Firebase vs Supabase — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Firebase and Supabase to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Supabase takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for developers who want a firebase-like experience with real postgresql and open-source flexibility.. Firebase (4.3) is the better pick if you need mobile and web developers who want a complete baas with excellent sdks and google integration..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Firebase | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.3(378) | ★★★★★ 4.5(234) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | Pay-as-you-go (Blaze plan) | $25/mo (Pro) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, ios, android | web |
| Learning Curve | medium | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Mobile and web developers who want a complete BaaS with excellent SDKs and Google integration. | Developers who want a Firebase-like experience with real PostgreSQL and open-source flexibility. |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Firebase | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Firestore NoSQL database | — | |
| Authentication | — | |
| Cloud Functions | — | |
| Hosting with CDN | — | |
| Analytics and Crashlytics | — | |
| Cloud Messaging (push notifications) | — | |
| PostgreSQL database with dashboard | — | |
| Authentication (email, social, magic links) | — | |
| File storage with CDN | — | |
| Real-time subscriptions | — | |
| Edge functions | — | |
| Row Level Security | — |
Firebase
Pros
- ✓Fastest path from idea to shipped product for mobile/web
- ✓Excellent SDKs and documentation
- ✓Free tier supports real development and testing
Cons
- ✕Firestore pricing can surprise at scale
- ✕NoSQL database creates vendor lock-in
- ✕Complex queries are limited compared to SQL databases
Supabase
Pros
- ✓Real PostgreSQL — no proprietary database lock-in
- ✓Auth, storage, and real-time included out of the box
- ✓Open source with self-hosting option
Cons
- ✕Complex queries can be challenging through the client library
- ✕Free tier projects pause after inactivity
- ✕Edge functions are newer and less mature than Firebase functions
The Bottom Line
Both Firebase and Supabase are solid tools in the Developer Tools space. Supabase edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.3) and is the better choice for developers who want a firebase-like experience with real postgresql and open-source flexibility.. However, if you prioritize mobile and web developers who want a complete baas with excellent sdks and google integration., Firebase is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.