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Firebase

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Ratings

G2
4.5/5
(279)
Capterra
4.6/5
(768)
Glassdoor
3.5/5
(2)

Firebase description

Firebase is a comprehensive app development platform by Google. It helps businesses build, improve, and grow their apps across various platforms (like Android & iPhone) using tools and infrastructure powered by Google Cloud. It offers features like data storage, user authentication, crash analytics, performance monitoring, and more. Firebase is trusted by businesses of all sizes for its scalability and ease of integration with other Google products.


Who is Firebase best for

Firebase is a comprehensive app development platform helping businesses build and grow their apps. It offers tools for data storage, user authentication, and performance monitoring, powered by Google Cloud. Users praise its easy setup and real-time database, while some find the pricing complex and querying limited. Firebase is best for developers seeking a fully managed backend solution integrated with the Google ecosystem.

  • Best for startups and small to medium-sized businesses seeking a scalable backend solution.

  • Ideal for businesses in software, IT, media, and e-commerce.


Firebase features

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need
Supported

Firebase offers highly scalable storage via Cloud Storage, built on Google Cloud infrastructure.

Supported

Firebase offers a comprehensive analytics dashboard via Firebase Analytics.

Supported

Firebase supports multi-factor authentication via SMS and custom integrations.

Supported

Firebase facilitates real-time collaboration through data synchronization and updates.

Qualities

We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software

Value and Pricing Transparency

Neutral
-0.1

Customer Service

Rather positive
+0.5

Ease of Use

Strongly positive
+0.95

Reliability and Performance

Rather positive
+0.3

Ease of Implementation

Strongly positive
+0.73

Scalability

Neutral
-0.29

Firebase reviews

We've summarised 1041 Firebase reviews (Firebase Capterra reviews and Firebase G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.

Pros of Firebase
  • Real-time database synchronization is fast and efficient.
  • Easy setup and integration with various platforms and frameworks.
  • Comprehensive suite of tools, including authentication, storage, and analytics.
  • Serverless functions and hosting simplify backend development.
  • Generous free tier for small projects and prototyping.
Cons of Firebase
  • Limited querying capabilities, making complex data handling difficult.
  • High pricing for larger projects and scaling can be expensive.
  • Firestore documentation can be confusing for advanced features and security rules.
  • Occasional bugs and inconsistencies in the platform and SDKs.
  • Limited customizability for specific project requirements.

Firebase pricing

The commentary is based on 126 reviews from Firebase Capterra reviews and Firebase G2 reviews.

Firebase offers a generous free tier suitable for small projects and testing. However, many users find the pricing complex and expensive for larger applications, especially regarding functions, high-volume databases, and certain APIs. Consider the long-term costs before scaling your project.

Users sentiment

Neutral
-0.1

See the Firebase pricing page.

  • Firebase has a free plan.

Spark Plan

Free

This plan provides generous limits to get started with Firebase for free.

Blaze Plan

Pay as you go

This plan allows you to scale your app and pay only for what you use beyond the free limits of the Spark Plan.


Firebase alternatives

  • Logo of FusionAuth
    FusionAuth
    Better for developers focused on authentication and user management. More customizable with flexible deployment options. Offers a generous free plan. Is growing faster than Firebase.
    Read more
  • Logo of OneSignal
    OneSignal
    Better for marketing automation and multi-channel messaging including email, SMS, and in-app messages. A strong Firebase competitor for user engagement.
    Read more
  • Logo of Matomo (Formerly Piwik)
    Matomo (Formerly Piwik)
    Better for website analytics and understanding website traffic. Focuses on data privacy and control, unlike Firebase. Suitable as a Firebase alternative for those prioritizing data ownership and GDPR compliance. A good option for those seeking a self-hosted analytics platform. Is growing faster than Firebase.
    Read more
  • Logo of Novu
    Novu
    Open-source, offering greater flexibility for customization and integration. More focused on notification infrastructure. Has more momentum.
    Read more
  • Logo of VWO Insights - Mobile App
    VWO Insights - Mobile App
    More focused on analyzing user behavior within mobile apps through session recordings and heatmaps. A Firebase competitor, VWO Insights - Mobile App, is growing faster and offers a GDPR-compliant solution.
    Read more
  • Logo of Android Studio
    Android Studio
    Better for developers focused solely on Android. Free, unlike Firebase's paid plans. A Firebase alternative for Android-specific development.
    Read more

Firebase FAQ

  • What is Firebase and what does Firebase do?

    Firebase is a Google-backed app development platform that provides developers with a suite of tools and services to build, improve, and grow their apps. It offers features such as databases, authentication, analytics, and cloud messaging, simplifying the development process and enabling developers to focus on creating engaging user experiences.

  • How does Firebase integrate with other tools?

    Firebase integrates seamlessly with other Google and third-party services. It connects with platforms like Google Analytics, Cloud Functions, and BigQuery, enhancing its functionality and scalability for various project needs. This integration simplifies workflows and data management.

  • What the main competitors of Firebase?

    Top Firebase alternatives include Back4App, AWS Amplify, Supabase, Parse, and Kuzzle. These platforms offer similar functionalities, such as real-time databases, authentication, and cloud functions, catering to various development needs and budgets.

  • Is Firebase legit?

    Firebase is a legitimate platform backed by Google, offering a robust suite of tools for app development. It's known for its ease of use and real-time database synchronization. However, consider potential drawbacks like complex pricing and occasional bugs.

  • How much does Firebase cost?

    Firebase offers a free Spark plan with usage limits. The Blaze plan is a pay-as-you-go model, where you are charged for usage exceeding the Spark plan's free tier. Considering Firebase pricing, the free tier is great for starting, while scaling apps benefit from the flexible Blaze plan.

  • Is Firebase customer service good?

    Firebase customer support receives mixed reviews. Some users praise the support for billing and analytics, while others find it slow and unresponsive. Many users rely on the active community and documentation for assistance.


Reviewed by

MK
Michal Kaczor
CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

TT
Tymon Terlikiewicz
CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.