Firebase vs. Appwrite vs. Supabase

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced development world, choosing the right backend platform can define your project’s success. Firebase, Appwrite, and Supabase are three popular Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) platforms, but each brings something unique to the table.

Whether you’re building a prototype, scaling a startup, or managing projects for multiple clients, the right backend makes all the difference. At Panara Studio, we’ve been using Firebase and Appwrite as our go-to choices for years. In this post, we’ll compare these platforms alongside Supabase to help you decide which one best suits your needs.

Let’s dive into the details!

Quick Overview of the Platforms

Firebase

Firebase, developed by Google, is a fully managed, proprietary BaaS platform. It’s well-known for its real-time database, authentication, and deep integration with the Google Cloud ecosystem. However, Firebase’s reliance on proprietary technology and escalating costs as your app scales can be challenging for some developers.

Appwrite

Appwrite is an open-source backend built with developers in mind. It provides a self-hosted or managed solution, offering flexibility, security, and cost predictability. With REST and GraphQL APIs, Appwrite makes backend management simple and efficient.

Supabase

Supabase is an open-source alternative to Firebase, powered by PostgreSQL. It offers a relational database, real-time subscriptions, and a range of developer-friendly tools. Supabase is an excellent choice for projects needing SQL-based data handling.

Feature Comparison

Here’s a detailed look at how these platforms stack up:

<table coming soon>

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose Firebase If:

• You need rapid development with minimal backend setup.

• Your app is heavily integrated into the Google ecosystem.

• You’re okay with proprietary technology and potential scaling costs.

Choose Appwrite If:

• Data privacy and ownership are a priority for your projects.

• You want the flexibility of self-hosting or managed hosting.

• You prefer a fully open-source backend with predictable costs.

• You’re using Flutter, React Native, or similar modern frameworks.

Choose Supabase If:

• Your project requires a relational database with SQL capabilities.

• You’re familiar with PostgreSQL or need advanced SQL querying.

• You want real-time capabilities alongside a relational model.

Why We Use Appwrite and Firebase

At Panara Studio, we’ve chosen Firebase and Appwrite as our go-to backend solutions. Here’s why:

• Firebase helps us build quick prototypes and applications that need Google’s rich ecosystem, like analytics and push notifications. Its managed hosting and real-time capabilities make it ideal for smaller projects.

• Appwrite, on the other hand, offers unmatched control and flexibility. Its open-source nature and self-hosting option make it a perfect choice for privacy-conscious clients and scalable, cost-effective projects.

Combining these platforms allows us to pick the best tool for each project, ensuring we deliver high-quality apps tailored to our clients' needs.