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Appwrite vs WorkOS
Side-by-side comparison of Appwrite and WorkOS.
Quick summary
Appwrite — Open source backend platform for developers. Appwrite is an open-source end-to-end backend server that provides auth, databases, storage, functions, and messaging.
WorkOS — Enterprise-ready features with just a few lines of code. WorkOS provides SSO, SCIM, audit logs, and directory sync — the B2B enterprise features SaaS apps need.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Appwrite | WorkOS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Starting price | $15/mo | $125/connection |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Auth | Yes | — |
| Storage | Yes | — |
| Database | MariaDB | — |
| Realtime | Yes | — |
| Free Tier | Yes | 1M MAU |
| Self-hosted | Yes | No |
| Edge Functions | Yes | — |
| Row Level Security | Yes | — |
| MFA | — | Yes |
| SAML/SSO | — | Yes |
| Pre-built UI | — | No |
| Social Login | — | Yes |
| Organizations | — | Yes |
Appwrite
Open source backend platform for developers
Pros
- Fully open source
- Self-hostable with Docker
- Multiple SDK languages
Cons
- Smaller community vs Supabase/Firebase
- Fewer third-party integrations
WorkOS
Enterprise-ready features with just a few lines of code
Pros
- Best-in-class SSO/SCIM
- Generous free tier for startups
- Enterprise-focused
Cons
- Per-connection pricing adds up
- Overkill for B2C apps
Which should you choose?
Choose Appwrite if you value open source and want the option to self-host, and a free tier is important for your stage. Choose WorkOS if a free tier is important for your stage, and you need production-grade features and are ready to pay.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Appwrite or WorkOS?
There is no universal “better.” For most teams, Appwrite is the safer default because Appwrite is open source, which means you can self-host and avoid vendor lock-in. WorkOS is proprietary. For edge cases, the comparison table above highlights where each tool wins.
Is Appwrite cheaper than WorkOS?
Appwrite starts at $15/mo, while WorkOS starts at $125/connection. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.
Can I migrate from Appwrite to WorkOS?
Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Appwrite-specific features (APIs, SDK conventions, data schemas) are baked into your app. Most backend as a service migrations take days to weeks. Both vendors typically publish migration guides — check their docs.
Is Appwrite or WorkOS open source?
Appwrite is open source; WorkOS is a proprietary managed service.
Does Appwrite or WorkOS have a free tier?
Both Appwrite and WorkOS offer a free tier.
Which is best for startups and indie hackers?
Startups usually optimize for the lowest friction to ship and the cheapest possible free tier. The one with the most generous free tier here is Appwrite. For production workloads, revisit the trade-offs in the feature table above.