Supabase vs Firebase vs PocketBase -- UK Backend-as-a-Service (2026)
Supabase is ClickMasters default for UK regulated MVPs: PostgreSQL (GDPR-compliant, Row Level Security for NHS/FCA data isolation), EU data residency, and open source (self-host for NHS DTAC). Firebase is right for non-regulated consumer apps with real-time requirements. Never use Firebase for NHS patient data -- US company, no UK data residency guarantee. BaaS choice affects UK GDPR data residency, NHS DTAC Domain 2, and FCA data protection obligations.
| Factor | Supabase | Firebase (Google) | PocketBase |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK GDPR data residency | EU region (Frankfurt) -- GDPR compliant | US company -- EU region available | Self-hosted -- full control |
| NHS DTAC Domain 2 | BEST -- PostgreSQL RLS + EU region + open source | US company -- not ideal for clinical data | Self-host -- full DTAC control |
| PostgreSQL | Native PostgreSQL -- joins, JSONB, RLS | NoSQL (Firestore) -- not PostgreSQL | SQLite -- not PostgreSQL |
| Row Level Security | Native PostgreSQL RLS -- best multi-tenant | Firestore security rules -- different model | PocketBase access rules |
| Real-time | PostgreSQL realtime -- good | BEST -- Firebase Realtime DB / Firestore | WebSocket -- adequate |
| Self-hosting | Open source -- self-host in AWS eu-west-2 | Google-managed only | Single Go binary -- very simple |
| pgvector / AI | pgvector native in PostgreSQL | Not built-in | Not built-in |
| Cost | Free tier generous -- ~GBP25/month Pro | Spark free, Blaze pay-per-use | Free -- self-hosting cost only |
| ClickMasters default | UK MVPs, prototypes, regulated apps | Non-regulated consumer apps | Ultra-simple self-hosted tools |
Book a Free Consultation Honest advice. -> clickmasterssoftwaredevelopmentcompany.co.uk/contact/
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