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 wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. 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:
- • You want noSQL database
- • You want real-time sync
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Firebase Firestore requires payment)
- • You want real-time database
- • You want good for live updates
| At a Glance | Firebase Firestore | RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 3.6/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Firebase Firestore or RethinkDB?
Choose Firebase Firestore if
Flexible, scalable NoSQL cloud database
- You want noSQL database
- You want real-time sync
Choose RethinkDB if
Real-time database for modern apps
- You want a fully free tool (Firebase Firestore requires payment)
- You want real-time database
- You want good for live updates
| Feature | Firebase Firestore | RethinkDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★3.6/5 19 reviews | ★4.3/5 15 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure | Data & DatabasesWebSocket Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Firebase Firestore
Flexible, scalable NoSQL cloud database
Firebase Firestore offers a very generous free Spark tier, making it highly accessible for small projects and development.
Watch out
Indexing can consume storage and impact performance.
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
RethinkDB's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely open-source and free.
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: 3.6/5 (19 reviews). RethinkDB: 4.3/5 (15 reviews).
Go with: RethinkDB
Value user reviews?
Firebase Firestore: 19 reviews (3.6/5). RethinkDB: 15 reviews (4.3/5).
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?
RethinkDB is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 3.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Firebase Firestore
- Larger review base (19 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
RethinkDB
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 3.6/5
The Bottom Line
Firebase Firestore wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases 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.