7 Best Alternatives to Realm in 2026

Why look beyond Realm

Realm provides an embedded, object-oriented database with real-time synchronization capabilities, particularly well-suited for offline-first mobile applications. Its integration with MongoDB Atlas App Services offers a comprehensive backend solution, including functions, authentication, and triggers. However, developers may explore alternatives for several reasons. Some projects might require a different database paradigm, such as a traditional relational database or a document database with a different synchronization model. Others may seek a more comprehensive backend-as-a-service (BaaS) that integrates a wider array of features beyond just data synchronization, like hosting, analytics, or machine learning. Cost considerations, specific platform requirements, or a preference for open-source solutions can also drive the search for alternatives. Additionally, teams already invested in a particular cloud ecosystem might prefer solutions native to that environment to streamline infrastructure and reduce vendor lock-in.

Top alternatives ranked

1. 1. Firebase Firestore — A NoSQL document database for mobile, web, and server development

   Firebase Firestore, part of Google's Firebase platform, is a NoSQL document database designed for mobile, web, and server development. It offers real-time data synchronization and offline support, similar to Realm, but operates as a cloud-hosted service rather than an embedded database. Firestore stores data in documents, organized into collections, and supports complex queries and atomic operations. Its integration with the broader Firebase ecosystem provides a suite of backend services including authentication, cloud functions, hosting, and analytics. This makes Firestore a strong alternative for developers seeking a comprehensive BaaS solution with robust real-time capabilities and scalability managed by Google. While Realm focuses on an embedded database with cloud sync, Firestore offers a fully managed cloud database with client SDKs for direct access.

   • Best for: Real-time applications, comprehensive backend-as-a-service (BaaS), cross-platform mobile and web development, Google Cloud ecosystem users.

   Learn more on the Firebase profile page or visit the Firestore documentation.

2. 2. Supabase — An open-source Firebase alternative providing a PostgreSQL database and real-time APIs

   Supabase positions itself as an open-source alternative to Firebase, built around PostgreSQL. It offers a relational database with real-time capabilities, allowing developers to listen for database changes and build reactive applications. Beyond the database, Supabase provides a suite of backend services including authentication, storage, and serverless functions. Its core appeal lies in leveraging the familiarity and robustness of PostgreSQL, offering developers direct SQL access and the ability to use existing PostgreSQL tools and extensions. For those who prefer a traditional relational data model over a NoSQL document store, or who prioritize open-source solutions and self-hosting options, Supabase presents a compelling alternative to Realm's object-oriented embedded database and MongoDB Atlas integration.

   • Best for: PostgreSQL enthusiasts, open-source projects, relational data models, real-time applications, custom backend logic with serverless functions.

   Learn more on the Supabase profile page or visit the Supabase official website.

3. 3. SQLite — A self-contained, serverless, zero-configuration, transactional SQL database engine

   SQLite is a C-language library that implements a small, fast, self-contained, high-reliability, full-featured, SQL database engine. It is the most widely deployed database engine in the world, embedded in billions of devices. Unlike Realm, which is an object-oriented database with a focus on synchronization, SQLite is a traditional relational database. It excels in scenarios where a lightweight, local database is needed without the overhead of a separate server process. For mobile applications, SQLite provides a robust solution for local data storage and querying, often integrated via platform-specific APIs or ORM libraries. While it lacks built-in real-time synchronization features like Realm Sync, developers can implement their own synchronization logic or integrate with a separate cloud backend. SQLite is ideal for projects requiring a simple, embedded relational database solution with broad compatibility.

   • Best for: Local data storage on mobile devices, embedded systems, desktop applications, scenarios where a lightweight relational database is preferred.

   Learn more on the SQLite profile page or visit the SQLite official website.

4. 4. Flutter — Google's UI toolkit for building natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase

   Flutter is a UI toolkit developed by Google for building natively compiled applications across mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. While not a direct database alternative to Realm, Flutter is a popular framework for building the client-side applications that would typically integrate with a database like Realm. Developers using Flutter often need a local data storage solution and a cloud backend. Instead of Realm, they might opt for an embedded database like SQLite (via packages like sqflite) or integrate with cloud-based services such as Firebase Firestore or Supabase for real-time data and synchronization. Flutter's strength lies in its ability to create expressive and performant UIs with Dart, making it a relevant consideration for developers who are evaluating their entire mobile development stack, including how they manage data.

   • Best for: Cross-platform mobile, web, and desktop app development; building high-performance and visually rich user interfaces; rapid development cycles.

   Learn more on the Flutter profile page or visit the Flutter official website.

5. 5. React Native — A JavaScript framework for building native mobile apps

   React Native is a JavaScript framework for building native mobile applications for iOS and Android from a single codebase. Similar to Flutter, React Native is a client-side development framework rather than a database. However, it's a primary choice for many developers building mobile apps, and these apps require data persistence and often real-time synchronization. While Realm offers SDKs for React Native, developers might choose other data solutions. For local storage, options like SQLite (via libraries such as react-native-sqlite-storage) or AsyncStorage are common. For cloud synchronization and backend services, React Native apps frequently integrate with Firebase Firestore, Supabase, or custom backend APIs. Considering React Native is crucial for developers evaluating their entire mobile stack, as the choice of framework often influences the preferred data persistence and backend strategy.

   • Best for: Cross-platform mobile development using JavaScript/React, leveraging existing web development skills, building performant user interfaces.

   Learn more on the React Native profile page or visit the React Native documentation.

6. 6. Expo — A framework and platform for universal React applications

   Expo is a framework and platform built on top of React Native, designed to simplify the development and deployment of universal React applications. It provides a managed workflow that abstracts away many complexities of native development, offering pre-built modules for common functionalities like camera access, push notifications, and local storage. While Expo itself doesn't provide a database, it significantly influences the choice of data solutions for React Native developers. For local data, Expo applications can utilize AsyncStorage or integrate with SQLite through Expo's unimodules. For cloud synchronization and backend services, Expo apps commonly connect to Firebase Firestore, Supabase, or other BaaS providers. Expo is an alternative to consider for teams prioritizing rapid prototyping, ease of development, and over-the-air updates within the React Native ecosystem, impacting how they choose to manage their data compared to a direct Realm integration.

   • Best for: Rapid prototyping with React Native, JavaScript developers building mobile apps, over-the-air updates, simplified native development.

   Learn more on the Expo profile page or visit the Expo documentation.

7. 7. Kotlin — A modern, pragmatic programming language for Android, multiplatform, and server-side development

   Kotlin is a modern, statically typed programming language developed by JetBrains, primarily known for Android app development. It offers conciseness, safety, and interoperability with Java. While Kotlin is a programming language and not a database, it is a foundational technology for native Android development, which often requires data persistence. Developers building Android apps with Kotlin might use Realm through its Kotlin SDK, but they also have other options. For local data, Android offers Room Persistence Library (an SQLite object mapping library) or direct SQLite access. For cloud synchronization, Kotlin applications can integrate with Firebase Firestore, Supabase, or custom RESTful APIs. Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile (KMM) also allows sharing business logic, including data models and persistence layers, across Android and iOS, influencing the choice of cross-platform data solutions that might differ from Realm's approach.

   • Best for: Native Android development, cross-platform mobile development with Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile, backend development, modern, safe, and concise coding.

   Learn more on the Kotlin profile page or visit the Kotlin documentation.

Side-by-side

How to pick

Choosing an alternative to Realm involves evaluating your project's specific requirements for data storage, synchronization, backend services, and development ecosystem. Here’s a decision-tree style guide:

1. Do you need a comprehensive Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) with real-time capabilities?

   • If yes, consider Firebase Firestore for a managed NoSQL document database with a broad suite of Google Cloud-integrated services (authentication, functions, hosting, analytics).
   • If yes, but you prefer a relational database and open-source flexibility, Supabase offers a PostgreSQL-centric BaaS with real-time features, authentication, and storage.
   • If no, and your focus is purely on data storage, proceed to the next question.

2. Is your primary need a lightweight, embedded local database without built-in cloud sync?

   • If yes, SQLite is the industry standard for local, relational data storage on mobile and embedded devices. It's highly stable and widely supported, but requires custom logic for synchronization with a cloud backend.
   • If no, and you still require some form of cloud synchronization or a different data model, consider the BaaS options again or evaluate specific client-side frameworks.

3. Are you primarily looking for a client-side framework that influences your data strategy?

   • If you are building cross-platform mobile apps with Dart and value UI performance and expressiveness, Flutter is a strong choice. You would then integrate a database like SQLite (via sqflite) or a BaaS like Firestore/Supabase for data.
   • If you are building cross-platform mobile apps with JavaScript/React and want to leverage web development skills, React Native is a leading option. Data solutions would similarly involve local storage (AsyncStorage, SQLite) or BaaS integration.
   • If you are using React Native and prioritize rapid development, a managed workflow, and over-the-air updates, Expo provides an excellent platform. It simplifies many aspects of React Native development, influencing how you integrate data solutions.
   • If you are focused on native Android development or Kotlin Multiplatform Mobile, Kotlin is the language of choice. While it's a language, it dictates the ecosystem for data persistence, often involving Room (for SQLite) or direct integration with cloud backends.

4. What are your preferences regarding data model and openness?

   • If you prefer an object-oriented database with strong offline-first and real-time sync, and you are comfortable with MongoDB's ecosystem, Realm remains a strong contender.
   • If you prefer a document-oriented NoSQL approach with a fully managed cloud service, Firebase Firestore is suitable.
   • If you prefer a relational SQL database with open-source control and cloud services, Supabase is a relevant choice.
   • If you need a simple, reliable, embedded relational database for local storage, SQLite is foundational.

Ultimately, the best alternative depends on whether you prioritize a full backend suite, a specific database paradigm, open-source control, or a particular client-side development experience.