Side by side

Firebase Cloud Messaging vs Gotify

Both stand on push notification software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Firebase Cloud Messaging

Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+2

FCM provides message delivery options and targeting for a range of client platforms at no listed cost. Web projects need HTTPS, and sensitive-data apps must add their own end-to-end encryption.

Visit Firebase Cloud Messaging

Gotify

Free plan AndroidAPILinux+3

Gotify combines a self-hosted message server, WebUI, API access, and an Android push client. Check the plugin platform restriction and PKCE requirement if either affects your setup.

Visit Gotify

The facts

	Firebase Cloud Messaging	Gotify
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Android, API, Extension, iPhone, Web	Android, API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	3	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	firebase.google.com	gotify.net
On push notification software	#1 of 30	#3 of 30

Firebase Cloud Messaging: what it does well

Targets individual devices, groups or topic subscribers
Supports notification and data messages
Listed as free to use
Offers Google Analytics integration for notification messages
Supports Apple, Android, web, Flutter, Unity and C++

What to know first

Web SDK requires HTTPS
No built-in end-to-end encryption
Instant-messaging payloads are limited to 4096 bytes

Gotify: what it does well

Free and open source
WebUI manages users, clients, and applications
REST API sending and WebSocket receiving
Android client displays push notifications
Supports TLS, secure cookies, and bcrypt password hashing

What to know first

Plugins are supported only on Linux and macOS
OpenID Connect identity provider must support PKCE
Sensitive actions require session elevation

Alternatives to Firebase Cloud Messaging Alternatives to Gotify The whole list