Google Play Services vs Firebase

Developers should use Google Play Services when building Android apps that require Google APIs for authentication, maps, location, notifications, or ads, as it simplifies integration and ensures compatibility across devices meets firebase is widely used in the industry and worth learning. Here's our take.

Google Play Services

Nice Pick

Developers should use Google Play Services when building Android apps that require Google APIs for authentication, maps, location, notifications, or ads, as it simplifies integration and ensures compatibility across devices

Pros

• It's essential for apps leveraging Firebase Cloud Messaging for push notifications, Google Sign-In for user authentication, or Google Maps for location-based features, reducing development time and maintenance overhead
• Related to: android-development, firebase

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Firebase

Firebase is widely used in the industry and worth learning

Pros

• Widely used in the industry
• Related to: google-cloud, realtime

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Google Play Services is a platform while Firebase is a database. We picked Google Play Services based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Google Play Services wins

Based on overall popularity. Google Play Services is more widely used, but Firebase excels in its own space.