Software · head to head
Parse Server vs Firebase
Parse Server
Software
Open-source Backend as a Service platform with REST and GraphQL APIs
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Firebase
Software
Google's platform for building web and mobile applications with cloud backend
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Parse Server deployment complexity and scaling challenges require operational expertise; Firebase spark plan limited to 1 GiB storage, 50,000 daily reads, 20,000 daily writes
- They diverge on capability: Parse Server covers GraphQL API, Firebase covers Real-time Database.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Parse Server and Firebase actually diverge.
| Attribute | Parse Server | Firebase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | freemium |
| Platforms | Node.js, Express, REST API, GraphQL API | iOS, Android, Web, Flutter, C++, Unity |
| Founded | 2011 | 1998 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
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 Parse Server
- GraphQL API
- Node.js
- File storage
- Webhooks
- Node.js support
- Self-hosted support
- Docker support
Only in Firebase
- Real-time Database
- Google Cloud
- Cloud Storage
- Web support
- Mobile support
- Cloud support
Both cover
- REST API
- Authentication
- Cloud functions
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Parse Server
- API Developmentnot Firebase
- API Gatewaynot Firebase
- API Testingnot Firebase
- API Documentationnot Firebase
- Microservicesnot Firebase
Firebase
- Mobile app backend developmentnot Parse Server
- Real-time data synchronisationnot Parse Server
- Web application backendnot Parse Server
- Cross-platform app developmentnot Parse Server
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Parse Server
- Deployment complexity and scaling challenges require operational expertise
- Requires database management skills for MongoDB or PostgreSQL administration
- Smaller community and ecosystem compared to Firebase or cloud alternatives
- Query depth bypass vulnerability allowing denial-of-service attacks via complex REST/GraphQL queries
- Stored XSS vulnerability through SVG file uploads requires patching
Firebase
- Spark plan limited to 1 GiB storage, 50,000 daily reads, 20,000 daily writes
- Spark plan restricts to 100 concurrent database connections
- Spark plan limits Firebase Studio to 3 workspaces maximum
- Document size capped at 1 MiB per document
- Transaction time limited to 270 seconds with 60-second idle expiration
- Maximum 100 databases per project (increase requires support request)
Pricing, plan by plan
Parse Server
Free- Open SourceFree
- Self-hosted Parse Server
- Community support
Firebase
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Firebase review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Parse Server if
- You need graphql api.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Node.js, Express, REST API, GraphQL API.
- You also want node.js.
Choose Firebase if
- You need real-time database.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on iOS, Android, Web, Flutter, C++, Unity.
- You also want google cloud.
Questions people ask
- Is Parse Server or Firebase better?
- Neither clearly leads. Parse Server starts at Free and Firebase at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Parse Server or Firebase?
- Parse Server starts at Free and Firebase at Free.
- Does Parse Server or Firebase run on more platforms?
- Parse Server runs on Node.js, Express, REST API, GraphQL API. Firebase runs on iOS, Android, Web, Flutter, C++, Unity.
- Can I use Parse Server for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Parse Server best used for?
- Parse Server is most often used for api development, api gateway, api testing, api documentation. Of those, api development and api gateway are not what Firebase is typically brought in for.
- What can Parse Server do that Firebase cannot?
- Parse Server covers GraphQL API, Node.js, File storage, Webhooks. Firebase covers Real-time Database, Google Cloud, Cloud Storage, Web support. Both handle REST API, Authentication, Cloud functions.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Parse Server: Is Parse Server self-hosted or cloud-managed?
Parse Server is entirely self-hosted and open-source, running on your own infrastructure with no monthly subscription required; you manage the MongoDB or PostgreSQL database and deployment.
Parse Server: What databases does Parse Server support?
Parse Server works with MongoDB and PostgreSQL as data stores, giving you flexibility to choose your preferred database system for your application.
Parse Server: What APIs does Parse Server provide?
Parse Server automatically generates both REST and GraphQL APIs based on your application schema, and you can extend these with custom queries, mutations, and remote schemas.
SourceParse Server: What SDKs are available for Parse Server?
Parse provides native SDKs for iOS (Swift/Objective-C), Android, JavaScript/Node.js, PHP, and .NET, plus REST and GraphQL access for any other platform.
SourceParse Server: Does Parse Server include user authentication?
Yes. Parse Server includes out-of-the-box user management with support for email/password authentication, OAuth providers (Facebook, Twitter, Google, GitHub, LDAP), push notifications, and campaigns.