Which database is best? A comparison of MongoDB vs. Firebase

A comparison study of MongoDB vs. Firebase shows similar approaches and data formats, but their primary purpose differs. While MongoDB is particularly convincing when it comes to big data, Firebase is a better option for mobile applications.

Two strong alternatives to the classic SQL solution

Rather than relying on traditional SQL databases, many users are starting to opt for the NoSQL approach (“Not only SQL”). The NoSQL dispenses with relational tables, offering instead the option of scaling databases horizontally as data volumes grow. Most NoSQL solutions choose a document-oriented approach, thus ensuring the necessary flexibility. We’ll take a look at two of the most popular databases using this approach, MongoDB and Firebase, and show you their similarities and differences.

MongoDB: The scalable NoSQL database

MongoDB is a very flexible and scalable NoSQL database designed in particular to make storing and managing large amounts of data possible. This data can be structured, semi-structured or unstructured and is stored in documents with the binary JSON format BSON. MongoDB was developed in 2009 by Eliot Horowitz and is distributed by MongoDB, Inc. (formerly 10gen) under the Server Side Public License. Written in C++, it has become one of the most popular and successful open source NoSQL databases in the world.

Firebase: Google’s solution for mobile applications

Firebase is a development platform that was founded in 2011 by Andrew Lee and James Templin and acquired by Google three years later. Its main purpose is the development and management of mobile apps for Android, iOS and the web. To do so, the solution provides the necessary tools and the infrastructure so that different functions can be provided on different platforms.

Firebase offers two database models, which are the cloud-native NoSQL solution RealTime Database for real-time data storage and synchronization, and the cloud Firestore Database for client-side and server-side development. When comparing MongoDB and Firebase, it should be noted from the outset that Firebase is not just a NoSQL database management system, but also functions as a comprehensive Backend-as-a-Service.

What are MongoDB and Firebase’s services used for?

Both databases are multifaceted and can be used for different purposes. MongoDB performs particularly well if you need a service that is fundamentally designed for large volumes of data and one which has the potential to grow with increasing demands. The flexibility and horizontal scalability speak for NoSQL database. As the system is document-oriented and schema-less, different types of data can be stored and retrieved without major latency. This makes MongoDB particularly suitable for:

• Content management
• E-Commerce
• other applications that require individual configuration and comprehensive analysis in real time

Like MongoDB, Firebase also relies on sharding. This technology enables large data sets to be automatically distributed across different servers. This is intended to cushion the load on the one hand and prevent failures on the other. As a result, Firebase can handle large workloads almost effortlessly and can grow with them. The focus of the service, however, is primarily on mobile applications. Firebase offers valuable tools like real-time synchronization and an offline mode. Firebase is thus a perfect solution in the following situations:

• Gaming apps
• Chat programs
• Social networks

Functionality

When comparing the functionality of MongoDB and Firebase, it’s not difficult to spot their similarities. Both being NoSQL services, they do away with rigid relational tables and are therefore able to offer flexible data structures. MongoDB stores data as binary JSON documents (BSON) and bundles them into collections. The documents consist of key-value pairs, whereby the key always consists of a character string and the values may contain other documents, boolean values, arrays or other file types. If you want to change the structure of a document like this, you can simply delete or add fields. The fields can be searched using a text search. So, the collections remain clear even with a high workload.

Firebase also stores data in a JSON-like format. In the RealTime Database, these are combined in a JSON tree, while Cloud Firestore also relies on documents and collections, ensuring they remain clear. Similar to MongoDB, these documents are made up of key-value pairs, whereby the key is a character string and the values can consist of completely different data types. The RealTime Database is designed for fast data ingestion and further processing. The data is stored long-term on Cloud Firestore and can also be retrieved at a later date. This database also contains an interface that uses a query syntax based on SQL.

Performance

Both databases in the MongoDB vs. Firebase comparison show a markedly strong performance. That said, in this segment MongoDB clearly comes out ahead. The service is optimally set up for big data and delivers all kinds of fast and efficient queries for web applications. It can be used in the cloud or on-site as required, further improving the system’s performance.

The performance of Firebase depends above all on how individual data is stored. The database is particularly impressive when it comes to providing data for mobile applications in real time and works efficiently in offline mode. The overall performance is improved by the load being distributed by Cloud Firestore across different servers. It becomes problematic however when the Data load accumulates in a single location.

Compatibility

As an open-source database with commercial support services, MongoDB not only offers compatibility with numerous cloud providers, it also works with servers based on Linux, macOS, Solaris or Windows. It is compatible with several frameworks such as Angular or Django, or container platforms and runtime environments such as Docker or Node.js. The database also supports all important programming languages such as:

• C
• C#
• C++
• Dart
• Go
• Haskell
• Java
• JavaScript
• Perl
• PHP
• Python
• R
• Ruby
• Rust

Firebase also has several advantages within this ecosystem; ensuring, for example, that the applications created rank well, and are well positioned with regards to SEO. But in many of the above categories, Firebase offers significantly fewer options. The developer tool is intended to work in particular with other tools and platforms from Google. As such the database is located exclusively in the Google Cloud, which makes migration to other environments complicated. Compared to MongoDB, Firebase also supports significantly fewer programming languages. Only these languages are supported:

• Java
• JavaScript
• Objective-C

Security

In terms of data security, both parties in the MongoDB vs. Firebase battle perform well. Because both systems distribute the load to different servers, you can respond quickly in the event of an outage and make the data available again immediately. In addition, MongoDB offers numerous security features for its proprietary versions. These include, among others:

• Authorizations
• Encryptions
• TLS/SSL
• Role Based Access Control.

As access to Firebase is theoretically possible from any device, the corresponding security architecture has to also be set up as well as possible. This is where SSL comes in, authentication and the Firebase security rules, which determine which users have access to the data.

Costs

These two solutions also differ in terms of their pricing. As an open-source service, MongoDB is basically completely free. You can download the software and then use it locally or on your server. For more security features and comprehensive support, it is worth looking into the commercial paid solutions like MongoDB Atlas.

The alternative from Google offers the Blaze and Spark models. Spark provides a free contingent and offers some free services. Other services and higher resource consumption fall under Blaze. Billing is based on actual usage. This system can be a little confusing, especially at the beginning.

These companies have made their decision in the MongoDB vs. Firebase comparison

MongoDB or Firebase? There are numerous large companies faced with the very same question. Which solution is best? These companies have opted for one of the two heavyweights.

Some of the most successful companies that rely on MongoDB are:

• Adobe
• Amadeus
• AppScale
• Craftbase
• Disney
• Etsy
• Foursquare
• Lyft
• MTV
• The New York Times
• Via Varejo

Some of the well-known companies that use Firebase include the following:

• Alibaba
• Duolingo
• The Economist
• Instacart
• LaunchDarkly
• Lyft
• The New York Times
• NPR One
• Shazam
• Twitch
• Venmo