Supabase vs Firebase (2026): SQL or NoSQL?

Creating a modern tech stack requires choosing the right tools. In this guide, we compare Supabase and Firebase to help you decide.

Quick Verdict

If you want Full PostgreSQL with Row Level Security — real database, not NoSQL, go with Supabase. If you need Real-time sync, choose Firebase.

At a Glance

| Feature | Supabase | Firebase | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------------- | | Pricing | Free Tier | Free Tier | | Best For | Full PostgreSQL with Row Level Security — real database, not NoSQL | Real-time sync | | Rating | 4.8/5 | 4.5/5 |

Supabase vs Firebase: Deep Dive

Supabase

Supabase has emerged as the leading open-source Firebase alternative. The PostgreSQL foundation means you never outgrow your database. Real-time subscriptions, auth, edge functions, and storage in one platform — with the ability to self-host if needed. The free tier (500MB database, 1GB storage) is genuinely usable for MVPs.

Pros:

• Full PostgreSQL with Row Level Security — real database, not NoSQL
• Free tier is incredibly generous (500MB DB, 50K MAU auth)
• Built-in auth, storage, and edge functions — full backend in one
• Open source — can self-host to avoid vendor lock-in
• Dashboard with SQL editor is developer-friendly

Cons:

• Free tier pauses after 7 days of inactivity (can lose data if not careful)
• Limited to 2 free projects (need Pro for more)
• Edge Functions are Deno-based (not Node.js — learning curve)
• Pro plan jumps from $0 to $25/mo with no middle tier
• Some features (Branching, Log Explorer) are Pro-only

Firebase

Great for MVPs, but NoSQL structure forces data duplication. Hard to scale complex data.

Pros:

• Real-time sync
• Easy Auth
• Google Cloud integration

Cons:

• NoSQL limits complex queries
• Vendor lock-in
• Scale costs

Pricing Comparison

Supabase: 500MB database. 1GB file storage. 50K monthly active users (auth). 500K edge function invocations. 2 projects.. Firebase: 1GB stored, 10GB transfer.

Conclusion

Choose Supabase if:

• You need Full PostgreSQL with Row Level Security — real database, not NoSQL
• You prefer modern tools

Choose Firebase if:

• You need Real-time sync
• You prefer flexibility