Supabase
PostgreSQL is the central reason to pick Supabase over Firebase for applications with closely related data. SQL joins, explicit schemas, and migrations suit SaaS products managing users, subscriptions, projects, and usage records without adapting those relationships to Firestore’s document model.
Supabase combines that database foundation with authentication, storage, real-time services, and edge functions, preserving much of Firebase’s backend convenience. Row-level security keeps access policies close to the data, offering a different approach from Firebase Security Rules. Its dashboard and local development stack help small teams manage these services without building every component themselves.
Standard PostgreSQL schemas and exports make the database layer more portable, although moving authentication and edge functions still requires separate work. The main trade-offs are learning SQL and row-level security, plus evaluating function latency and usage costs. Supabase is particularly compelling when relational flexibility and database ownership matter more than staying within Firebase’s ecosystem.
Best for
Best for small SaaS teams that want relational data, SQL control, and managed backend services.
Standout features
- ✓PostgreSQL database with SQL joins
- ✓Database-level row-level security policies
- ✓Integrated authentication, storage, and real-time services
- ✓Local development stack and database migrations
- ✓Portable PostgreSQL schemas and exports
