Supabase vs Firebase
Supabase is the open-source Firebase alternative built on PostgreSQL with native vector search via pgvector. Firebase offers a mature, fully managed NoSQL ecosystem with Firestore, Auth, and Cloud Functions. Supabase wins on SQL power, open-source flexibility, and AI/vector capabilities; Firebase excels in real-time sync, mobile SDKs, and Google Cloud integration.
Supabase Vector
pgvector on Supabase — vectors in your Postgres
PostgreSQL / pgvectorApache-2.0 (Supabase)traditional
Key Features
- pgvector integration
- SQL-native vector queries
- Supabase Auth & RLS
- Edge Functions support
- Realtime subscriptions
- Dashboard & client libraries
Pricing
Free$0
Pro$25/mo
Team$599/mo
EnterpriseCustom
Use Cases
Full-stack AI appsStartup MVPs with vectorsAuthenticated RAGRapid prototyping
F
Firebase
Google's app development platform with Firestore, Auth, and Cloud Functions
Multi-languageProprietarycloud
Key Features
- Firestore real-time NoSQL database
- Firebase Authentication
- Cloud Functions (serverless)
- Firebase Hosting
- Cloud Messaging (push notifications)
- Crashlytics and Analytics
- Remote Config and A/B Testing
Pricing
Spark (Free)Free
Blaze (Pay-as-you-go)Pay per use
Use Cases
Mobile appsReal-time syncServerless backendsPush notifications
Verdict
Supabase for SQL-first apps, open-source control, and vector/AI features. Firebase for real-time mobile apps and tight Google Cloud integration.
Choose Supabase Vector if you need:
- ✓pgvector integration
- ✓SQL-native vector queries
- ✓Supabase Auth & RLS
Choose Firebase if you need:
- ✓Serverless scaling and managed operations
- ✓Firestore real-time NoSQL database
- ✓Firebase Authentication
- ✓Cloud Functions (serverless)