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Firebase Realtime Database vs GNAT Pro

Firebase Realtime Database logo

Firebase Realtime Database

Databases

Store and sync data in real-time across all clients

From
Free
Free plan
Yes
GNAT Pro logo

GNAT Pro

Developer Tools

Software development environments and toolchains for Ada, C/C++ and Rust

From
On request
Free plan
No

The short version

  • Firebase Realtime Database is a cloud-hosted NoSQL database.
  • Firebase Realtime Database starts at $5/mo; GNAT Pro prices on request.
  • Where Firebase Realtime Database falls short: the no-cost Spark plan caps storage at 1 GB, downloads at 10 GB per month and simultaneous connections at 100.
  • Where GNAT Pro falls short: no pricing published on website; requires contacting AdaCore directly for quotes.
  • Prices and features on this page were last checked on 13 November 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Firebase Realtime Database and GNAT Pro actually diverge.

Attributes where Firebase Realtime Database and GNAT Pro differ
AttributeFirebase Realtime DatabaseGNAT Pro
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelFreemiumQuote
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, iOS, AndroidWeb
CategoryDatabasesDeveloper Tools

Not yet recorded: founded for GNAT Pro.

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Firebase Realtime Database

  • Real-time Sync
  • Offline Support
  • JSON Storage
  • Security Rules
  • Data Validation
  • Multi-platform SDKs
  • Scalable
  • Firebase Auth

Only in GNAT Pro

Nothing recorded that Firebase Realtime Database does not also cover.

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Firebase Realtime Database

  • Syncing JSON application state between clients in real timenot GNAT Pro
  • Backing mobile and web apps with offline capable data storagenot GNAT Pro
  • Prototyping realtime features such as presence and chatnot GNAT Pro

GNAT Pro

  • Building certified avionics software meeting DO-178B/C standardsnot Firebase Realtime Database
  • Developing automotive embedded systems with ISO-26262 compliancenot Firebase Realtime Database
  • Integrating Ada, C/C++, and Rust components in single codebasenot Firebase Realtime Database
  • Managing software supply chain vulnerabilities and SBOMsnot Firebase Realtime Database
  • Supporting long-lived software systems spanning decadesnot Firebase Realtime Database

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Firebase Realtime Database

  • The no-cost Spark plan caps storage at 1 GB, downloads at 10 GB per month and simultaneous connections at 100
  • The Spark plan does not support multiple databases in a project
  • Even on the paid Blaze plan simultaneous connections are capped at 200,000 per database
  • Billing is by data transferred out at $1 per GB plus $5 per GB stored, so chatty clients cost more than the data volume suggests

GNAT Pro

  • No pricing published on website; requires contacting AdaCore directly for quotes
  • Vendor indicates per-user, per-year subscription model but does not disclose specific costs

Pricing, plan by plan

Firebase Realtime Database

Free
  • SparkFree
    • 1 GB data storage included
    • 10 GB per month data downloads included
    • No charges for usage within limits
  • Blaze$5
    • Maintains Spark free allowances
    • Pay-as-you-go for usage exceeding limits
    • Billing applies to data stored and outbound network traffic

GNAT Pro

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the GNAT Pro review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Firebase Realtime Database if

  • You need real-time sync.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Android.
  • You also want offline support.

Choose GNAT Pro if

Nothing in the data separates GNAT Pro from Firebase Realtime Database on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.

Questions people ask

Is Firebase Realtime Database or GNAT Pro better?
Neither clearly leads. Firebase Realtime Database starts at Free and GNAT Pro at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Firebase Realtime Database or GNAT Pro?
Firebase Realtime Database has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Firebase Realtime Database and On request for GNAT Pro.
Does Firebase Realtime Database or GNAT Pro run on more platforms?
Firebase Realtime Database runs on Web, iOS, Android. GNAT Pro runs on Web.
Can I use Firebase Realtime Database for free?
Yes. Firebase Realtime Database has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. GNAT Pro starts at On request.
What is Firebase Realtime Database best used for?
Firebase Realtime Database is most often used for syncing json application state between clients in real time, backing mobile and web apps with offline capable data storage, prototyping realtime features such as presence and chat. Of those, syncing json application state between clients in real time and backing mobile and web apps with offline capable data storage are not what GNAT Pro is typically brought in for.
What can Firebase Realtime Database do that GNAT Pro cannot?
Firebase Realtime Database covers Real-time Sync, Offline Support, JSON Storage, Security Rules.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Firebase Realtime Database: How much does Firebase Realtime Database cost?

Firebase Realtime Database offers a free Spark plan (1 GB storage, 10 GB/month downloads) and a pay-as-you-go Blaze plan. On Blaze, storage costs $5 per GB per month, evaluated daily, with no monthly minimum charges.

Source
GNAT Pro: How much does GNAT Pro cost?

GNAT Pro pricing is not published on the website. Customers must request a pricing quote by contacting AdaCore directly or speaking with a GNAT Pro expert.

Source
Firebase Realtime Database: What is included in Firebase Realtime Database free tier?

The Spark plan includes 1 GB of data storage and 10 GB per month of data downloads at no cost. Usage within these limits incurs no charges, making it suitable for small projects and testing.

Source
GNAT Pro: What is GNAT Pro licensing model?

GNAT Pro is sold on a per-user, per-year basis with no license locks. Customers can request pricing for their specific needs.

Source
Firebase Realtime Database: Does Firebase Realtime Database charge for denied or rejected operations?

Yes. Firebase charges for all traffic to and from the database on the Blaze plan, including operations denied by security rules, outbound network traffic at the session layer, and connection and encryption overhead from all operations.

Source
Firebase Realtime Database: Can I set a spending limit on Firebase Realtime Database?

Firebase offers budget alerts but does not cap spending automatically. Users must monitor their usage dashboard in the Firebase console to track connections, storage, downloads, and load metrics; a calculator is available for cost estimation.

Source
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