Supabase vs Firebase: Which BaaS?
Supabase is an open-source backend built on Postgres with SQL and a relational model; Firebase is Google's real-time NoSQL platform with deep mobile tooling.
Supabase gives you a full Postgres database with SQL, row-level security, auth, storage, and realtime, appealing to teams who want relational data and open-source portability. Firebase offers Firestore (NoSQL), real-time sync, auth, hosting, and rich mobile SDKs, tightly tied to Google Cloud and excellent for rapid mobile apps. Supabase favors SQL and openness; Firebase favors NoSQL realtime and mobile.
| Supabase | Firebase | |
|---|---|---|
| Database | Postgres (SQL) | Firestore (NoSQL) |
| Model | Relational | Document, realtime |
| Openness | Open source, portable | Proprietary (Google) |
| Mobile SDKs | Good | Excellent |
| Best for | SQL apps, portability | Realtime/mobile apps |
Use case and lock-in
Supabase suits teams wanting relational SQL, row-level security, and the ability to self-host or migrate Postgres, with auth and realtime included. Firebase suits real-time mobile and web apps wanting fast setup, offline sync, and mature SDKs, accepting Google lock-in and NoSQL modeling. Data shape and portability needs usually decide.
In CI and deploy
Both deploy via CLI and integrate migrations/functions into CI (Supabase migrations, Firebase deploy). Either deploys from managed runners, where faster runners shorten migration and function deploy steps.
The verdict
Want relational SQL, row-level security, and open-source portability: Supabase. Want real-time NoSQL sync and best-in-class mobile SDKs: Firebase. Supabase appeals to SQL-first, portability-minded teams; Firebase to realtime mobile apps on Google Cloud.