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Comparisons databases

Supabase vs Firebase: Backend-as-a-Service Comparison

Head-to-head comparison of Supabase and Firebase — databases, auth, realtime, pricing, and developer experience.

Sam Patel 12 min read
#supabase #firebase #backend #comparison #saas

Overview

Both Supabase and Firebase offer backend-as-a-service solutions, but with fundamentally different philosophies.

Database

SupabaseFirebase
TypePostgreSQLFirestore (NoSQL)
QueriesSQLProprietary
Self-host✓✗

Authentication

Both provide robust auth with social providers, email/password, and magic links.

Realtime

Firebase Realtime Database pioneered realtime sync. Supabase offers PostgreSQL realtime via websockets.

Developer Experience

Supabase appeals to developers who want SQL, open source, and Postgres extensions.

Firebase appeals to mobile-first teams wanting Google’s ecosystem integration.

Verdict

Choose Supabase for SQL-first, open-source backends.

Choose Firebase for mobile apps and Google Cloud integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Supabase better than Firebase?

Supabase offers PostgreSQL with SQL queries and open-source self-hosting. Firebase provides a mature NoSQL ecosystem with excellent mobile SDKs.

Which is cheaper at scale?

Pricing depends on usage patterns. Supabase's predictable PostgreSQL pricing often wins for relational data. Firebase can be cost-effective for simple mobile apps.

Can I self-host Supabase?

Yes. Supabase is open source and supports self-hosting. Firebase is fully managed only.

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