Supabase
The open-source Firebase alternative built on PostgreSQL.
We tested Supabase extensively and found it to be the superior choice for developers who want the speed of Firebase but the power of SQL. It eliminates backend boilerplate while keeping you strictly within the robust Postgres ecosystem.
Why we love it
- Zero-config Realtime features via WebSockets are a game-changer.
- Row Level Security (RLS) ensures frontend-to-DB connections are secure.
- No vendor lock-in; you can self-host or export your data anytime.
Things to know
- Free tier projects pause after 7 days of inactivity (cold starts).
- Self-hosting is operationally complex compared to the managed service.
- Complex realtime filters can be resource-intensive at scale.
About
Supabase is an open-source Backend-as-a-Service (BaaS) that provides developers with a full PostgreSQL database, Authentication, instant APIs, Edge Functions, and Realtime subscriptions. It is designed to help you build production-grade applications quickly without managing infrastructure, offering seamless scalability from side project to enterprise.
Key Features
- ✓Native PostgreSQL Database
- ✓Instant Realtime Subscriptions
- ✓Built-in Authentication & Authorization (RLS)
- ✓Auto-generated REST & GraphQL APIs
- ✓Edge Functions (Deno)
Frequently Asked Questions
Supabase offers a generous Free tier that includes 500MB database space and 5GB bandwidth. However, projects on the free tier will create a 'pause' state after 7 days of inactivity. Paid plans start at $25/month for production workloads.
Choose Supabase if you need relational data (SQL), complex queries, and no vendor lock-in. Choose Firebase if you prefer NoSQL document stores and deep Google integration. Supabase runs on standard PostgreSQL, making migration easier.
Yes, Supabase is open-source and can be self-hosted via Docker. However, self-hosting requires managing your own infrastructure, backups, and updates, lacking the convenience of the managed dashboard.
Yes, Supabase exposes a Realtime API. It listens to PostgreSQL database changes (Insert, Update, Delete) and broadcasts them to connected clients via WebSockets instantly.
Absolutely. Since it is built on PostgreSQL, it scales vertically and horizontally. For high-traffic apps, upgrading to a Pro plan and adding compute add-ons ensures stability.