Google's app development platform with realtime database, auth and hosting.
Why we recommend it
It is the fastest path to a working backend for mobile prototypes, with a free tier that covers early usage.
Strengths
- Very fast to set up
- Realtime sync out of the box
- Generous free tier
Drawbacks
- Vendor lock-in
- Costs can spike unpredictably at scale
Firebase alternatives and related tools
Docusaurus
Meta's documentation framework with versioning and localisation built in.
FreeWebStudio
Open-source visual builder that produces clean, standards-based sites with no vendor lock-in.
FreemiumGhost
Open-source publishing platform with native newsletters, memberships, and paid subscriptions.
FreemiumVercel
Deployment platform from the Next.js team, optimised for frontend frameworks.
FreemiumAll product names, logos and brands referenced on this site are the property of their respective owners. They are used here for identification purposes only, to describe the tools being reviewed. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or sponsorship of The Design Tools by those owners.