Firebase vs Supabase vs Local AI

When building AI tools, many teams default to backend platforms like Firebase or Supabase. But AI generation behaves very differently from traditional apps.

This page compares Firebase, Supabase, and local-first AI side by side. and explains when each model actually makes sense.

Firebase: Optimized for Connected Apps, Not AI

Firebase works well when:

• Users are always online
• Data is lightweight
• Realtime sync is essential

For AI generation, Firebase introduces:

• Prompt uploads
• Cloud storage dependency
• Metered usage that penalizes creativity

Firebase treats AI like CRUD. AI isn't CRUD.

👉 Read more: Firebase for AI Is a Bad Idea

Supabase: Better Tools, Same Core Problem

Supabase improves on Firebase with:

• SQL
• Open-source components
• Self-hosting options

But for AI generation:

• Prompts still leave the device
• Latency still exists
• Privacy still becomes a promise instead of a guarantee

Self-hosted ≠ local.

👉 Read more: Supabase for AI Is Also a Bad Idea

Local-First AI: A Different Default

Local-first AI:

• Runs entirely on the user's machine
• Requires no backend to create
• Avoids cloud dependencies by design

Instead of asking "how do we store this?"
It asks "should this ever leave the device?"

This is a better mental model for creative AI.

When Each Approach Makes Sense

Final Takeaway

Firebase and Supabase are backend platforms.

AI generation is not a backend problem by default.

Local-first AI removes unnecessary complexity. and aligns incentives with users.