Real-Time Collaboration Tools: Supabase vs. Firebase

When creating real-time collaboration tools like chat apps or document editors, choosing the right backend is critical. Firebase and Supabase are two popular options, each with unique strengths.

Key Takeaways:

• Firebase: Best for quick prototyping, simple data models, and seamless integration with Google Cloud. It uses NoSQL databases (Firestore and Realtime Database) for fast updates and offline support.
• Supabase: Ideal for projects requiring complex data relationships and SQL-based queries. Built on PostgreSQL, it offers robust real-time capabilities and open-source flexibility.

Quick Comparison:

Feature	Firebase (Firestore/Realtime DB)	Supabase (PostgreSQL)
Database Type	NoSQL (Document-based)	Relational (SQL-based)
Real-Time Updates	Event Listeners	PostgreSQL Streaming
Concurrent Users	Up to 1M	Up to 10,000
Query Complexity	Limited	Full SQL Support
Offline Support	Yes	Limited
Scaling	Auto-scaling (Firestore)	Manual configuration
Pricing	Pay-as-you-go	Transparent tiers/self-hosting

Bottom Line:

• Choose Firebase if you want rapid development and prioritize simplicity and Google integration.
• Choose Supabase if you need SQL flexibility, open-source control, and powerful relational features.

Read on for a detailed breakdown of performance, scaling, and developer experience.

Supabase VS Firebase - Epic battle between the two by Poom Wettayakorn, Tobias Meixner

Database Architecture: How Supabase and Firebase Handle Data

The way these platforms structure and manage data plays a crucial role in how they deliver real-time collaboration features. Firebase and Supabase take distinctly different paths - one relies on flexible, document-based storage, while the other is rooted in structured, relational databases.

Firebase: NoSQL Document Database with Event Listeners

Firebase operates on a NoSQL document-based model, organizing data into collections and storing it as documents within those collections. This design is what enables Firebase to power real-time updates in applications.

Firebase offers two main databases: Realtime Database, which handles simple JSON data, and Cloud Firestore, which supports structured collections. For more complex data and scalability, Firestore is the go-to choice.

Real-time updates in Firebase are driven by event listeners. These listeners allow your application to subscribe to specific data channels and receive updates automatically whenever changes occur. What’s more, this happens without needing an application server - clients can connect directly via mobile devices or web browsers.

Of course, there are limitations. For example, the Realtime Database supports up to 200,000 concurrent WebSocket connections, while Cloud Firestore can scale up to roughly 1 million concurrent connections. If you exceed these limits, database sharding becomes necessary.

"Firebase's realtime database is a very powerful tool for a limited scope." - Peter de Croos, Fullstack software engineer

While Firebase's document-based model is great for rapid updates and simple data operations, it struggles with complex queries or handling relational data. It’s best suited for applications that prioritize real-time collaboration over intricate data relationships.

Supabase: PostgreSQL with Real-Time Data Streaming

Supabase takes a completely different route, building on PostgreSQL, a well-established relational database system. This SQL-first approach combines robust relational modeling with real-time data updates.

Supabase achieves real-time functionality through PostgreSQL’s LISTEN/NOTIFY mechanism and logical replication. It enhances this with extensions like Broadcast, Presence, and Postgres Changes to handle real-time updates.

The platform uses Channels, similar to chatrooms, where clients can join and receive updates. It also supports multi-tenancy, meaning a single Realtime server can manage multiple independent databases.

In terms of capacity, Supabase supports up to 10,000 concurrent clients, with the ability to handle 2,500 channel joins and 2,500 messages per second. Additionally, it automatically generates REST and GraphQL APIs from your database schema, offering developers flexibility to create custom endpoints using Database Functions and Edge Functions. This relational setup not only supports complex queries but also ensures data consistency - critical for collaborative applications.

Performance testing highlights its efficiency: writing 31,666 rows of data to Supabase took just 10-15 seconds, while reading the same data took only 1.5 seconds. By contrast, reading 16,753 documents from Firebase took 28 seconds.

Database Architecture Comparison

The architectural differences between Firebase and Supabase significantly affect performance and query capabilities. Firebase’s document-based structure is optimized for simple operations and real-time synchronization, making it ideal for applications where instant updates across users are a priority. However, its query capabilities are limited compared to relational systems.

Supabase, on the other hand, offers ACID compliance and the full power of SQL, making it a better fit for projects that need complex queries and consistent data handling. Its SQL-based design is particularly appealing to developers already familiar with traditional relational databases.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to highlight the key differences:

Aspect	Firebase	Supabase
Database Type	NoSQL Document	PostgreSQL Relational
Real-time Method	Event Listeners	Logical Replication
Concurrent Connections	Up to 1M (Firestore)	Up to 10,000
Query Complexity	Limited	Full SQL Support
Data Consistency	Strong Consistency	ACID Compliance

Choosing between these two platforms often depends on your team’s expertise and the specific needs of your project. Firebase offers a tightly integrated system that’s easy to set up but can be harder to migrate away from. It excels in delivering seamless real-time updates. Supabase, by contrast, provides the flexibility of SQL and access to PostgreSQL tools, though it requires a deeper understanding of databases to unlock its full potential.

For example, companies like Quilia have seen impressive results with Supabase, cutting development time by 75% by leveraging its Data API. This shows how selecting the right database architecture can have a profound impact on both performance and development efficiency in real-time applications.

Real-Time Data Sync Performance

In real-time collaboration, speed is everything. Every millisecond counts when data needs to update instantly across users. Firebase and Supabase approach real-time synchronization in distinct ways, and their performance reflects these architectural differences. Here's a breakdown of how they compare in terms of synchronization speed and efficiency.

Firebase: Firestore Real-Time Updates

Firebase relies on WebSocket connections to deliver real-time updates, using event listeners to respond to document changes. One of its standout features is offline persistence, which locally caches data to keep your app responsive even during connectivity issues. Once the connection is restored, Firebase automatically syncs any missed updates.

Performance tests reveal that Firebase's Firestore has an average round-trip time (RTT) of approximately 1,500ms, while the Realtime Database averages around 600ms. By contrast, a basic WebSocket broadcast achieves an RTT of just 40ms.

"Firebase and Realtime DB are ~10-20x slower than a simple websocket broadcast!" – Daniel Schreiber

This difference becomes critical for applications that demand ultra-low latency, like real-time gaming or live collaborative tools where every keystroke matters.

Supabase: PostgreSQL Change Streaming

Supabase uses PostgreSQL replication with WebSocket streaming to handle row-level updates. This approach allows for impressive performance in high-demand scenarios.

Tests show that Supabase's Broadcast method can handle up to 224,000 messages per second with 32,000 concurrent users, achieving a median latency of 6ms and a 95th-percentile latency of 28ms. When using its database-driven method, Supabase recorded a median latency of 46ms while processing 10,000 messages per second for 80,000 concurrent users. Additionally, its realtime.broadcast_changes() function automatically sends notifications when records are created, updated, or deleted. However, the Postgres Changes feature processes updates on a single thread to preserve order, limiting throughput to 64 database changes per second with a 95th-percentile latency of 238ms.

Real-Time Performance Comparison

Benchmarks highlight Supabase's superior performance in handling real-time loads, particularly for applications requiring low latency and high throughput. Here's a side-by-side comparison:

Performance Metric	Firebase	Supabase
RTT (Firestore)	~1,500ms	6ms (median)
RTT (Realtime DB)	~600ms	28ms (95th percentile)
Max Concurrent Users	–	250,000+ (tested)
Message Throughput	–	800,000+ msgs/sec
Offline Support	Yes, with sync	Limited

Firebase shines with its seamless real-time updates and robust offline capabilities, making it a great choice for simple models and quick prototypes. However, its performance may lag when handling complex datasets or intricate queries. On the other hand, Supabase leverages PostgreSQL's power to deliver exceptional performance for large user loads and complex transactional workloads. If ultra-low latency and scalability are top priorities, Supabase is a strong contender.

Scaling for Multiple Users

Scaling for hundreds or thousands of users is a critical consideration when building applications. Both Firebase and Supabase provide distinct approaches to handling large user bases, each with its own strengths and limitations. Let’s examine how these platforms manage real-time scaling under heavy user loads.

Firebase: Auto-Scaling and Data Distribution

Firebase simplifies scaling by automatically distributing data across servers and adjusting resources as needed. It offers two database options, each with unique scaling capabilities:

• Firebase Realtime Database: This solution supports up to 200,000 concurrent connections and stores data in a single JSON tree. However, scaling beyond this limit requires manual database sharding - splitting data across multiple instances - which can be a complex and time-consuming task for developers. Additionally, write performance is capped at 1,000 writes per second.
• Cloud Firestore: Firestore offers more robust scaling, handling up to 1 million concurrent connections. It automatically adjusts to increased traffic and supports multi-region configurations for better performance and reliability. Firestore also scales horizontally as write demands grow, making it a more flexible option for high-traffic applications.

Firebase runs on Google Cloud Platform, ensuring built-in redundancy, automatic failover, and an impressive 99.95% uptime guarantee. For developers, this means minimal configuration and a system that adapts to rapid growth with ease.

Supabase: Connection Management and Scale Limits

Supabase takes a more hands-on approach to scaling, relying on connection pooling to manage and reuse database connections. However, the number of connections available depends on the hosting plan:

• The Medium plan ($50/month) allows for 50 direct connections and 150 pooler connections.
• The Enterprise 16XL plan ($3,720/month) increases these limits to 500 direct connections and 11,600 pooler connections.

For real-time features, Supabase supports up to 10,000 concurrent clients, with a capacity for 2,500 channel joins and 2,500 messages per second. Horizontal scaling is achieved through PostgreSQL’s built-in replication, while caching mechanisms enhance response times. Supabase guarantees 99.0% uptime and leverages a globally distributed cluster of real-time servers to maintain availability and fault tolerance.

Scaling Capabilities Comparison

Scaling Feature	Firebase	Supabase
Max Concurrent Connections	1M (Firestore) / 200K (Realtime DB)	10,000 concurrent clients
Scaling Method	Auto-scaling; sharding for Realtime DB	Connection pooling; PostgreSQL replication
Uptime Guarantee	99.95%	99.0%
Multi-Region Support	Yes (Firestore only)	Yes (native support)
Manual Configuration	Minimal	Moderate

Firebase’s automatic scaling, coupled with its enterprise-grade reliability through Google Cloud, makes it an excellent choice for applications that need to handle rapid and unpredictable growth.

On the other hand, Supabase provides more direct control over scaling, which can be beneficial for apps with predictable usage patterns or complex data relationships. While its connection pooling is efficient, scaling beyond the preset limits may require upgrading to higher-tier plans, adding a layer of cost consideration.

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Developer Setup and Implementation

When it comes to building real-time collaboration tools, the setup process on Firebase and Supabase plays a crucial role in determining how smoothly your project progresses. Firebase offers a streamlined approach with its SDKs and pre-built components, while Supabase stands out with its direct SQL access and flexible, auto-generated RESTful APIs built on PostgreSQL. These features tie back to the earlier discussion on performance and scalability.

Firebase: SDK Integration and Built-In Tools

Firebase makes integration straightforward with SDKs available for iOS, Android, and web platforms. It provides a suite of tools like Realtime Database, Cloud Firestore, Messaging, and Authentication, all equipped with pre-built event listeners and automatic data binding. Its user-friendly console allows developers to manage databases, monitor app performance, and set up security rules - all without needing to dive deeply into backend development. However, Firebase's serverless architecture does have its limits, particularly when it comes to backend customization.

Supabase: SQL Power and API Flexibility

Supabase takes a different approach, offering direct SQL access through RESTful APIs automatically generated by PostgREST based on your PostgreSQL schema. This setup gives developers greater control over data relationships and query complexity. While it does require SQL expertise, it enables the creation of custom functions, complex joins, and the implementation of business logic directly within the database. Supabase also integrates smoothly with existing SQL workflows, making it a strong choice for developers who prefer a more database-centric approach.

Development Experience Comparison

The choice between Firebase and Supabase often depends on the nature of your project. If you're aiming for rapid prototyping, Firebase's straightforward setup and pre-built features can save time. On the other hand, Supabase excels in handling complex data relationships, making it better suited for projects requiring a scalable and robust backend.

Support options also differ between the two platforms. Firebase offers help through Stack Overflow, Google Groups, and Slack with responses typically within 24 hours. Supabase, meanwhile, relies on GitHub issues, community discussions, and Discord. While Firebase's simplicity makes it ideal for developers with limited backend experience, its limitations may become apparent as your app grows. Supabase, with its SQL-first approach, might take longer to master but provides the tools needed to build scalable architectures for intricate projects.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Project

When deciding between Firebase and Supabase, the best choice depends on your project's specific needs, your team's expertise, and the complexity of your data. Each platform has its strengths, and the decision isn't about which is "better" but about which aligns more closely with your goals.

Firebase: Ideal for Quick Prototypes and Simple Data Structures

Firebase is a go-to option for teams looking to develop quickly. Its NoSQL database and pre-built tools make it easy to get a project off the ground without worrying about intricate database design. This makes Firebase a great fit for MVPs, basic collaborative apps, or projects with straightforward data needs. Startups and smaller teams often appreciate Firebase's all-in-one ecosystem, which minimizes the need for SQL knowledge and speeds up development.

Supabase: Best for Complex Data and Advanced Business Logic

Supabase stands out when your project requires handling complex data relationships or advanced querying. Built on PostgreSQL, it offers powerful query capabilities and ACID compliance - features that are critical for enterprise-level applications. Teams comfortable with SQL benefit from the control it provides over the database. If you're building a tool with detailed business logic - say, a multi-tenant app with granular permissions or a project management platform with in-depth reporting - Supabase's SQL-first approach can handle it. Its open-source nature allows for customization and self-hosting, while its transparent pricing and support for up to 10,000 concurrent clients make it a strong choice for data-heavy projects.

Comparing Project Requirements

Your choice often boils down to speed versus flexibility. Firebase is perfect for teams that need to prototype quickly and take advantage of Google services, though its simplicity may limit customization later. Supabase, on the other hand, is better suited for projects requiring complex data models and more control, even if it takes longer to set up initially.

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Project Factor	Firebase	Supabase
SQL Familiarity	Not required	Essential for advanced features
Data Complexity	Simple to moderate	Handles complex relationships
Development Speed	Fast prototyping	Slower initial setup
Customization	Limited by platform	Full PostgreSQL flexibility
Pricing	Can become costly at scale	Transparent and predictable

Professional Implementation with Propelius Technologies

Developing real-time collaboration tools demands precise planning, strong security measures, and scalability. With over a decade of experience working with startups and delivering more than 100 successful projects, Propelius Technologies specializes in guiding businesses through these intricate decisions, ensuring production-ready applications. Below, we explore their 90-Day MVP Sprint and custom architecture planning, which showcase their ability to create secure, scalable real-time applications.

90-Day MVP Development for Real-Time Apps

The 90-Day MVP Sprint from Propelius Technologies combines rapid prototyping with a robust architecture to produce applications that are ready for real users from day one. This approach not only delivers results on a fixed timeline but also shares project risks with clients.

The process kicks off by identifying the problem and understanding the target audience. The team maps out specific user workflows - whether it’s document editing, team communication, or project management - and prioritizes features that offer immediate value. The first 30 days are dedicated to creating prototypes and wireframes, allowing visualization of the product and testing of user flows. During this phase, the team also determines the best backend strategy based on the project’s data complexity and scalability needs.

Development focuses on tools and technologies that allow rapid iteration while ensuring the application can scale effectively. Special attention is given to optimizing real-time performance. Propelius Technologies also emphasizes security from the outset, implementing features like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for admin access and safeguarding API keys with environment variables.

Their shared risk model reflects their commitment to meeting deadlines: for every week of delay, clients receive a 10% discount, capped at 50%. Continuous testing with target users and regular feedback loops ensure the final product aligns with real-world needs. By the end of the sprint, clients receive a fully functional MVP that addresses immediate user requirements and sets the stage for future growth.

Custom Architecture Planning and Implementation

For projects requiring more tailored solutions, Propelius Technologies offers custom architecture planning. This begins with a detailed analysis of your project’s specific needs, budget, and development goals. Depending on the requirements, the team selects the best tools for the job, such as Supabase for projects with complex data relationships or Firebase for those focusing on real-time synchronization and authentication.

When using Supabase, the team optimizes database performance by employing indexing for faster data retrieval and reducing unnecessary API calls. They also implement caching to alleviate database strain and ensure testing occurs in production-like environments. Given Supabase’s reliance on PostgreSQL, Propelius meticulously designs database schemas, relationships, and access rules before development begins.

For Firebase-based projects, Propelius leverages their expertise in Google’s ecosystem. They optimize Firestore’s real-time listeners and design efficient data structures for NoSQL databases. Security is a priority, with activity logs monitored for suspicious behavior, permissions regularly audited, and Row-Level Security (RLS) implemented to restrict data access.

Whether you choose their 90-Day MVP Sprint or a fully customized architecture plan, Propelius Technologies delivers real-time collaboration tools built with a focus on security, scalability, and performance. Their expertise ensures your application is not only ready for today’s needs but also prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

Summary: Firebase vs Supabase Decision Guide

When deciding between Firebase and Supabase, your choice should align with your project's specific needs, the complexity of your data structure, and your timeline for development. Each platform has strengths that cater to different use cases, and understanding these differences is key to making the right decision.

Firebase is ideal for projects that require rapid development and deployment. Its NoSQL document database is perfect for handling unstructured data and simpler relationships. If you're building applications like basic chat systems, collaborative tools, or anything that benefits from seamless Google service integration, Firebase offers a quick and efficient path to launch. Its ecosystem of pre-built tools can save significant time for straightforward projects, making it a strong choice for developers aiming to go live quickly.

Supabase, on the other hand, is better suited for projects involving complex data relationships and sophisticated business logic. Built on PostgreSQL, it provides the reliability and flexibility of SQL databases. Supabase has shown to outperform Firebase in performance, with up to 4x faster reads and 3.1x faster writes, making it a standout option for data-heavy applications. Additionally, its open-source nature grants developers more control over their infrastructure, eliminating proprietary dependencies.

The pricing structures also vary significantly. Firebase's pay-as-you-go model is based on reads, writes, and deletes, which can lead to higher costs as usage scales. Supabase, in contrast, charges based on data storage and offers self-hosting options, which can be a cost-effective solution in the long run.

Decision Factor	Choose Firebase	Choose Supabase
Data Structure	Unstructured, simple relationships	Complex relationships, structured data
Development Speed	Rapid prototyping needed	Custom logic and flexibility required
Database Preference	NoSQL document-based	SQL and relational databases
Vendor Lock-in	Acceptable	Open-source control preferred
Google Integration	Essential	Not a priority

For those seeking expert guidance, Propelius Technologies offers tailored solutions to help you implement the best platform for your needs. With a proven track record of delivering over 100 successful projects, their team has deep expertise in both Firebase and Supabase. Whether you're aiming for a quick launch with their 90-Day MVP Sprint or need custom architecture planning for a more intricate application, Propelius ensures your real-time collaboration tool is built on the platform best suited to your goals.

FAQs

How do Firebase and Supabase handle complex data relationships in real-time collaboration tools?

When it comes to handling complex data relationships in real-time collaboration tools, Supabase and Firebase take distinct paths, each suited to different needs.

Supabase relies on a relational PostgreSQL database, which supports advanced SQL queries like joins. This makes it ideal for applications that require structured data and intricate relationships between entities. If your project involves managing data with detailed connections and interactions, Supabase's relational approach can be a powerful asset.

Firebase, in contrast, uses a NoSQL, document-based database. This design emphasizes flexibility and scalability but lacks native support for joins. Developers often need to reorganize data into hierarchical structures, which can complicate things when working with heavily interconnected data. For simpler or more flexible data models, Firebase is a strong contender, but for applications needing detailed and robust data relationships, Supabase often stands out as the better option.

How do Firebase and Supabase compare in real-time performance, especially regarding latency and scalability?

Firebase and Supabase both shine when it comes to real-time performance, but they take different paths to achieve their results.

Firebase uses a dedicated real-time infrastructure, which enables lightning-fast data updates - often clocking in at just 10–20 milliseconds under optimal conditions. This makes Firebase a go-to choice for apps like chat platforms or collaborative tools where instant updates are non-negotiable.

On the other hand, Supabase leverages PostgreSQL's logical replication to deliver impressive performance. It typically offers faster median latencies of around 6 milliseconds, although its 95th percentile latencies can reach about 28 milliseconds. Supabase also handles scalability exceptionally well, supporting up to 32,000 concurrent users and managing heavy workloads, such as processing 224,000 messages per second.

While both platforms are powerful, Supabase might have a slight advantage for projects that require handling large user bases and high concurrency.

Which platform is more cost-effective for scaling real-time apps with many users: Firebase or Supabase?

When it comes to managing costs while scaling real-time applications for a large user base, Firebase often takes the spotlight. Its tiered pricing structure supports up to 200,000 concurrent connections per Realtime Database instance, and you can add more instances if needed. Plus, Firebase includes a generous free tier, making it a popular choice for apps that are just starting to grow.

On the other hand, Supabase, which is built on PostgreSQL, begins with a limit of 500 concurrent users on its Pro plan. As your app grows and requires more resources, the costs can increase significantly. While Supabase offers strong real-time features, it might not be as budget-friendly as Firebase for apps that anticipate heavy traffic.

For applications expecting a high number of concurrent users, Firebase typically delivers better scalability and cost efficiency.