What Is Firebase (Analytics)?
Firebase Analytics, also called Google Analytics for Firebase, is built for mobile-first apps.
It runs inside your iOS or Android codebase, logs data client-side, and plays nicely with other Firebase tools like Crashlytics, A/B Testing, Remote Config, and Cloud Messaging.
Strengths:
- Native SDKs for iOS, Android, Unity
- Offline event buffering (critical for flaky mobile networks)
- Tight integration with mobile dev tools
- Real-time database + crash reporting combo
Weaknesses:
- Reporting UI is limited compared to GA4
- Awkward if you need to analyse web + app together
- Tied heavily to Firebase project structure
What Is GA4?
GA4 (Google Analytics 4) is Google’s future-proof tracking platform. It was designed to merge website and app analytics, with an event-based model borrowed from Firebase , but baked into something broader.
Strengths:
- Cross-platform reporting (web + app in one view)
- BigQuery export built-in (for free)
- More flexible audiences and funnels
- Enterprise-level reporting
Weaknesses:
- SDK implementation on mobile isn’t as tight as Firebase
- Sampling still happens in UI reports
- Debugging mobile events is more painful
Key Differences (Let’s Get Specific)
So Which One Should You Use?
👉 Use Firebase Analytics if:
- You're building a mobile-only product
- You need tight integration with Firebase tools (like Crashlytics, Remote Config, etc.)
- You want low-latency event logging, even offline
👉 Use GA4 if:
- You're tracking web + app together
- You need serious reporting (funnels, pathing, cohorts)
- You want BigQuery + predictive audiences
- You care about marketing attribution and ecommerce
⚠️ Use both? Only if you enjoy pain.
Running both SDKs (Firebase + GA4) in the same app means double tracking, higher battery use, and more bugs. GA4 now supports mobile SDKs directly, so in most cases, skip Firebase and send everything to GA4, unless you need the Firebase stack.
Final Verdict: GA4 Has the Reach, Firebase Has the Teeth
GA4 is the big-picture analytics tool. Firebase Analytics is the mobile-native sniper. If you’re an app dev, Firebase is slicker, faster, more integrated.
But if you’re managing a digital product that spans web + app, and you want attribution, ecommerce, or BigQuery magic? GA4 wins.
