# Supabase vs Firebase: which BaaS wins in 2026?

**Source:** https://promtable.com/compare/supabase-vs-firebase

> 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.

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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)** ✓ | Firestore (NoSQL) + Realtime DB |
| Open source | **Yes (Apache 2.0)** ✓ | No (proprietary) |
| Self-host | **Yes (Docker / k8s)** ✓ | No |
| Auth | Email, OAuth, SSO, MFA, anonymous | Email, OAuth, phone, anonymous |
| Real-time | Postgres CDC + Realtime channels | **Best-in-class real-time sync** ✓ |
| Storage | S3-compatible + image transformations | Cloud Storage + Image |
| Edge functions | Deno-based, 30+ regions | **Cloud Functions (Node, Python, Go)** ✓ |
| Vector search | **pgvector built-in** ✓ | Vector Search (Vertex AI integration) |
| Pricing | **Flat tier-based, predictable** ✓ | Pay-per-use, can spike |
| Mobile SDKs | JS, Swift, Kotlin, Flutter | **JS, Swift, Kotlin, Flutter, Unity, C++** ✓ |
| 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

- **Supabase** — Relational data, AI / RAG, open-source, self-host, predictable pricing.
- **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.

## Related

- [/alternatives/supabase](https://promtable.com/alternatives/supabase)
- [/compare/neon-vs-supabase](https://promtable.com/compare/neon-vs-supabase)
- [/compare/convex-vs-supabase](https://promtable.com/compare/convex-vs-supabase)
- [/glossary/row-level-security](https://promtable.com/glossary/row-level-security)

*Last updated: 2026-06-01*
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Original page: https://promtable.com/compare/supabase-vs-firebase
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