Firebase vs AWS Amplify vs Calljmp: Which Backend Is Best for Mobile Apps in 2025?
Choosing the right backend as a service (BaaS) platform in 2025 is more than just a technical decision - it affects your app's scalability, security, and cost structure. This article compares Firebase, AWS Amplify, and Calljmp to help mobile developers make an informed choice.
Which Backend Works Best for You?
Compare Firebase, AWS Amplify, and Calljmp to find the best backend for your mobile app - based on real-time, pricing, security, and developer experience. Firebase is known for real-time sync and fast integration but comes with pricing and lock-in challenges. AWS Amplify provides access to powerful AWS services but requires more DevOps knowledge and configuration. Calljmp delivers a mobile-first experience built on Cloudflare's edge, with secure auth, no API keys, and CLI-based development.
| Feature | Firebase | AWS Amplify | Calljmp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Web/mobile developers | AWS-literate developers | Mobile app developers |
| Mobile SDKs | Full SDKs | iOS, Android, JavaScript | React Native, Flutter |
| Authentication | Firebase Auth | Amazon Cognito | Email, Google, Apple + App Attestation |
| Database | Firestore (NoSQL) | DynamoDB or Aurora | SQLite-compatible (Cloudflare D1) |
| Edge Deployment | No | Optional (Lambda@Edge) | Native (Cloudflare Workers) |
| Storage | Google Cloud Storage | Amazon S3 | Cloudflare R2 (S3-compatible) |
| Security | Rules-based + API keys | IAM + Cognito policies | Attestation, no API keys |
| Real-Time | Built-in but billed per connection/message | GraphQL subscriptions via AppSync | WebSockets + Durable Objects, no cost |
| CLI Tools | Firebase CLI | Amplify CLI | Calljmp CLI |
| Pricing | Free tier + usage-based (costly at scale) | Tiered pricing across AWS services | Free, $15 Pro, $499 Scale - flat and low-cost usage-based |
Target Audience
Mobile SDKs
Authentication
Database
Edge Deployment
Storage
Security
Real-Time
CLI Tools
Pricing
Database
Data storage and management
Firebase
Firebase uses Firestore, a NoSQL database designed for simplicity and speed, especially in real-time applications. However, it lacks support for SQL, joins, and relational queries, making it harder to structure complex data or migrate later.
AWS Amplify
AWS Amplify typically connects to either DynamoDB or Aurora. DynamoDB is fully serverless and highly scalable but lacks relational features, while Aurora offers SQL compatibility but requires more setup, tuning, and infrastructure awareness.
Calljmp
Calljmp relies on Cloudflare D1, a globally distributed SQLite-compatible database ideal for mobile apps. It provides full SQL support, fast query performance, and fine-grained row-level access controls - all without server management.
Authentication
User management and security features
Firebase
Firebase supports a variety of login providers like email/password, Google, and Apple, and integrates well with Firebase services. However, it relies on exposing API keys on the client side, which poses security risks and requires careful rule configuration.
AWS Amplify
AWS Amplify uses Amazon Cognito for authentication, supporting multi-factor auth, federated logins, and user pools. While powerful, it's tightly coupled with AWS IAM policies, which can be complex to configure and debug.
Calljmp
Calljmp uses device-level attestation (via Play Integrity and App Attestation) to validate apps before issuing access tokens, eliminating the need for API keys. It supports modern auth methods like Google, Apple, and email, and enforces app integrity at the edge with minimal setup.
File Storage
File management and access control
Firebase
Firebase integrates with Google Cloud Storage and lets you define custom access rules using Firebase Security Rules. However, these rules exist separately from your core app logic, which can lead to inconsistencies and make permission management more error-prone.
AWS Amplify
AWS Amplify uses Amazon S3 for storage, which is reliable and scalable. But access control relies on IAM and Cognito roles, requiring developers to understand and configure detailed policy documents for each use case.
Calljmp
Calljmp uses Cloudflare R2 for storage, maintaining S3 compatibility while applying a unified role and tag-based permission system. This makes file access control consistent with database and service permissions - reducing complexity and improving security.
Real-Time Capabilities
Live data updates and event-driven communication
Firebase
Firebase offers real-time sync through Firestore and the Firebase Realtime Database, using listeners to push updates to clients. While powerful, real-time usage is billed per connection and message, which can become expensive as your app scales.
AWS Amplify
AWS Amplify provides real-time features using GraphQL subscriptions through AWS AppSync. This supports live data updates but adds complexity in setting up schema, permissions, and scaling WebSocket connections.
Calljmp
Calljmp delivers real-time capabilities via Cloudflare Durable Objects, WebSocket support, and a lightweight pub/sub messaging protocol. It enables ultra-low-latency features like chat and presence - with no fees for outgoing messages or concurrent connections.
Cloud & Edge Functions
Serverless computing capabilities
Firebase
Firebase offers Cloud Functions that run in Google's centralized regions and integrate well with Firebase services. However, they can experience cold starts, have limited location control, and are not optimized for low-latency mobile experiences.
AWS Amplify
AWS Amplify supports serverless logic through AWS Lambda and optionally Lambda@Edge for global performance. While powerful and flexible, setup requires managing IAM permissions, API Gateway, and configuration files - increasing operational overhead.
Calljmp
Calljmp runs all backend logic on Cloudflare Workers, deployed globally at the edge with zero cold starts. Functions are tightly integrated with storage, authentication, and database services, making it ideal for latency-sensitive mobile apps with no infrastructure to manage.
CLI & Local Development
Development workflow and tooling
Firebase
Firebase CLI supports local emulators and deployment workflows but often requires switching to the Firebase Console or broader Google Cloud tools for advanced features. It works well for small apps but can become limiting in complex development pipelines.
AWS Amplify
AWS Amplify CLI is powerful and can scaffold entire projects across the AWS ecosystem. However, it assumes deep familiarity with AWS services, IAM, and often produces large amounts of auto-generated boilerplate code.
Calljmp
Calljmp CLI is purpose-built for mobile developers and supports schema setup, cloud function deployment, environment management, and local development with minimal friction. It helps you build, test, and ship faster without ever opening a dashboard or writing DevOps scripts.
Pricing
Cost structure and value proposition
Firebase
Firebase has a generous free tier but quickly becomes unpredictable at scale, with charges for reads, writes, function invocations, bandwidth, and real-time usage. Even moderate traffic apps can accumulate high bills due to metered usage across services.
AWS Amplify
AWS Amplify uses a usage-based pricing model tied to individual AWS services like S3, Cognito, and Lambda. This gives flexibility but makes cost forecasting difficult, especially for teams without prior AWS experience.
Calljmp
Calljmp offers three clear plans: Hobby (free), Pro ($15/month), and Scale ($499/month), each with generous included limits. Real-time, functions, and WebSocket connections are always free, and any overages are billed at flat, low rates - making cost easy to understand and manage.
Evaluating platforms: a closer look
Detailed analysis of each platform's strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases to help you make the right choice.
Firebase
Google's backend platform with real-time sync and fast integration
Best for
Fast MVP development and deep Google Cloud integration
Strengths
- Fast setup and real-time features tied to the Google Cloud ecosystem
- Great option for MVPs and early-stage projects
- Built-in real-time sync through Firestore and Firebase Realtime Database
- Supports variety of login providers like email/password, Google, and Apple
Considerations
- Becomes harder to scale and migrate as complexity and traffic grow
- Lacks support for SQL, joins, and relational queries
- Quickly becomes unpredictable at scale with metered usage
- Relies on exposing API keys on client side which poses security risks
AWS Amplify
AWS backend platform with deep AWS integrations and GraphQL support
Best for
Teams invested in AWS needing extensive customization and GraphQL support
Strengths
- Deep AWS integrations and multi-service orchestration
- Powerful and flexible serverless logic through AWS Lambda
- Amazon Cognito supports multi-factor auth and federated logins
- Amazon S3 for reliable and scalable storage
Considerations
- Better suited for teams with DevOps capacity and AWS experience
- Usage-based pricing model makes cost forecasting difficult
- Requires managing IAM permissions, API Gateway, and configuration files
- Assumes deep familiarity with AWS services and produces large amounts of boilerplate
Calljmp
Mobile-first backend built on Cloudflare's edge network
Best for
Mobile-first apps built with React Native or Flutter
Strengths
- Secure, mobile-first backend with CLI simplicity and built-in app attestation
- All backend logic runs on Cloudflare Workers at the edge with zero cold starts
- Device-level attestation eliminates need for API keys
- Real-time capabilities via Durable Objects with no fees for messages or connections
Considerations
- Newer platform with growing ecosystem
- No GraphQL support yet
What Makes Calljmp Different
Calljmp is designed specifically for mobile apps - not retrofitted from web platforms. From authentication to CLI workflows, everything is optimized for mobile developers.
Mobile Attestation Security
Calljmp verifies every mobile app using Play Integrity and App Attestation before issuing tokens - no API keys required, reducing attack surface and misuse.
Cloudflare Edge Infrastructure
All backend logic, storage, and database operations run on Cloudflare Workers at the edge, delivering near-instant global performance and zero cold starts.
Developer-First CLI
The CLI enables local dev, schema control, edge function deployment, and full environment setup - purpose-built for solo and small mobile teams.
Real-Time Without Limits
Calljmp's lightweight pub/sub system, built on Durable Objects and WebSockets, supports fast, scalable live features - with zero cost per message or connection.
Transparent, Scalable Pricing
Plans are simple and affordable, with usage-based extensions and no surprise fees. Calljmp remains cost-effective even as your mobile app scales globally.
Built Mobile-First, Not Adapted
Calljmp is designed specifically for mobile apps - not retrofitted from web platforms. From authentication to CLI workflows, everything is optimized for mobile developers.
Supercharge your mobile app
Build faster without backend headaches. Stay flexible as your app grows.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about choosing between these backend platforms.