A PHP App Backend Alternative to Firebase
For apps that need an owned API and ordinary per-user data.
What you get
Simple Stack supplies an HTTP JSON API, passwordless and provider sign-in, bearer tokens and per-user item examples. The native source templates show how to connect an app to that backend and use RevenueCat for store subscriptions.
The tradeoffs
Firebase is a wider product suite, with client SDKs and services including authentication, databases and app tooling. Replacing a few backend endpoints is different from replacing that suite. The starter does not include Firestore-compatible queries or automatic offline/realtime data synchronisation.
What to try first
List the Firebase services you use and the behaviour users depend on. Prototype sign-in and one data flow, including offline recovery and revoked tokens. Choose this PHP approach when operating your own API is a useful tradeoff, not because every managed service is necessarily expensive.
Try before choosing
The live demos use sample data and simulated payments. The download includes the source and setup guides; your own launch still needs provider configuration and end-to-end testing.
Explore the demos · Price, licence and requirements · All guides