AWS Amplify vs. Firebase Hosting: The 2025 Decision Guide
Choosing between AWS Amplify and Firebase Hosting is critical for optimizing performance, cost, and developer experience in serverless frontend deployments. This guide compares both platforms across 5 technical dimensions, helping you align with project-specific needs.
Core Feature Breakdown
| Feature | AWS Amplify | Firebase Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment Speed | Git-triggered builds (1-3 mins) | Instant atomic deploys |
| Edge Network | CloudFront (300+ locations) | Global CDN (200+ locations) |
| Serverless Backend | Lambda + AppSync integration | Cloud Functions/Firestore |
| Framework Support | React, Next.js, Vue, Angular | All web frameworks + microservices |
Key Insight: Amplify excels in complex AWS-integrated apps, while Firebase prioritizes developer velocity.
“For startups launching MVPs, Firebase’s toolchain reduces setup time by 60%. But enterprises needing granular IAM controls should lean toward Amplify.”
Pricing Models Compared
- Amplify: Pay-per-build + bandwidth ($0.01/GB) + compute
- Firebase: Free tier (10GB storage/bandwidth) then $0.026/GB
Case Study: A 50k MAU React app costs $18/mo on Firebase vs $37/mo on Amplify.
Handling Traffic Spikes
Cold Start Times
Amplify: 800-1200ms
Firebase: 300-500ms
Concurrent Limits
Amplify: 1,000+
Firebase: 300 default
Tip: Use Lighthouse optimization to mitigate cold starts.
Security & Compliance
- Amplify: IAM policies, WAF integration, HIPAA eligible
- Firebase: Simplified rules language, GDPR-ready, SOC2 compliance
Critical consideration: Compliance requirements dictate platform choice for regulated industries.
Toolchain Compatibility
AWS Amplify
- Seamless Cognito auth
- DynamoDB data stores
- CloudWatch monitoring
Firebase
- Real-time Firestore DB
- Google Analytics hooks
- Cloud Functions triggers
When to Choose Which
✅ Choose Amplify If:
- Already using AWS services
- Need advanced IAM controls
- Building complex fullstack apps
✅ Choose Firebase If:
- Prioritizing developer speed
- Need real-time data sync
- Startup with limited DevOps resources
