Centrali vs Firebase
Both are backend platforms, but they're built for different needs. Here's how they compare.
Centrali
Centrali is a unified backend platform built for SaaS and multi-tenant applications. It combines data, search, storage, compute, and AI in one API with multi-tenancy as a first-class concept.
Firebase
Firebase is Google's mobile and web app development platform. It offers authentication, real-time database, cloud functions, and hosting with deep Google Cloud integration.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Centrali | Firebase |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Tenancy | Built-in Workspaces, roles, and data isolation are first-class features | DIY Requires custom implementation with security rules |
| AI Features | Comprehensive Schema generation, natural language search, data validation, anomaly detection | Limited Vertex AI integration available but separate |
| Full-Text Search | Built-in Automatic indexing with Meilisearch, no setup required | Extension Requires Algolia extension or custom solution |
| Data Modeling | Schema-based Structured schemas with validation, relations, and migrations | Schemaless NoSQL document model, flexible but less structured |
| Serverless Functions | JavaScript Event-driven functions with built-in APIs for data, storage, email | Multiple languages Cloud Functions with Node.js, Python, Go, etc. |
| Real-Time Updates | SSE Server-Sent Events with filtering and automatic reconnection | WebSocket Real-time Database and Firestore listeners |
| File Storage | Integrated Built-in with image transformation and CDN | Separate Cloud Storage with separate SDK calls |
| Authentication | Workspace-scoped Multi-tenant auth with roles per workspace | Project-scoped Firebase Auth with custom claims for roles |
| Pricing Model | Usage-based Pay for what you use, no per-seat fees | Usage-based Spark (free) and Blaze (pay-as-you-go) plans |
| Vendor Lock-in | Low Standard REST API, exportable data | Medium Deep Google ecosystem integration |
Which should you choose?
Choose Centrali if you...
- Building SaaS with multiple customers/tenants
- Need multi-tenant architecture without DIY patterns
- Want AI-powered schema generation and data validation
- Prefer a unified API over multiple Firebase services
- Building e-commerce or data-heavy applications
Choose Firebase if you...
- Building simple mobile apps with Google ecosystem
- Need mature tooling with large community
- Want tight integration with Google Cloud services
- Building consumer apps without multi-tenant needs
Migrating from Firebase
Export your Firestore collections as JSON
Create corresponding Centrali structures with schema definitions
Import data using Centrali's bulk import API
Migrate Cloud Functions to Centrali compute functions
Update your frontend to use the Centrali SDK
Ready to try Centrali?
Start building with a unified backend. No credit card required.