Firebase Firestore vs RethinkDB: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Firebase Firestore and RethinkDB comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Firebase Firestore is our overall pick for data & databases workflows. Pick RethinkDB if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Firebase Firestore
Flexible, scalable NoSQL cloud database
Best for you if:
- • Firebase Firestore is a NoSQL document database for mobile and web applications
- • It provides real-time sync, offline support, and scales automatically with your users
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • RethinkDB is a real-time document database with push-based architecture
- • It pushes changes to applications in real-time for live updates
| At a Glance |  Firebase Firestore |  RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 3.6/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Firebase Firestore or RethinkDB?
Choose Firebase Firestore if
Flexible, scalable NoSQL cloud database
- NoSQL database
- Real-time sync
- Good for mobile
Choose RethinkDB if
Real-time database for modern apps
- Real-time database
- Good for live updates
- Open source
- You want a fully free tool (Firebase Firestore requires payment)
| Feature | Firebase Firestore | RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 1,048 reviews | ★3.6/5 17 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure | Data & DatabasesWebSocket Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Firebase Firestore
Flexible, scalable NoSQL cloud database
Strengths
- +NoSQL database
- +Real-time sync
- +Good for mobile
- +Active development
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Vendor lock-in
- -Complex pricing
- -Learning curve
- -NoSQL limitations
- -Google dependency
Key features
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
Strengths
- +Real-time database
- +Good for live updates
- +Open source
- +Good query language
- +Push architecture
Weaknesses
- -Less popular now
- -Company dissolved
- -Community smaller
- -Production concerns
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Pricing: Firebase Firestore vs RethinkDB
| Plan | Firebase Firestore | RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Spark (Free) | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | Usage-based Blaze (Pay-as-you-go) | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Firebase Firestore pricing and RethinkDB pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
RethinkDB is free. Firebase Firestore is freemium.
Go with: RethinkDB
Want the highest-rated option?
Firebase Firestore: 4.6/5 (1,048 reviews). RethinkDB: 3.6/5 (17 reviews).
Go with: Firebase Firestore
Value user reviews?
Firebase Firestore: 1,048 reviews (4.6/5). RethinkDB: 17 reviews (3.6/5).
Go with: Firebase Firestore
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Firebase Firestore is freemium. RethinkDB is free. Go with RethinkDB if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Firebase Firestore is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 3.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Firebase Firestore
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.6/5
- Larger review base (1,048 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
RethinkDB
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Firebase Firestore is our pick. That said, RethinkDB is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Firebase Firestore or RethinkDB better?
Firebase Firestore is rated in our evaluation. Firebase Firestore is freemium and RethinkDB is free.
What are Firebase Firestore and RethinkDB used for?
Firebase Firestore: Flexible, scalable NoSQL cloud database. RethinkDB: Real-time database for modern apps.
What does Firebase Firestore cost vs RethinkDB?
Firebase Firestore is freemium (free tier + paid plans). RethinkDB is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.