Firebase
Reviewed by Alexis Morain · Updated July 27, 2026
Firebase is Google's app development platform: real-time database, authentication, hosting, functions. Free Spark plan, then usage-based.
A very practical app development platform well integrated with Google, ideal for MVPs and mobile, at the price of proprietary lock-in.
- Complete serverless back-end
- Generous free plan
- Proprietary NoSQL database
Firebase is Google's app development platform, very popular for mobile and web apps. It provides a set of managed services: real-time database (Firestore), authentication, hosting, serverless functions, notifications and analytics, to build a back-end without managing a server.
What is Firebase used for?
Firebase is used to quickly develop an app without a back-end to maintain: real-time synced data storage, user management, notification sending, web hosting and event-triggered functions. Its integration with the Google ecosystem and its simplicity make it a common choice for MVPs and mobile apps.
Firebase or Supabase?
Against Supabase, Firebase is more integrated with Google but proprietary and built on a NoSQL database, where Supabase bets on PostgreSQL and open source. The choice depends on the data model (NoSQL vs relational SQL) and the desire to avoid proprietary lock-in.
How much does Firebase cost?
The Spark plan is free, with generous quotas (Firestore, authentication up to 50,000 active users, hosting). The Blaze plan is usage-based: it includes the same free quotas, then bills beyond them. New accounts get $300 of credit shared with Google Cloud.
Pros & Cons
- Complete serverless back-end
- Generous free plan
- Google and mobile integration
- Native real-time
- Proprietary NoSQL database
- Lock-in on the Google ecosystem
- Usage cost hard to anticipate
Key features of Firebase
Firestore
Real-time NoSQL database
Authentication
User and login management
Hosting and functions
Web hosting and serverless
Notifications
Cloud Messaging to mobile and web
Firebase pricing
Free plan / trial
Free Spark plan: Firestore, authentication 50,000 active users, hosting.
Spark
No payment method · Firestore and authentication · 50,000 active users
Free
Blaze
Free quotas included · Usage billing · $300 free credit
Usage-based beyond free quotas
Pricing verified on July 14, 2026
Try FirebaseWho is Firebase for?
Best for
- Mobile apps and MVPs
- Developers in the Google ecosystem
- Real-time projects
Not recommended for
- Standard relational SQL needs
- Projects wanting to avoid lock-in
Want to try Firebase?
Head to the official site and the current offer.
Frequently asked questions about Firebase
Is Firebase free?▼
Firebase or Supabase?▼
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