Supabase vs Firebase: which BaaS wins in 2026?
Supabase wins on Postgres SQL + open-source self-host + flat pricing. Firebase wins on real-time sync + mobile SDKs + Google ecosystem. Pick Supabase for relational + open infra, Firebase for mobile + Google Cloud stacks.
At a glance
| Dimension | Supabase | Firebase |
|---|---|---|
| Database | Postgres (SQL)WIN | Firestore (NoSQL) + Realtime DB |
| Open source | Yes (Apache 2.0)WIN | No (proprietary) |
| Self-host | Yes (Docker / k8s)WIN | No |
| Auth | Email, OAuth, SSO, MFA, anonymous | Email, OAuth, phone, anonymous |
| Real-time | Postgres CDC + Realtime channels | Best-in-class real-time syncWIN |
| Storage | S3-compatible + image transformations | Cloud Storage + Image |
| Edge functions | Deno-based, 30+ regions | Cloud Functions (Node, Python, Go)WIN |
| Vector search | pgvector built-inWIN | Vector Search (Vertex AI integration) |
| Pricing | Flat tier-based, predictableWIN | Pay-per-use, can spike |
| Mobile SDKs | JS, Swift, Kotlin, Flutter | JS, Swift, Kotlin, Flutter, Unity, C++WIN |
| Best for | Relational data, open infra, AI/RAG with pgvector | Mobile apps, real-time sync, Google Cloud stacks |
Verdict
Supabase is the right pick for projects with relational data, AI / RAG needs (pgvector built-in), open-source preference, and predictable flat pricing. Firebase is the right pick for mobile-heavy apps where Firestore's real-time sync, broad mobile SDK support (incl. Unity / C++), and Google Cloud integration matter. The split is roughly: Supabase for web + AI, Firebase for mobile + games.
When to pick which
Pick Supabase
Relational data, AI / RAG, open-source, self-host, predictable pricing.
Pick Firebase
Mobile apps, real-time sync, broad SDK coverage, Google Cloud stacks.
FAQ
Supabase or Firebase for mobile?
Firebase — broader mobile SDKs (Unity, C++) and unmatched real-time sync.
Supabase or Firebase for AI/RAG?
Supabase — pgvector built into Postgres makes RAG trivial.
Which is cheaper at scale?
Supabase — flat tier pricing is predictable; Firebase can spike unexpectedly on usage-based billing.
Last updated: 2026-06-01.