Introduction

When it comes to authentication for modern apps, Supabase and Firebase are two of the most popular choices. Both offer powerful tools to help developers manage users, permissions, and security. However, as many developers have shared, working with these platforms isn’t always smooth sailing.

In this article, we’ll dive into the biggest challenges of using Supabase and Firebase authentication—from pricing concerns to technical limitations—and provide actionable solutions to overcome them.

1. Supabase Authentication Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: Rate Limits & Scaling Issues

Supabase offers free authentication for up to 100,000 MAU (monthly active users) but beyond that, costs add up quickly. Additionally, Supabase enforces API rate limits, which can lead to issues at scale.

Solution

• Optimize API Calls: Reduce unnecessary authentication requests to stay within rate limits.
• Consider Hybrid Authentication: Some users use Firebase Auth for authentication while managing their own PostgreSQL databases for flexibility.
• Monitor Usage: Use Supabase’s logging and monitoring tools to track API consumption.

Challenge 2: JWT Token Expiration & Refresh Issues

Supabase authentication is built on JWT (JSON Web Tokens). However, short token lifespans can lead to frequent session expiration, frustrating users.

Solution

• Enable Auto-Refresh: Supabase supports refresh tokens, but you must configure them properly.
• Use Persistent Sessions: Store refresh tokens securely on the client-side and request new access tokens when needed.
• Implement Silent Authentication: Use background refresh mechanisms to reduce login interruptions.

Challenge 3: Limited OAuth & Custom Auth Providers

While Supabase supports OAuth, Google, Apple, GitHub, and Twitter logins, it lacks built-in support for some enterprise authentication providers (e.g., Okta, Microsoft Azure AD).

Solution

• Use Supabase Custom Authentication: Supabase allows you to extend authentication with custom OAuth providers.
• Consider an External Identity Provider: Services like Auth0 or Stytch can bridge the gap if you need broader authentication options.

2. Firebase Authentication Challenges & Solutions

Challenge 1: High Pricing at Scale

Firebase offers 50,000 free MAU, but its pricing scales quickly. As apps grow, authentication costs can skyrocket.

Solution

• Use Firebase for Prototyping, But Plan for Scale: Many developers use Firebase for rapid prototyping but switch to Supabase or a self-hosted solution as they grow.
• Reduce Unnecessary Auth Requests: Firebase charges based on authentication events—so optimize API calls.

Challenge 2: Limited Multi-Tenancy & Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Firebase’s authentication works well for simple applications, but it lacks built-in multi-tenancy features and requires custom development for role-based access control (RBAC).

Solution

• Use Firestore Security Rules: Firebase Security Rules can enforce permissions at the database level.
• Implement Your Own Role-Based System: Store user roles in Firestore and build middleware logic to check permissions before executing requests.
• Consider Alternatives for Multi-Tenancy: Supabase offers Row-Level Security (RLS), which makes multi-tenancy easier to implement.

Challenge 3: Session Persistence & Token Handling Issues

Some developers report issues with Firebase sessions expiring too quickly, requiring frequent logins, especially in mobile apps.

Solution

• Use Firebase Persistence Mode: Enable Firebase’s built-in session persistence to store tokens securely.
• Implement Silent Refresh: Similar to Supabase, Firebase allows you to use silent authentication flows to refresh tokens in the background.

3. Supabase vs. Firebase: Which One Should You Choose?

Key Differences at a Glance

• Database Type: Supabase uses SQL (PostgreSQL), while Firebase relies on NoSQL (Firestore).
• Free Monthly Active Users (MAU): Supabase offers 100K free MAU, compared to 50K free MAU for Firebase.
• Pricing: Supabase is more affordable at scale, while Firebase becomes expensive for larger applications.
• OAuth Support: Firebase supports a wider range of OAuth providers, while Supabase is more customizable but limited.
• Multi-Tenancy: Supabase includes built-in Row-Level Security (RLS), whereas Firebase requires custom development for multi-tenancy.
• Ease of Use: Firebase is faster for prototyping, while Supabase is SQL-based, making it familiar for developers who prefer relational databases.

4. Try Both Supabase & Firebase with Update

Choosing the right authentication provider can be a challenge, but Update makes it easier. With Update, you can quickly integrate both Supabase and Firebase into your application, allowing you to test and compare them in real-world scenarios.

How Update Helps You Decide

• Easily switch between authentication providers to test performance and features.
• Monitor costs in real time to see which platform fits your budget.
• Evaluate user experience by experimenting with login flows, session handling, and multi-tenancy.

Instead of committing upfront, use Update to find the best authentication solution for your needs.

Conclusion: Making Authentication Work for You

Both Supabase and Firebase offer great authentication options, but they come with trade-offs. Supabase excels in relational databases, pricing, and multi-tenancy, while Firebase shines with its extensive integrations and ease of use.

If you're building a SaaS app with structured data and need multi-tenancy, Supabase might be a better choice. But if you're prototyping fast and need deep Google integrations, Firebase is an excellent starting point.

Final Recommendations

• Use Firebase for fast prototyping, but plan ahead for scaling costs.
• Choose Supabase if you need SQL-based authentication with built-in role management.
• Try both using Update to make an informed decision.