SUPABASE
Database & BackendOpen-source Firebase alternative with PostgreSQL
ABOUT SUPABASE
Supabase is an open-source backend-as-a-service built on PostgreSQL. Get a database, authentication, storage, and real-time subscriptions without managing servers.
NO-CODE DATABASE DECISION FRAMEWORK
Database tools look similar in a screenshot, but they diverge fast once relationships, permissions, automations, and external apps depend on the data.
What to check before choosing Supabase
- ✦Record limits
- ✦Relations and rollups
- ✦API access
- ✦Permission model
- ✦Self-hosting or export needs
Strong fit signal
The database can support your reporting, app builder, and automation flows without duplicating data across tools.
Watch out
Spreadsheet-style flexibility becomes a liability when permissions, history, or high-volume operations matter.
For Supabase, start by testing one real workflow from your backlog instead of comparing screenshots. Build the smallest version that includes data entry, permissions, publishing or deployment, and the handoff to whoever maintains it next month.
Our Take on Supabase
Verdict: Supabase is the best default backend for most new no-code, low-code and AI-built apps. It gives you a real Postgres database, authentication, storage and APIs, and it's the backend Lovable, FlutterFlow and many AI builders plug into. The free plan is great for building, but free projects pause after a week of inactivity. Anything people rely on belongs on Pro ($25/month).
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Database | Auth (MAU) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 500MB | 50,000 | 2 active projects; paused after 1 week of inactivity |
| Pro | from $25/mo | 8GB disk per project (then $0.125/GB) | 100,000 (then $0.00325/MAU) | $10 compute credit, 250GB egress, 100GB storage, no pausing |
| Team | from $599/mo | As Pro | As Pro | SOC 2 / ISO 27001, read-only access roles, 14-day backups |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom | Custom | SLAs, PrivateLink, 24/7 support |
Usage-based on top: Pro is a base fee plus usage. Extra projects need compute, so plan roughly one Micro instance per production project covered by the included $10 credit. A second production project adds compute costs.
Where Supabase shines
- Real Postgres. SQL, relations, row-level security and extensions, with no proprietary query language.
- Batteries included. Auth, storage, edge functions, realtime and auto-generated APIs.
- Portability. It's open source and Postgres underneath, so you can migrate or self-host.
Where it falls short
- Free-tier pausing catches out demo apps and MVPs.
- Requires database thinking. Tables, policies and migrations are still your job.
- Team plan jump to $599/month for compliance features.
Choose Supabase if
- You're building an app with an AI builder or FlutterFlow and need a real backend
- You want SQL and data portability
- You'll put production apps on Pro
Avoid Supabase if
- You want a fully visual, no-SQL backend builder. Try Xano
- You're deep in Google's ecosystem and want NoSQL with mobile SDKs. Compare Firebase
Compare: Supabase vs Firebase, Xano vs Supabase. Guides: Supabase pricing guide, Best backend for no-code.
Sources (checked 2026-10-09)
KEY FEATURES
- ✦PostgreSQL database
- ✦Real-time subscriptions
- ✦Authentication
- ✦Storage
- ✦Edge Functions
- ✦Vector embeddings
PROS & CONS
Pros
- ✓Open source
- ✓PostgreSQL power
- ✓Generous free tier
- ✓Great documentation
Cons
- ✗Requires SQL knowledge
- ✗Learning curve
- ✗Self-hosting requires setup
- ✗Limited GUI tools
Quick Info
- Price
- $25/mo
- Free plan
- Yes
- Rating
- ★4.7
- Category
- Database & Backend
Free (pauses after 1 week inactive); Pro from $25/mo