Supabase vs Firebase

Flutter has made it easier than ever to build apps that work on both Android and iOS from a single codebase. But to make your app fully functional, you need a backend—a system that handles data storage, user authentication, and more. Two popular backend options are Firebase and Supabase.

As we move into 2025, choosing the right backend is crucial for your app's success. Both Firebase and Supabase offer real-time capabilities, scalability, and developer-friendly features. However, they have different strengths and may suit different project needs.

Let's explore these platforms in detail to help you decide which one aligns best with your Flutter app requirements.

1. Overview of Supabase and Firebase

Firebase

Developed by Google, Firebase is a Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform.

Offers a suite of tools including:

Firestore: A NoSQL database.
Firebase Authentication: Handles user sign-in and sign-up.
Realtime Database: Provides real-time data syncing.

Firebase Hosting: Hosts your web apps.

Cloud Functions: Runs backend code in response to events.

Supabase

Open-source alternative to Firebase, built on PostgreSQL, a powerful SQL database.

Provides features like:

Supabase Auth: Manages user authentication.
Realtime: Enables real-time data syncing.
Storage: Handles file storage.

Edge Functions: Runs server-side logic close to users.

2. Real-Time Features

Firebase:

Realtime Database and Cloud Firestore support instant data syncing across clients.
Ideal for applications like chat apps, live dashboards, and collaborative tools.
Strong integration with Flutter through Firebase SDKs.

Supabase:

Utilizes PostgreSQL’s real-time replication feature.
Supports listening to table changes via WebSockets.
While still maturing, it's rapidly improving with community support.

Verdict: Firebase has a slight edge in real-time capabilities, but Supabase is catching up quickly.

3. Authentication and Security

Firebase:

Offers easy-to-integrate authentication using:

- Email/password.
- Phone numbers.

- Social providers like Google and Facebook.

Comes with built-in security rules to protect data.

Supabase:

Supports multiple authentication providers.
Built on JWT (JSON Web Tokens) with Row Level Security (RLS), allowing fine-grained access control.

Verdict: Supabase provides more control with SQL-level security, while Firebase is more straightforward for beginners.

4. Database Structure and Flexibility

Firebase:

Firestore is a NoSQL database:

- Great for flexible schemas and rapid development.
- However, handling complex queries and relational data can be a challenging task.

Supabase:

Built on PostgreSQL, a SQL database:

- Ideal for structured, relational data.
- Supports complex queries and joins.
- Allows writing raw SQL queries or using their API.

Verdict: Supabase is better suited for applications requiring structured, relational data. Firebase excels in scenarios needing flexible, unstructured data.

5. Pricing (2025)

Firebase:

Offers a generous free tier.
Costs can increase with usage, especially with Firestore reads and Cloud Functions.

Supabase:

Transparent pricing model.
Generous free tier and more affordable scaling options.
Option to self-host, which can be cost-effective for enterprises.

Verdict: Supabase offers more pricing flexibility, which is especially beneficial for startups and scaling businesses.

6. Flutter Integration

Firebase:

Mature and official Flutter support with FlutterFire plugins.
Extensive documentation and community support.

Supabase:

Official Dart client that's actively developed.
Integration with Flutter is straightforward and improving rapidly.

Verdict: Firebase has been around longer with more mature Flutter support, but Supabase is quickly becoming a strong contender.

7. Community & Ecosystem

Firebase:

Backed by Google with a large and active community.
Extensive resources, tutorials, and third-party integrations.

Supabase:

Open-source with a growing community.
Encourages extensibility and customization.

Verdict: Firebase has a more established ecosystem, but Supabase's open-source nature offers greater flexibility and community-driven growth.

Conclusion: What to Pick in 2025?

Final Thought

In 2025, both Firebase and Supabase are excellent backend choices for Flutter developers. Your decision should be based on your specific project needs:

Choose Firebase if you need a quick setup, real-time capabilities, and a robust ecosystem with extensive support.

Opt for Supabase if you prefer SQL databases, need complex querying, and value open-source flexibility.

At Sparkle Web, we have successfully built scalable Flutter apps using both Firebase and Supabase. We guide our clients based on their unique requirements and budget, ensuring the best fit for their projects. Contact us!

Contact Us : +91 90331 80795

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