Supabase vs Firebase: Which is the Better Choice for Your AI Project?

As we dive into 2026, the landscape for building AI projects is more competitive than ever, and choosing the right backend can make or break your project. If you're an indie hacker or a solo founder, you might be torn between Supabase and Firebase. Both have their strengths, but which one is the better choice for your specific needs?

In this article, we’ll break down the key features, pricing, and limitations of both platforms, so you can make an informed decision. Let's get into the nitty-gritty of Supabase vs Firebase!

Overview of Supabase and Firebase

Supabase is an open-source Firebase alternative that provides a real-time database, authentication, and storage services. It’s built on PostgreSQL, which means you get the power of a relational database with a familiar interface.

Firebase, on the other hand, is Google's platform for mobile and web app development. It offers a suite of tools including a NoSQL database, real-time data synchronization, and robust hosting.

Comparison Table: Supabase vs Firebase

| Feature | Supabase | Firebase | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Database Type | PostgreSQL (SQL) | Firestore (NoSQL) | | Pricing | Free tier + $25/mo (paid plans) | Free tier + $24/mo (paid plans) | | Authentication | Built-in auth system | Google Auth + 10+ providers | | Real-time Capabilities | Yes (with PostgreSQL) | Yes (Firestore sync) | | Hosting | Yes (static and dynamic) | Yes (static hosting with Firebase Hosting) | | Best For | Relational data-heavy applications | Rapid prototyping and mobile apps | | Limitations | Less mature ecosystem | Vendor lock-in with NoSQL | | Our Take | We use Supabase for projects needing SQL features | We don’t use Firebase due to NoSQL limitations |

Feature-by-Feature Breakdown

1. Database Type: SQL vs NoSQL

Supabase uses PostgreSQL, which is a great fit for projects that require complex queries and relationships. If your AI project needs relational data structures, Supabase is the way to go.

Firebase uses Firestore, a NoSQL database, which is more flexible but can lead to challenges with complex transactions and data relationships. If your data is less structured, Firebase might be more convenient.

2. Pricing: What Will It Cost?

Both platforms offer free tiers, but costs can escalate quickly as you scale. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Supabase:

  • Free tier with basic features.
  • Paid plans start at $25/mo for additional database capacity and features.

• Firebase:

  • Free tier with generous limits.
  • Blaze plan starts at $24/mo but can get expensive as you scale due to pay-as-you-go for Firestore reads/writes.

3. Authentication: Who Can Access Your Data?

Supabase comes with built-in authentication, allowing you to easily set up user accounts and manage access. It supports a variety of providers out of the box.

Firebase provides Google authentication and supports multiple providers, but you’ll need to set it up through their console, which can be cumbersome.

4. Real-time Capabilities: Instant Updates

Both platforms offer real-time capabilities, but Supabase's real-time updates are tied to PostgreSQL, which can be advantageous for projects that require instant data consistency.

Firebase’s Firestore also supports real-time updates but may not handle complex relationships as elegantly as Supabase.

5. Hosting: Where Will Your App Live?

Both Supabase and Firebase offer hosting solutions, but Firebase is often preferred for static sites due to its tight integration with other Google services.

Supabase also supports hosting, but it’s still evolving and may not be as robust as Firebase's offering.

Choose X If... Decision Framework

• Choose Supabase if:

  • You need a relational database.
  • Your project requires complex queries and relationships.
  • You prefer open-source solutions.

• Choose Firebase if:

  • You need rapid prototyping for mobile apps.
  • Your data is less structured and can benefit from NoSQL.
  • You want seamless integration with Google services.

Conclusion: Start Here

In 2026, both Supabase and Firebase have matured significantly. If your AI project leans towards structured data and complex relationships, I recommend starting with Supabase. On the other hand, if you’re looking for rapid development and flexibility, Firebase might be your go-to solution.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific needs of your project. Take the time to assess your requirements and pick the platform that aligns best with your goals.

What We Actually Use

In our experience, we lean towards Supabase for projects that need SQL capabilities and complex queries, while we recommend Firebase for quick prototypes and simpler applications.