Firebase vs Hasura

What Firebase is

Firebase is Google's comprehensive platform for solving all mobile and web backend needs via a single SDK. It lets developers build 'real-time' apps without server management. Its Firestore DB scales infinitely on Google Cloud. It's a massive ecosystem that also manages analytics, crash reports, A/B tests, and push notifications from a single panel.

What Hasura is

Hasura puts an instant GraphQL API over an existing database, with permissions defined per role rather than written in code. Pointing it at an existing database gives you an API in an afternoon, with row-level permissions declared per role rather than scattered through handlers. The catch is that unusual business logic still has to live somewhere, usually in actions or a service behind it.

What Firebase is built to do

Cloud Firestore

A flexible NoSQL document database that stays synced globally at scale.

Authentication

Install a secure login system for email, phone, or social accounts with one click.

Cloud Functions

Run your custom code as serverless functions triggered by events.

Push Messaging

Send unlimited push notifications to iOS, Android, and Web users for free.

What Hasura is built to do

Instant GraphQL API

Generates queries, mutations and subscriptions from existing tables.

Role-based permissions

Declares row and column access rules per role instead of in code.

Actions and remote schemas

Extends the generated API with custom business logic and other services.

Choose Firebase if

• Mobile App Developers and Rapid Prototyping Specialists.

Choose Hasura if

• Teams that want an API over an existing database quickly.

Firebase: pros & cons

• Speed: Set up a functioning backend and auth system in as little as one day.
• Google Synergy: Works perfectly with Google Analytics and Google Cloud Platform.
• Cömert Free Plan: Costs are zero for many small to medium-sized projects.
• Real-Time Sync: The leader for apps needing instant data updates like chat apps.
• Lock-In: Moving away from Firebase is very difficult due to its unique NoSQL structure.
• Query Limits: Not as flexible as SQL for very complex relational data queries.
• Cost Prediction: 'Pay-as-you-go' can strain budgets if traffic spikes unexpectedly.

Hasura: pros & cons

• API appears without writing resolvers
• Row-level permissions handled declaratively
• Real-time subscriptions built in
• Business logic still needs somewhere to live
• Ties your API shape to your schema
• Cloud pricing scales with usage