Compare / Supabase vs Firebase
// head-to-head · checked Oct 16, 2026Supabase vs Firebase
The two most common backends for AI-built apps. Supabase is a Postgres development platform (database, auth, instant APIs, realtime, functions, storage, vector). Firebase is Google's app platform with Firestore, Realtime Database, Authentication, Cloud Functions, Hosting and SQL Connect.
Side-by-side
| Supabase | Firebase | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Build production-grade applications with a Postgres database, Authentication, instant APIs, Realtime, Functions, Storage and Vector embeddings. | Google’s mobile and web app development platform that helps developers build apps and games users love. |
| Category | Backend & database | Backend & database |
| Our rating (preliminary) | ★ 4.7 / 5 | ★ 4.3 / 5 |
| Pricing model | Freemium · from $25/mo | Freemium · Pay as you go |
| Pricing details | Free plan; Pro from $25/mo; Team from $599/mo. | No-cost tier; pay-as-you-go plan for higher usage. |
| Best for | Vibe coder, Builder | Vibe coder, Builder |
| Ranked in | Backend & database | Backend & database · Deploying & hosting |
| Core database | Postgres | Firestore (NoSQL document DB) and Realtime Database; SQL Connect for SQL |
| Free tier | Free plan | No-cost usage tier |
| Paid | Pro from $25/mo (first project included) | Pay-as-you-go beyond no-cost limits |
| AI builder support | Widely used as the backend for AI app builders | Strong mobile SDKs; Google ecosystem |
| Open source | Open-source platform | Proprietary Google service |
Pros & cons
Supabase
- + Default backend for many AI app builders
- + Real Postgres + auth + storage
- + MCP server for coding agents
- − Free projects pause when inactive
- − Postgres knowledge helps as you scale
Firebase
- + Auth, database, hosting and functions in one
- + Great mobile SDKs
- − NoSQL data modeling can be tricky
- − Pricing complexity at scale
Which should you choose?
Choose Supabase if…
- You want SQL/Postgres and relational data
- You use an AI app builder that integrates Supabase
- You want predictable monthly pricing
Choose Firebase if…
- You're building mobile apps and want Google's SDKs
- You want pay-as-you-go from zero
- You're already in Google Cloud
Our verdict
For most vibe coders, Supabase is the default: real Postgres, good auth and the most AI-builder integrations. Choose Firebase for mobile-first apps or if you're committed to Google's ecosystem.
FAQ
Is Supabase free?
Supabase has a free plan; Pro starts at $25/month.
Sources (checked Oct 16, 2026): supabase.com/pricing · supabase.com · firebase.google.com/pricing · firebase.google.com. Pricing changes often — confirm on the vendor's site. Ratings are preliminary editorial opinions; how we rate.