Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

AppWrite VS Prey

Compare AppWrite VS Prey and see what are their differences

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AppWrite logo AppWrite

Appwrite provides web and mobile developers with a set of easy-to-use and integrate REST APIs to manage their core backend needs.

Prey logo Prey

Prey is the simplest and most reliable solution for tracking, data protection & management for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. Track with precise location, wipe, reset and secure devices across all platforms.
  • AppWrite Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-28
  • Prey Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-14

Prey is a device tracking, protection & administration solution for endpoints and mobile devices. Track, monitor, and manage your company's laptops, tablets, and mobiles within a single platform to prevent theft, avoid data loss, and give you visibility.

With Prey, you can accurately track and locate devices when they are lost or stolen. With the most precise tracking in the market, you can be able to trace its location everywhere, with little to no margin of error.

Prey is also a robust data protection tool. With remote file recovery, factory reset & our new Kill Switch technology, you can erase and recover devices swiftly and securely, from anywhere. If you're looking to assure compliance with standards like HIPAA, FERPA, and GDPR, Prey is your ally as well.

What if you need a lean, simple management tool to replace your MDM? Look no further. With our asset inventory tools, you can assign devices to employees or students, establish rules to loan them, and lock and/or reset them remotely. In need of automation too? Our reactive security system can trigger those tools based on time and location.

Have a large fleet? Don't worry, installation is swift and can be done unattended. By the way: our prices are based on the number of devices you have, and we have discounts for Education & Non-Profit companies.

Our solution is trusted by more than seven million users around the world. We can't wait for you to be one of them!

AppWrite features and specs

  • Open Source
    AppWrite is an open-source platform, allowing developers to inspect, modify, and contribute to the code base, ensuring transparency and flexibility.
  • Self-Hosted
    Being self-hosted, AppWrite gives developers complete control over their data and server environment, enhancing security and customization options.
  • Comprehensive Backend
    AppWrite offers a wide range of backend services out-of-the-box, including authentication, database management, storage, and serverless functions, reducing the need for additional third-party services.
  • Multi-Language Support
    AppWrite supports various programming languages, which makes it versatile and developer-friendly, allowing the integration with different tech stacks.
  • Community and Documentation
    AppWrite has an active community and well-documented guides, tutorials, and API references, which are essential for learning and troubleshooting.

Possible disadvantages of AppWrite

  • Resource Intensive
    Being a self-hosted solution, AppWrite may require significant server resources for optimal performance, which can be costly.
  • Initial Setup Complexity
    The initial setup and configuration can be complex and time-consuming, particularly for those less experienced with server management.
  • Limited Third-Party Integrations
    As compared to some other backend-as-a-service (BaaS) platforms, AppWrite has fewer pre-built third-party integrations, which might limit its extensibility.
  • Newer and Evolving
    AppWrite is relatively new and still evolving, which can mean fewer features compared to more mature platforms and the potential for more bugs.
  • Maintenance Responsibility
    Since it is self-hosted, the responsibility for server maintenance, updates, and security falls solely on the user, which can be a drawback for smaller teams or solo developers.

Prey features and specs

  • Cross-platform compatibility
    Prey supports multiple operating systems including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, making it versatile for different device ecosystems.
  • Real-time tracking
    The application offers real-time location tracking of lost or stolen devices, which can help in quick recovery.
  • Remote management features
    Users can remotely lock devices, trigger alarms, take screenshots, and wipe data to protect sensitive information.
  • User-friendly interface
    Prey offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which makes configuration and monitoring straightforward for users.
  • Open-source option
    Prey has an open-source version which can be preferred by users who want more control over the application's functionality.

Possible disadvantages of Prey

  • Limited free version
    The free version of Prey offers only basic features and supports a limited number of devices, which may not be sufficient for advanced users or larger organizations.
  • Dependence on internet connection
    Effective functioning of Prey requires a stable internet connection, which might be a limitation if the lost device is not connected to the web.
  • Privacy concerns
    Due to its tracking capabilities, there could be privacy concerns if the software is misused for unauthorized tracking of users.
  • Battery drain
    Continuous tracking and monitoring may lead to increased battery consumption on mobile devices.
  • False alarms
    There can be instances of false positives or inaccurate location data, which may lead to user confusion or unnecessary alarm.

Analysis of AppWrite

Overall verdict

  • AppWrite is a solid option for developers looking for an open-source backend solution with robust features. Its well-documented APIs and active community support make it a viable choice for both small projects and growing applications.

Why this product is good

  • AppWrite is considered a good choice, particularly for its comprehensive backend-as-a-service (BaaS) features that cater to web and mobile developers. It provides a suite of services such as user authentication, databases, file storage, and serverless functions, allowing developers to streamline their development process. Its open-source nature means developers have access to the full code base and the community-drive contributions, ensuring transparency and continuous improvements. AppWrite also emphasizes developer experience, offering easy integration with client-side SDKs and providing extensive documentation.

Recommended for

    AppWrite is recommended for developers building applications who require a scalable backend solution without the overhead of managing infrastructure. It is particularly suited for developers who prefer open-source platforms and those who want to avoid vendor lock-in. AppWrite's features make it a good fit for startups, hobby projects, and even educational purposes where full control over the backend is desirable.

Analysis of Prey

Overall verdict

  • Prey is considered a good choice for individuals and organizations looking to enhance their device security and recovery options. It provides reliable tracking services and useful management tools that can significantly aid in protecting against device theft or loss.

Why this product is good

  • Prey offers comprehensive device tracking and recovery features that are useful for both individual users and businesses. Its ability to track multiple devices, lock stolen devices remotely, and manage device security makes it a valuable asset in safeguarding technology assets. The software is praised for its user-friendly interface and effective functionality in locating lost or stolen devices.

Recommended for

    Prey is recommended for individuals who frequently travel or have multiple devices, small to medium-sized businesses that need to manage numerous devices, and educational institutions seeking an effective way to protect their tech investments.

AppWrite videos

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Prey videos

Prey Review "Buy, Wait for Sale, Rent, Never Touch?"

More videos:

  • Review - Prey Review - Updated For Patch 1.02 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
  • Review - Prey - Before You Buy
  • Demo - Location Tracking and Device Fleet Control using Prey

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to AppWrite and Prey)
Developer Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Time Tracking
0 0%
100% 100
Backend As A Service
100 100%
0% 0
Tracking And Location
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare AppWrite and Prey

AppWrite Reviews

  1. Appwrite is awesome, free and open-source!

    I've use it instead of Firebase on a 15$ DigitalOcean droplet and saved around ~$150 a month. Managing my own infra does take some extra time, but definitely worth it. The APIs and SDK are also surprisingly much easier to consume than Firebase. Waiting for the cloud version.

    ๐Ÿ Competitors: Firebase
    ๐Ÿ‘ Pros:    Easy to use|Cost effective|Open-source|Great user experience|Super simple|Self hosted
    ๐Ÿ‘Ž Cons:    Self hosted

10 Top Firebase Alternatives to Ignite Your Development in 2024
Appwriteโ€™s self-hosted nature gives you complete control over your data and infrastructure, great for those who are security-conscious. It also offers a comprehensive set of features, including user authentication, database management, storage, cloud functions, and more. Itโ€™s like having your very own Firebase, but on your terms.
Source: genezio.com
Top 7 Firebase Alternatives for App Development in 2024
Appwrite is an open-source backend-as-a-service platform that provides a comprehensive set of tools and APIs to help developers build modern applications. It focuses on simplicity and developer experience.
Source: signoz.io
Best Serverless Backend Tools of 2023: Pros & Cons, Features & Code Examples
Appwrite is a self-hosted BaaS platform giving you all the tools you need to build all sorts of application.
Source: www.rowy.io
2023 Firebase Alternatives: Top 10 Open-Source & Free
Appwrite permits the development to benefit from its open-source version without paying anything. However, its official website also declares that it will share the pricing details for Appwrite Cloud soon.
12 Best Open-source Database Backend Server and Google Firebase Alternatives
Appwrite is a self-hosted backend server for building web, mobile and desktop apps. It supports multiple applications natively without hacks or workarounds.It features a dashboard for apps, database, user, functions and storage management, real-time analytics per project, live connections monitor, background tasks and webhooks.Appwrite also is suitable for creating Geo-data...
Source: medevel.com

Prey Reviews

8 GPS Phone Trackers to Track a Cell Phone Location Online For Free
Prey is an anti-theft app available for Android, Windows, Mac, Linux and iOS. The app's free account can support 3 device logins at the same time, and can store up to 20 reports.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, AppWrite should be more popular than Prey. It has been mentiond 178 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

AppWrite mentions (178)

  • Creating a Chatbot that actually Stands Out! (vibe coded version)๐Ÿฆ–
    Initially, I was using the Supabase free tier, but I was hitting the limits, and my app was becoming stale. Then I switched to Appwrite. Both are totally different; one is SQL, while the latter one is NoSQL. Although use node-appwrite package to skip the manual schema add-ons. - Source: dev.to / 6 months ago
  • The future of coding: Cursor, AI, and the rise of backend automation with Appwrite
    Appwrite is an open-source platform that simplifies backend setup by providing authentication, databases, storage, functions, and hosting all in one place. - Source: dev.to / 9 months ago
  • How to Use Appwrite in Android Jetpack Compose
    I love Appwrite. My first hackathon was actually from Appwrite (using Appwrite) 2 years ago, and I've been using it ever since. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • Ask HN: Who is hiring? (July 2025)
    Appwrite | Remote | Platform Engineers, AI, Interns | https://www.appwrite.careers Appwrite (https://appwrite.io) is an open-source backend platform that helps developers build secure web and mobile apps faster. Weโ€™re hiring engineers across multiple teams to improve infrastructure, expand developer tooling, and scale our platform. Open roles: โ€“ Platform Engineer. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • Build a React File Sharing App with Granular Access Controls (ReBAC)
    Appwrite is a backend-as-a-service platform that provides authentication, storage, and database. Appwrite is used for authentication and storage. - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
View more

Prey mentions (45)

  • Baldur's Gate 3 Steam Deck โ€“ Native Version
    It's a shame that the Steam Deck has no such a thing like Apple's "Find my". I used to be a great fan of Prey Project, but I don't think it's installable on the Steam Deck without leaving Steam mode. https://preyproject.com. - Source: Hacker News / 10 months ago
  • GPS Tracking for Client Laptop's
    Beware this can become a privacy nightmare with very real legal consequences, but the best I know is https://preyproject.com/. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Employee laptop deposit?
    The other - perhaps more important - reason to provide a laptop is data risk management. If the laptop is yours, you can force encryption, backups, and install endpoint security tools, which allow you to remotely wipe it if lost/stolen/fired. If you have an IT firm, they can probably help you set that up. Most tools that I know of are windows-centric; Azure AD has some built-in features. One cross-platform tool... Source: about 3 years ago
  • Would the internet be fast and stable enough for Cloud PC?
    Also, installing this is just good practice: https://preyproject.com. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Is it dumb to bring my laptop to South America?
    Install Prey Project on your system. It can help you recover the system if it is stolen. https://preyproject.com/. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing AppWrite and Prey, you can also consider the following products

Supabase - An open source Firebase alternative

iKeyMonitor - iKeyMonitor is a mobile app for both iPhone and Android devices that with parental control capabilities and phone monitoring features.

Firebase - Firebase is a cloud service designed to power real-time, collaborative applications for mobile and web.

FlexiSPY - FlexiSPY is the original "phone spy" software - it's been on the market since 2005.

Clerk - Clerk.io, the artificial intelligence for e-commerce that knows your customers interests.

mSpy - The Best Phone Tracker for Parental Control.