Generate a production-ready GraphQL API automatically from your PostgreSQL schema so you can query data instantly.
- Managed PostgreSQL Store your data in a dedicated PostgreSQL database that you can manage visually through a built-in dashboard.
- Built-in Authentication Secure your apps with ready-to-use authentication including email/password, social logins, and magic links for your users.
- Serverless Functions Deploy custom backend logic using Node.js or Python without managing any server infrastructure or scaling issues.
- Cloud Storage Upload and serve files securely with integrated storage that includes image transformation and granular access controls.
- Real-time Subscriptions Build reactive applications by subscribing to data changes in real-time through the GraphQL API without extra setup.
Xano Features
- No-Code API Creator. Build and customize your own RESTful or GraphQL APIs using a visual logic builder that handles complex business rules.
- Flexible Database. Store and manage your data in a high-performance PostgreSQL database with a spreadsheet-like interface for easy editing.
- External API Request. Connect your backend to any third-party service or software by making outbound API calls directly from your workflow.
- Real-time Collaboration. Work together with your team on the same backend project with version control and branch management features.
- Automated Documentation. Generate Swagger documentation automatically for every API endpoint you create so your front-end developers stay in sync.
- Background Tasks. Schedule recurring jobs or process heavy data tasks in the background without slowing down your user experience.
Pricing Comparison
Nhost Pricing
- Shared infrastructure
- 500MB PostgreSQL database
- 1GB File storage
- 5GB Bandwidth
- 10,000 Monthly Active Users
- Community support
- Everything in Starter, plus:
- Dedicated infrastructure
- 8GB PostgreSQL database
- 10GB File storage
- 50GB Bandwidth
- 50,000 Monthly Active Users
- Email support
Xano Pricing
- Limited to 1 workspace
- 10,000 total records
- Rate limited API access
- Shared resources
- Standard support
- Everything in Free, plus:
- No record limits
- 3 workspaces included
- Background tasks and CRON jobs
- API branching and merging
- Database backups
Pros & Cons
Nhost
Pros
- Fast setup for GraphQL-based applications
- Open-source core prevents vendor lock-in
- Seamless integration between database and auth
- Generous free tier for initial development
- Excellent documentation for modern frontend frameworks
Cons
- Smaller ecosystem compared to Google Firebase
- Limited serverless function language support
- Learning curve for Hasura permissions logic
Xano
Pros
- Extremely flexible logic builder for complex workflows
- Scales better than most other no-code backends
- Instant API documentation saves significant development time
- Connects easily to any front-end tool
- Excellent performance for data-heavy applications
Cons
- Steeper learning curve than simpler alternatives
- Pricing can become expensive for high-traffic apps
- Interface can feel overwhelming for absolute beginners