jsondb.cloud vs Firebase
Firebase's simplicity for JSON storage — without the Google Cloud overhead.
| Feature | jsondb.cloud | Firebase |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | 1 minute | 15+ minutes |
| Google account required | No | Yes |
| Pricing model | $9/mo flat | Pay per GB transferred |
| Free tier | 1,000 docs | 1 GB stored, 10 GB/mo transfer |
| REST API | Standard REST | Firebase REST |
| Querying | URL query params | orderByChild/equalTo |
| Real-time sync | No | Yes |
| Offline support | No | Yes |
| Client-side SDKs | TypeScript (HTTP) | iOS, Android, Web, Unity |
| Webhooks | Yes | Cloud Functions |
| Schema validation | Yes | Security rules |
| Version history | 5-50 versions | No |
| Vendor lock-in | Standard HTTP | Google Cloud ecosystem |
Why jsondb.cloud: No Google Account Required
To use Firebase Realtime Database, you need a Google account, a Firebase project, and a Google Cloud project. You navigate the Firebase Console, configure security rules, and install Firebase SDKs.
jsondb.cloud requires one API key and one HTTP call. No Google account, no project setup, no console navigation. Sign up, get a key, and start storing data.
Why jsondb.cloud: Transparent, Predictable Pricing
Firebase charges based on data stored, data downloaded, and simultaneous connections. It's hard to predict your monthly bill — a traffic spike can cause an unexpected charge. jsondb.cloud is $9/mo flat for Pro. You know exactly what you'll pay, every month.
Why jsondb.cloud: Simpler Querying
Firebase's querying is limited: orderByChild, equalTo, startAt, endAt. Complex queries require restructuring your data or using Cloud Firestore instead.
jsondb.cloud uses simple URL query parameters: filter[field]=value, sort=-field, limit=10. It works the way you'd expect an HTTP API to work.
Why jsondb.cloud: No SDK Lock-In
Firebase works best with Firebase SDKs, which are large and opinionated. The REST API exists but is a second-class citizen. jsondb.cloud is HTTP-first. Use fetch, curl, axios, or any HTTP client in any language. The optional TypeScript SDK is a convenience layer, not a requirement.
Fair Comparison
Firebase offers real-time sync, client-side SDKs, offline support, and integrated auth — features beyond jsondb.cloud's scope. If you need those, Firebase is the better choice. jsondb.cloud is for when you want simple JSON storage without the platform commitment.
Code Comparison
// Store data in Firebase Realtime Database
import { initializeApp } from 'firebase/app';
import { getDatabase, ref, push } from 'firebase/database';
const app = initializeApp({
apiKey: '...',
databaseURL: 'https://my-project.firebaseio.com',
projectId: 'my-project',
});
const db = getDatabase(app);
push(ref(db, 'users'), {
name: 'Alice',
status: 'active',
});
// Query (limited)
// orderByChild('status').equalTo('active')// Store data in jsondb.cloud
fetch('https://api.jsondb.cloud/v1/db/default/users', {
method: 'POST',
headers: {
'Authorization': 'Bearer <YOUR_KEY>',
'Content-Type': 'application/json',
},
body: JSON.stringify({
name: 'Alice',
status: 'active',
}),
});
// Query with URL params
fetch('https://api.jsondb.cloud/v1/db/default/users?filter[status]=active&sort=-createdAt&limit=10', {
headers: { 'Authorization': 'Bearer <YOUR_KEY>' },
});Ready to simplify your JSON storage?
Import your existing data in seconds with our CLI:
npx @jsondb-cloud/cli push export.json --to my-collection