Open-source Postgres vs Google's NoSQL empire. Two very different philosophies for your backend.
If you care about owning your data, using real SQL, and avoiding vendor lock-in, Supabase wins. Firebase is still unbeatable for quick prototypes and real-time apps where speed-to-market trumps everything.
Open-source Firebase alternative built on Postgres
Google's app development platform with real-time database
| Feature | Supabase | Firebase |
|---|---|---|
| Database | PostgreSQL (relational) | Firestore (NoSQL document) |
| Query Language | SQL, full power | SDK-based queries |
| Open Source | Yes, self-hostable | No. Google proprietary |
| Real-time | Real-time subscriptions | Excellent, industry-leading |
| Authentication | Built-in, extensible | Firebase Auth, very mature |
| Storage | S3-compatible storage | Cloud Storage |
| Edge Functions | Deno-based | Cloud Functions |
| Vendor Lock-in | Minimal, standard Postgres | High. Google ecosystem |
| Data Export | pg_dump anytime | Complex migration path |
| Ecosystem | Growing fast | Massive, mature |
For new projects in 2026, Supabase is the better default choice. You get a real Postgres database you can query with SQL, take anywhere, and actually own. Firebase's real-time capabilities are still unmatched for specific use cases (chat, live collaboration), but the lock-in tax you pay later makes Supabase the safer long-term bet.
Yes. Supabase has matured significantly and is now production-ready for most use cases. It offers a real PostgreSQL database, built-in auth, storage, and edge functions. The main advantage over Firebase is data ownership: you can export your Postgres database at any time, and even self-host if needed.
Supabase has a generous free tier that includes a 500MB Postgres database, 1GB file storage, 50,000 monthly active users for auth, and 500MB bandwidth. It's enough to build and launch a real product. The Pro plan starts at $25/month when you need more capacity.
Yes, but it requires effort. Supabase provides migration guides and tools for moving from Firestore to Postgres. The main challenge is restructuring NoSQL document data into relational tables. Auth migration is also supported. Plan for 1-2 weeks depending on complexity.
Firebase still leads for real-time. Its real-time database and Firestore listeners are battle-tested at massive scale (think Google-level). Supabase has real-time subscriptions via PostgreSQL's LISTEN/NOTIFY, which works well but isn't as mature for high-frequency updates like live chat or multiplayer games.
Supabase, typically. Firebase's pay-per-operation model can lead to surprise bills, especially with Firestore reads. Supabase's flat $25/mo Pro plan is predictable. However, Firebase's free tier handles more edge cases out of the box (analytics, crash reporting, push notifications).
Tell us what you are building and we will pick the right tool for you. Or if you are ready to switch, we can help you move without breaking things.
Free. No signup required.
Want someone to choose for you?
Get a Decision Memo (£29) →Personalised recommendation with rationale, based on your use case.
