Dynamic

Realm vs Firebase Realtime Database

Developers should learn Realm when building mobile apps that require high-performance local data storage with real-time updates, such as chat applications, collaborative tools, or offline-capable apps meets developers should use firebase realtime database when building applications that need real-time data synchronization, such as multiplayer games, collaborative tools, or live tracking apps, as it handles data updates instantly across all devices. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Realm

Developers should learn Realm when building mobile apps that require high-performance local data storage with real-time updates, such as chat applications, collaborative tools, or offline-capable apps

Realm

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Realm when building mobile apps that require high-performance local data storage with real-time updates, such as chat applications, collaborative tools, or offline-capable apps

Pros

  • +It's particularly useful for scenarios where complex object relationships need to be managed efficiently without manual SQL queries, and when seamless synchronization with a backend (via Realm Sync) is needed for multi-user experiences
  • +Related to: react-native, flutter

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Firebase Realtime Database

Developers should use Firebase Realtime Database when building applications that need real-time data synchronization, such as multiplayer games, collaborative tools, or live tracking apps, as it handles data updates instantly across all devices

Pros

  • +It's particularly useful for rapid prototyping and small to medium-sized projects due to its ease of setup and serverless nature, reducing backend development overhead
  • +Related to: firebase, firestore

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Realm if: You want it's particularly useful for scenarios where complex object relationships need to be managed efficiently without manual sql queries, and when seamless synchronization with a backend (via realm sync) is needed for multi-user experiences and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Firebase Realtime Database if: You prioritize it's particularly useful for rapid prototyping and small to medium-sized projects due to its ease of setup and serverless nature, reducing backend development overhead over what Realm offers.

🧊
The Bottom Line
Realm wins

Developers should learn Realm when building mobile apps that require high-performance local data storage with real-time updates, such as chat applications, collaborative tools, or offline-capable apps

Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev