Backend-as-a-Service lets frontend developers skip server setup. But which one?
Core Comparison
| Dimension | Supabase | Firebase |
|---|---|---|
| Database | PostgreSQL (relational) | Firestore (document NoSQL) |
| Open Source | Yes (self-hostable) | No |
| Real-time | PostgreSQL change subscriptions | Native real-time sync |
| Auth | Built-in (email/social/SAML) | Built-in (email/social/phone) |
| File Storage | S3-compatible | Cloud Storage |
| Edge Functions | Deno Edge Functions | Cloud Functions |
| Free Tier | More generous | Pay-as-you-go |
| SQL Support | Full SQL | None (NoSQL queries) |
| Vendor Lock-in | Low (PostgreSQL portable) | High (Firestore proprietary) |
Decision Guide
Choose Supabase when:
- You need relational data with complex queries
- You have SQL experience
- Vendor lock-in concerns you
- You might self-host later
Choose Firebase when:
- You need strong real-time sync (chat, collaboration)
- Mobile-first development
- Deep Google ecosystem integration
- Rapid prototyping is the priority
Our Practice
For client MVPs, we increasingly use Supabase. PostgreSQL's flexibility exceeds Firestore, and migration to a custom backend later costs very little. Firebase we use mainly for mobile projects needing real-time chat or push notifications.
The key insight: start with BaaS for speed, migrate to custom when you outgrow it. Both Supabase and Firebase make this transition manageable.
Small team, big output. iDev builds web apps, AI solutions and custom systems with startup speed and enterprise quality. Based in Malaysia, serving Southeast Asia. Free consultation.
