Developer Tools
Supabase
The open source Firebase.
What it is
Supabase is the open-source and PostgreSQL-based alternative to Firebase. It offers everything a developer needs (Database, Auth, Storage, Edge Functions) in one package. Its primary advantage is leveraging the power of Postgres, allowing you to use all the capabilities of SQL. The 'Realtime' feature reflects database changes in the UI instantly, speeding up backend tasks that would normally take weeks into just hours.
Key features
Database Webhooks
Automatically notify the outside world (Slack, etc.) when data changes.
RLS Security
Use SQL to define exactly who can see which data at the database level.
Edge Functions
Run Deno-based, low-latency serverless functions globally.
Storage
Professionally store large files like profile photos or videos.
Strengths and trade-offs
What works well
- PostgreSQL Power: Professional relational data management without NoSQL limits.
- Ease of Use: Its dashboard is exceptionally modern and easy to understand.
- Integrated Auth: Set up Google, GitHub, and Apple logins in a matter of minutes.
- Vector Support: Comes with pgvector integration ready for AI-based projects.
Where it falls short
- New Platform: Some features (like Edge Functions) are still in a beta phase.
- Ecosystem: Does not yet have as massive an 'Extensions' market as Firebase.
- Self-Hosting: Setting it up on your own server is not as easy as the cloud version.
Who it is for
Next.js Developers, Frontend-focused Coders, and Startups.
Pick it or skip it
Pick Supabase if
- Developers who want Postgres, auth and storage free for 2 projects with 500 MB and 50,000 MAU
- Startups paying $25/month for 8 GB disk, 100,000 MAU and a $10 compute credit
- Companies needing SOC 2, PrivateLink and SLAs on Team at $599/month
Skip it if
- Your free project is dormant — projects pause after 1 week of inactivity
- You run several projects on Pro: only one Micro compute credit is included, others are billed in full
- You expect flat pricing at scale; storage is $0.125/GB and MAU $0.00325 beyond included amounts
Our verdict
The fastest, most reliable, and most 'free' (open-source) choice for a modern backend.
Closest alternatives we track
Same category, ordered by verified starting price.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Supabase free, and what does Pro include?
- Supabase's Free plan allows 2 active projects with a 500 MB database and 50,000 monthly active users, but projects pause after a week of inactivity. Pro costs $25 a month per organisation and includes 100,000 MAU, 8 GB of disk and a $10 compute credit, with usage billed beyond that. Team is $599 a month with SOC 2 and PrivateLink.
- Does Supabase have a free plan?
- Yes. Supabase offers a free tier with limits; paid plans unlock higher usage or team features.
- Who is Supabase best for?
- Next.js Developers, Frontend-focused Coders, and Startups.
- What are the closest alternatives to Supabase?
- In the same category we track Firebase and Xano. Each has its own review page with verified pricing, and the comparison links above show them side by side.
- What are the main drawbacks of Supabase?
- The trade-offs we noted: New Platform: Some features (like Edge Functions) are still in a beta phase.; Ecosystem: Does not yet have as massive an 'Extensions' market as Firebase.; Self-Hosting: Setting it up on your own server is not as easy as the cloud version..
- When should you not use Supabase?
- Skip Supabase if: Your free project is dormant — projects pause after 1 week of inactivity; You run several projects on Pro: only one Micro compute credit is included, others are billed in full; You expect flat pricing at scale; storage is $0.125/GB and MAU $0.00325 beyond included amounts.
What we checked
- Public APIOffers a documented API you can build against.Yes
- Mobile appHas a native app for iOS or Android, not just a mobile website.No
- Open source / self-hostableSource is open and the tool can be run on your own infrastructure.Yes
- SSO (SAML)Supports SAML single sign-on on at least one plan.Yes
“Not checked” means exactly that — we have not verified it, and we do not guess.
Evidence and freshness
Status: Vendor pricing page verifiedReviewed: 2026-09-08
- Supabase — Pricing ↗
Checked 2026-09-08 · Supports: Free $0: 2 active projects, 500 MB database, 50,000 MAU, pauses after 1 week inactive, Pro $25/month: 100,000 MAU then $0.00325/MAU, 8 GB disk then $0.125/GB, $10 compute credit, 7-day logs, Team $599/month: SOC 2, ISO 27001, PrivateLink, 14-day backups; Enterprise custom, compute billed per project from $10/month Micro to $3,730 16XL; spend cap on by default for Pro
Limit: Vendor pricing page was reviewed by an editor on this date; this record is not a ToolCompare benchmark. Prices and limits change.
Compare Supabase with alternatives
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