VibeFoundry logoVibeFoundry

Clerk vs Firebase

Clerk (Auth) and Firebase (Database/BaaS) take different approaches to development. Clerk: Drop-in authentication with pre-built UI components optimized for React and Next.js Firebase: Google full BaaS with Firestore Realtime DB auth hosting and cloud functions

Clerk logo

Clerk

Drop-in authentication with pre-built UI components optimized for React and Next.js

Category
Auth
Subcategory
Auth Provider
Pricing
Free (10K MAU) / Pro $25/mo
Tier
free
authauth provider
Firebase logo

Firebase

Google full BaaS with Firestore Realtime DB auth hosting and cloud functions

Category
Database/BaaS
Subcategory
Full BaaS
Pricing
Free Spark / Blaze pay-as-you-go
Tier
free
database/baasfull baas

Key differences

DimensionClerkFirebase
PricingFree (10K MAU) / Pro $25/moFree Spark / Blaze pay-as-you-go
PlatformAuth ProviderFull BaaS
Capabilitiesauth, auth providerdatabase/baas, full baas

Choose Clerk if...

  • Clerk fits your specific workflow and team preferences

Choose Firebase if...

  • Firebase fits your specific workflow and team preferences

Community pros and cons

Loading discussion-backed insights...

Frequently asked questions

Is Clerk or Firebase better for beginners?
Both tools are accessible. Clerk and Firebase are similar in approachability — try both and see which workflow clicks.
Which is cheaper, Clerk or Firebase?
Both have a free pricing model. Clerk: Free (10K MAU) / Pro $25/mo. Firebase: Free Spark / Blaze pay-as-you-go. Compare their specific plans to find the best value.
Can I use Clerk and Firebase together?
Yes — Clerk (Auth) and Firebase (Database/BaaS) serve different roles and can complement each other in a project.

Verdict

Clerk and Firebase solve different problems. Choose based on whether you need a auth or a database/baas.

Generate build plan