Supabase vs. Firebase: Which is best? 2025

Key Features Comparison for Developers

Explore the differences between Supabase and Firebase for 2025.

Most developers choose Supabase for projects needing SQL databases, open-source flexibility, or strong security features. Firebase works best for apps that need NoSQL data, real-time updates, or AI tools. The table below highlights the key differences between firebase supabase to help teams decide quickly.

supabase vs firebase: Quick Comparison

At-a-Glance Differences

Choosing between Supabase and Firebase depends on the needs of each project. The following table highlights the main differences in their core features:

Tip: Supabase appeals to developers who want open-source tools and SQL databases. Firebase attracts those who need fast setup, real-time sync, and built-in AI features.

supabase vs firebase: Key Points

• Supabase uses PostgreSQL, which supports complex queries and relational data. Firebase uses NoSQL, which works well for flexible, unstructured data.

• Both platforms offer built-in authentication, but Supabase includes Row Level Security for fine-grained access control.

• Real-time updates are available on both, but Supabase uses PostgreSQL’s native capabilities, while Firebase offers Firestore and Realtime Database.

• Supabase supports serverless functions through Edge Functions and can connect to AWS Lambda or Google Cloud Functions. Firebase provides Cloud Functions tightly integrated with Google Cloud.

• For AI/ML, Firebase includes built-in tools like Genkit. Supabase enables integration with third-party models and supports vector search for machine learning use cases.

• Pricing models differ. Supabase charges based on storage and allows unlimited API requests. Firebase charges for database reads, writes, and deletes.

• Scalability remains strong on both platforms. Supabase relies on PostgreSQL’s proven scaling, while Firebase leverages Google’s NoSQL infrastructure.

• Security features are robust on both sides, but Supabase’s Row Level Security stands out for SQL-based projects.

• Community support for Supabase continues to grow, with over 50,000 GitHub stars and 4,000 contributors. Surveys show a rising preference for open-source solutions, with 28% of developers favoring options like Supabase. Firebase maintains a large, active community with extensive documentation and resources.

The supabase vs firebase debate often centers on project requirements. Teams who value open-source, SQL, and advanced security may lean toward Supabase. Those who prioritize real-time sync, AI/ML, and a mature ecosystem may prefer Firebase.

Core Features

Platform Overview

Supabase and Firebase both offer a rich feature set for building modern applications, but they take different approaches. Supabase uses PostgreSQL as its core database, which gives developers strong control over structured data and complex queries. Firebase, on the other hand, relies on a NoSQL database that supports real-time data and integrates closely with Google services.

The table below compares the main platform features:

Both platforms provide essential features like authentication, security, and serverless functions. Supabase stands out for its open-source nature and SQL support, while Firebase impresses with its real-time capabilities and seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem.

Unique Strengths

Supabase’s unique strengths come from its open-source foundation and SQL database. Developers can self-host, customize, and extend their projects as needed. The platform’s features include advanced security tools like Row Level Security, which help protect sensitive data. Supabase also offers Edge Functions for fast, global serverless operations and supports third-party analytics tools.

Firebase’s rich feature set focuses on ease of use and rapid development. Its NoSQL database handles real-time data with minimal setup. Firebase includes built-in Google Analytics, making it easy to track user engagement. The platform’s Cloud Functions allow developers to run backend code in response to events, and its security features benefit from Google Cloud’s robust infrastructure.

Tip: Teams who need a relational database and more control over customization may prefer Supabase. Those who want a rich feature set with real-time sync and built-in analytics often choose Firebase.

Database: firebase supabase

SQL vs NoSQL

When comparing firebase supabase, the core difference lies in their database architecture. Supabase uses PostgreSQL, a relational SQL database. Firebase relies on a NoSQL approach, offering Firestore and the real-time database. This distinction shapes how each platform handles data, scalability, and performance.

• Supabase’s PostgreSQL structure supports complex queries and relational data management. This design enhances performance when applications require intricate data relationships.

• Firebase’s NoSQL architecture, including the real-time database, is optimized for scalability and flexibility. However, it may face challenges with complex queries, especially in scenarios that demand relational data handling.

• Supabase offers strong relational database capabilities with SQL querying, making it easier to organize and manage structured data.

• Firebase’s Cloud Firestore is schema-less. This provides flexibility and elastic scalability, but it can limit performance in situations that require advanced querying.

The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of SQL and NoSQL databases for web and mobile applications:

Note: Developers should consider the type of data and queries their app will use before choosing between firebase supabase.

Data Modeling

Data modeling plays a crucial role in how firebase supabase support complex applications. Supabase leverages PostgreSQL, which allows for advanced data models using relational features. Developers can use complex joins and advanced queries to manage data relationships efficiently. This makes Supabase a strong choice for apps that need structured data and analytical queries.

Firebase, with its NoSQL structure, offers a flexible approach to data modeling. The real-time database and Firestore do not enforce a strict schema. This flexibility helps teams iterate quickly and scale with ease. However, this approach may restrict the ability to perform intricate queries, making it less suitable for applications that require sophisticated data relationships.

Authentication

Auth Options

Supabase and Firebase both offer a wide range of user authentication methods, making it easy for developers to add secure sign-in to their apps. Supabase supports email and password, OAuth providers like Google and GitHub, single sign-on (SSO), and enterprise-friendly options. This flexibility helps teams build apps for many types of users. Firebase also provides built-in authentication with support for email/password, phone, and popular OAuth providers. Both platforms allow developers to set up user authentication quickly, even on the free tier.

A key difference lies in how each platform integrates authentication with the database. Supabase ties authentication directly to its PostgreSQL database, which means user data and permissions can be managed together. Firebase treats authentication as a standalone service, not directly linked to its database. This approach gives developers more backend service options, but it may require extra steps to connect authentication with data access.

Tip: Both platforms include a generous free tier for authentication, making them accessible for startups and hobby projects.

Security Features

Security remains a top priority for both Supabase and Firebase. Supabase uses Row Level Security (RLS), allowing developers to set detailed access rules using SQL. This feature ensures users can only access data they are allowed to see. Supabase also provides JWT-based session tokens, audit logs, and data encryption in transit and at rest. Each project runs on an isolated Postgres instance, which helps prevent data leaks between apps.

Firebase offers a polished authentication experience with strong session management and token handling. Developers can set session lifetimes and manage tokens securely. Firebase also uses Google Cloud’s infrastructure for data encryption and compliance. Both platforms support GDPR-ready infrastructure, which is important for apps with users in Europe.

• Supabase security highlights:

  • Row Level Security for fine-grained access

  • Audit logs for tracking user activity

  • Data encryption using HTTPS/TLS and AES-256

• Firebase security highlights:

  • Detailed session management options

  • Secure token storage and handling

  • Strong compliance and infrastructure support

Both Supabase and Firebase make it easy to add secure user authentication, even on the free tier. Developers should review their app’s needs and choose the platform that best matches their security requirements.

Real-Time Sync

Data Synchronization

Supabase and Firebase both deliver strong real-time capabilities, but they use different technologies to achieve real-time data synchronization. Firebase relies on a NoSQL cloud database, which supports seamless data updates across devices. This design helps Firebase achieve low latency, often under 100 milliseconds, and high throughput, handling up to 1,000 writes per second. Supabase uses PostgreSQL’s LISTEN/NOTIFY feature with websockets to provide real-time subscriptions. This approach results in moderate latency, usually between 100 and 200 milliseconds, and throughput up to 500 writes per second.

Firebase’s real-time databases are designed for instant data sync, making it easy for developers to build apps that update in real time. Supabase offers reliable real-time capabilities by leveraging PostgreSQL, which benefits projects that need structured data and relational queries.

Note: Teams should consider latency and throughput requirements when choosing between Supabase and Firebase for real-time applications.

Use Cases

Developers use real-time sync for many types of applications. Both Supabase and Firebase support real-time chat apps, allowing users to send and receive messages instantly. Firebase is often preferred for live collaboration tools, such as shared document editing, because of its high throughput and low latency. Supabase excels in building real-time analytics dashboards, where structured data updates dynamically as new information arrives.

Common use cases include:

1. Real-time chat applications for instant messaging.

2. Live collaboration tools for editing documents together.

3. Real-time analytics dashboards that display up-to-date metrics.

Supabase and Firebase both provide the tools needed for these scenarios, but the choice depends on the specific needs of each project. Firebase’s real-time databases work best for apps that require fast, frequent updates. Supabase suits projects that need relational data and advanced queries with real-time capabilities.

Serverless Functions

Backend Code

Supabase and Firebase both offer serverless functions, but they take different approaches to backend code. Firebase provides Cloud Functions, which let developers run backend code in response to events such as database changes or HTTP requests. These functions use JavaScript or TypeScript and scale automatically, making Firebase a strong backend-as-a-service choice for teams who want to avoid server management.

Supabase introduces Edge Functions, which run on Deno and V8 isolates. Developers can write these functions in TypeScript, and they deploy quickly. Edge Functions work well with PostgreSQL, giving SQL-savvy teams more flexibility. Supabase also integrates with external serverless frameworks, allowing developers to choose the best tools for their needs.

Here is a quick comparison:

Note: Firebase Cloud Functions scale automatically and handle high traffic, while Supabase relies on integration with existing solutions for scalability.

Integration

Integration options play a big role in developer productivity. Firebase offers a polished experience with Cloud Functions that connect tightly to Google Cloud services. This makes it easy to trigger backend code from database updates, authentication events, or HTTP requests. Supabase Edge Functions deploy fast and appeal to developers who prefer SQL workflows. These functions also support integration with other backend-as-a-service tools, giving teams more choices.

• Firebase Cloud Functions work well for projects that need quick deployment and seamless integration with Google Cloud.

• Supabase Edge Functions benefit developers who want flexibility and strong integration with SQL databases.

Both platforms help teams build scalable, event-driven applications. The right choice depends on the preferred language, integration needs, and cost structure.

AI/ML Support

Built-in Features

Firebase offers a strong set of built-in AI and machine learning tools. Developers can use Firebase’s Genkit to add generative AI features directly into their apps. Genkit helps teams build chatbots, recommendation engines, and content generators without needing deep machine learning knowledge. Firebase also connects with Google Cloud AI services, making it easy to add image recognition, translation, and natural language processing. These features work out of the box and save time for teams who want to launch AI-powered experiences quickly.

Supabase does not include built-in AI or ML tools in the same way. Instead, Supabase focuses on providing a flexible SQL database and real-time features. Developers who want to add AI features to Supabase projects often use third-party tools or open-source models. Supabase supports vector embeddings, which help store and search data for AI use cases, but it does not offer a native AI toolkit like Firebase.

Teams who want ready-to-use AI features often choose Firebase. Supabase appeals to those who prefer flexibility and custom AI solutions.

Third-Party Integration

Supabase and Firebase both support third-party AI and ML integrations, but they do so in different ways. Supabase stands out for its vector embeddings feature, which allows developers to connect machine learning models and manage vector data efficiently. Many companies use Supabase for AI-driven applications:

• Quivr launched thousands of vector databases on Supabase, showing its ability to scale for AI projects.

• Berri AI uses Supabase Vector to improve productivity in AI development.

• Markprompt and Supabase work together to create GDPR-compliant AI chatbots for documentation and websites.

• Mendable relies on Supabase Vector for managing PostgreSQL vector embeddings.

• E2B leverages Supabase to speed up AI-powered development.

Firebase, while strong in built-in AI, also integrates with external AI services through Google Cloud. Developers can connect to advanced models and APIs for custom solutions. Both platforms allow teams to build AI features, but Supabase’s vector support attracts projects that need custom ML workflows and large-scale vector data management.

Supabase’s open approach and vector support make it a top choice for teams building custom AI solutions. Firebase’s built-in tools help teams launch AI features quickly and easily.

Cost and Pricing

Free Tier

Supabase and Firebase both offer a generous free tier, but their features and limits differ. Firebase provides 1 GB of database storage, which is double the 500 MB offered by Supabase. Firebase allows unlimited free projects, while Supabase supports up to three free projects. Supabase stands out by offering unlimited API calls, which benefits teams with high API usage. Firebase charges for database reads and writes, so projects with frequent data access may see higher costs. Firebase includes a daily transfer limit of 1 GB, making it suitable for storage-heavy apps. Supabase gives users 2 GB of transfer per month, which fits smaller workloads.

Developers should review their app’s expected usage to choose the most cost-effective free tier.

Key Free Tier Features:

• Supabase: 3 free projects, 500 MB storage, 10,000 users, unlimited API calls.

• Firebase: Unlimited free projects, 1 GB storage, 10,000 users, 20,000 writes/day, 50,000 reads/day.

Paid Plans

Both platforms offer paid plans that scale with project size. Supabase has four main pricing tiers: Free, Pro, Team, and Enterprise. The Pro plan starts at $25 per month and includes 8 GB disk size and 100,000 monthly active users. Firebase uses a usage-based pricing model, charging for additional reads, writes, and storage beyond the free tier. Medium and large projects must consider these costs, especially for authentication and storage.

Supabase’s pricing plans offer predictable costs, which helps teams budget for growth. Firebase’s pricing can increase quickly for apps with heavy database activity. Teams should compare the cost-effectiveness of each platform by estimating their expected usage. Supabase appeals to projects with high API demands and predictable costs. Firebase suits apps that need more free storage and unlimited free projects.

For small projects, Supabase’s free tier works well for limited storage and high API usage. Firebase’s free tier benefits apps with larger storage needs and frequent reads or writes. Medium and large projects should analyze pricing and costs for authentication, storage, and scalability.

Performance

Speed

Speed plays a major role in how users experience an app. Supabase and Firebase both deliver fast results, but they shine in different areas. Firebase stands out for simple reads and real-time updates. Many developers notice that Firebase handles instant data changes with very low latency. This makes Firebase a strong choice for chat apps, live feeds, and collaborative tools.

Supabase, on the other hand, excels when applications need complex queries. Its SQL database allows for advanced data searches and joins, which can be faster than NoSQL solutions for these tasks. Supabase also uses Edge Functions, which run close to the database. This setup reduces the time it takes for data to travel, helping to keep latency low.

Here is a quick comparison of speed features:

• Firebase provides superior speed for simple reads and real-time updates.

• Supabase performs better with complex queries due to SQL support.

• Both platforms launch apps at similar speeds, so users rarely notice a difference during startup.

• Supabase Edge Functions optimize for low latency by executing near the database.

Tip: Teams should match their app’s needs to the platform’s strengths. Choose Firebase for real-time sync and Supabase for advanced data queries.

Reliability

Reliability ensures users can trust an app to work every time. Firebase benefits from Google Cloud’s global infrastructure. This means high uptime and strong support for scaling across regions. Developers often choose Firebase for mission-critical apps that need to stay online without interruption.

Supabase relies on PostgreSQL, a proven database known for stability. The platform offers automatic backups and isolated instances for each project. This design helps protect data and keeps services running smoothly. Supabase’s open-source nature also allows teams to self-host if they want more control over reliability.

When comparing application performance, both platforms deliver dependable results. Firebase may edge ahead for apps that demand always-on real-time updates. Supabase provides strong reliability for projects that need structured data and advanced queries.

Scalability

Growth Handling

Supabase and Firebase approach scalability in different ways, which affects how teams build scalable applications. Firebase provides automatic scaling, making it easy for developers to handle rapid growth. The platform adjusts resources as traffic increases, so startups do not need to worry about server upgrades. This automatic scaling helps apps stay responsive during spikes in user activity.

Supabase offers more flexibility for teams who want control over their resources. Developers can adjust database size and server capacity based on predictable traffic patterns. This hands-on approach benefits projects that expect steady growth and want to optimize costs. Supabase can be more cost-effective for scalable applications, especially when self-hosted. Firebase’s usage-based pricing may lead to higher costs as the app grows, so teams should monitor expenses closely.

Tip: Firebase suits projects that need instant scaling and minimal management. Supabase appeals to developers who value flexibility and want to fine-tune their infrastructure.

• Firebase handles scaling automatically, reducing management tasks.

• Supabase allows manual adjustments, offering greater flexibility for resource allocation.

• Cost considerations differ, with Firebase potentially costing more at scale.

Multi-Region

Global performance matters for apps with users in different locations. Both Supabase and Firebase support multi-region deployment, but their features vary. The table below highlights key differences:

Firebase uses a global CDN and multi-region replication to deliver fast responses worldwide. This setup ensures low latency for users, no matter where they connect. Supabase integrates with CDNs for static assets and supports edge functions, which help run code closer to users. Developers can use horizontal read replicas in Supabase to improve read performance for scalable applications.

Teams should consider user location and latency needs when choosing a platform. Firebase’s global infrastructure suits apps with international audiences. Supabase offers flexibility for developers who want to optimize PostgreSQL performance and deploy edge functions.

Security

Data Protection

Supabase and Firebase both take data protection seriously. Each platform uses strong security features to keep user information safe and to meet important regulations. Developers often need to follow rules like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA, especially when handling personal or sensitive data. Both platforms help teams stay compliant by offering built-in tools and best practices.

The table below shows some of the main data protection measures found in Supabase and Firebase:

Supabase and Firebase both use server-side encryption to protect data at rest and in transit. They also support secure API routes, which help prevent unauthorized access. Type safety and bulk encryption operations add extra layers of protection, making sure data stays accurate and secure even as apps grow.

Note: Teams working in healthcare, finance, or education often choose platforms that offer strong compliance features.

Access Control

Managing who can see or change data is important for any app, especially for large teams or enterprise projects. Supabase and Firebase both support advanced access control systems. These systems help developers set rules for different users, such as admins, editors, or viewers.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a key feature for both platforms. RBAC lets teams assign roles and permissions to users, making it easier to manage complex projects. The table below highlights the benefits and uses of RBAC:

Supabase stands out with Row Level Security (RLS), which lets developers set detailed rules for who can access each row of data. Firebase uses security rules that control access at the database or document level. Both approaches help teams reduce errors and support compliance needs.

Teams should review their app’s needs and choose the platform that offers the right balance of flexibility and control for their users.

Community & Support

Documentation

Supabase and Firebase both provide strong documentation for developers. Firebase offers comprehensive documentation that covers every feature, from setup to advanced integrations. Google’s backing ensures that guides, tutorials, and troubleshooting resources stay current. Many developers find Firebase’s documentation easy to follow and full of practical examples.

Supabase, while newer, has made rapid progress in this area. Its documentation continues to expand, with clear guides for getting started and using advanced features. The Supabase team updates resources regularly, and the community often contributes new tutorials. Both platforms receive positive feedback from developers who value clear instructions and active support channels.

• Firebase’s documentation is extensive and updated frequently.

• Supabase’s guides are growing quickly and benefit from community contributions.

• Both platforms offer forums and support channels for troubleshooting.

Developers who want detailed, up-to-date resources will find both platforms helpful, but Firebase’s longer history gives it a slight edge in maturity.

Community Size

The size and activity of a platform’s community can make a big difference for developers. Firebase has a large, established community with many active users, contributors, and support channels. This means developers can find answers quickly and connect with others through forums, Stack Overflow, and Google groups.

Supabase’s community has grown rapidly in recent years. The platform now boasts over 25,000 GitHub stars and more than 271 contributors. Its Discord channel and GitHub forums see daily activity, and events like hackathons and online courses keep users engaged. Supabase also supports a dedicated group called Supasquad, which brings together maintainers and advocates.

• Supabase offers a vibrant Discord channel, GitHub forums, hackathons, and a swag program.

• Firebase’s community benefits from Google’s global reach and long-term support.

Both platforms provide strong support networks, but Firebase’s larger community may offer faster answers for common issues. Supabase’s rapid growth and active channels make it a strong choice for those who value open-source engagement.

Recommendations

Choose Supabase If…

Supabase stands out as a strong open source alternative for developers who want control and flexibility. Teams often select Supabase when they need a SQL database for structured data and advanced queries. Supabase provides solutions for projects that require custom authentication, Row Level Security, and fine-grained access control. Developers who value the ability to self-host or extend their backend find Supabase appealing.

Supabase works well for mvps and startups that want to launch quickly but expect to scale. Its transparent pricing considerations help teams plan budgets as their experience grows. Supabase supports solutions for real-time analytics dashboards, multiplayer games, and applications that need relational data. Many developers choose Supabase for its experience with integrating third-party machine learning models and managing vector embeddings.

Supabase delivers a fully-managed backend platform with instant APIs, real-time sync, and strong security features. Teams who want to build solutions with SQL, open source flexibility, and predictable costs often have a positive experience.

Ideal scenarios for Supabase:

• Applications needing structured, relational data and complex queries.

• Projects requiring advanced security solutions like Row Level Security.

• Teams seeking open source alternative solutions with customization options.

• Startups building mvps with predictable pricing considerations.

• Developers integrating third-party AI or ML models for unique experience.

Choose Firebase If…

Firebase offers a fully-managed backend platform that accelerates development for many teams. Developers often choose Firebase for solutions that need rapid prototyping and simple real-time experience. Firebase provides integrated tools for authentication, hosting, and analytics, making it easy to launch and scale applications.

Firebase excels in solutions that require built-in AI/ML support. Its Genkit and Vertex AI tools allow developers to add intelligent features, such as recommendation engines and content moderation, with minimal code. The platform’s experience with real-time sync and low latency makes it ideal for chat apps, live collaboration, and interactive dashboards.

Firebase’s ecosystem supports solutions for mobile and web apps that need fast setup and seamless integration. Many teams rely on Firebase for mvps and production apps because of its experience with automatic scaling and global infrastructure. Pricing considerations matter for apps with heavy database activity, but Firebase’s free tier benefits projects with larger storage needs.

Firebase provides a comprehensive experience for developers who want to build solutions quickly, integrate AI features, and scale with confidence.

Ideal scenarios for Firebase:

• Rapid prototyping and simple real-time experience.

• Applications needing built-in AI/ML solutions, such as Genkit and Vertex AI.

• Teams wanting a fully-managed backend platform with seamless integration.

• Projects focused on mobile and web experience with fast time-to-market.

• Solutions that benefit from automatic scaling and global reach.

Choosing between Supabase and Firebase depends on project goals, team skills, and preferred development experience. The table below highlights important factors for decision-making:

• Supabase suits teams needing SQL databases and customization.

• Firebase works well for simplicity and real-time capabilities.

• The best choice depends on project requirements and team expertise.

Readers can try free tiers or review documentation to explore each platform further.

Recommended reading

• SQL Optimization Course
• SQL optimization knowledge
• Database industry knowledge

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