Overview
Supabase is a backend platform built around a dedicated Postgres database per project. It bundles authentication, file storage, realtime subscriptions, edge functions and auto-generated APIs, and its core components are open source and self-hostable.
Developers use it as the backend for web and mobile apps, often alongside frontend hosts such as Vercel. Because it is standard Postgres, teams can use SQL, extensions like pgvector and existing Postgres tooling.
Key features
- Postgres databaseFull Postgres with extensions, row level security and a SQL editor.
- AuthenticationEmail, magic link, OAuth and phone sign-in tied to database policies.
- Auto-generated APIsREST and GraphQL APIs generated from the database schema.
- StorageFile storage with access rules enforced through Postgres policies.
- Realtime and edge functionsSubscribe to database changes and run TypeScript functions close to users.
- Vector supportStore and query embeddings with pgvector for AI applications.
Best for
- Developers who want a Firebase-style backend on standard Postgres
- Startups building web and mobile apps with a small team
- AI app builders who need relational data and vector search together
Pricing
Freemium. Free tier for small projects; paid plans are billed per organization with usage-based compute and storage, and the open source stack can be self-hosted.
| Plan | What you get |
|---|---|
| Free | Limited projects and resources; inactive projects may be paused. |
| Pro | Production plan with higher limits, backups and usage-based scaling. |
| Team | Adds SSO, access roles and compliance features for organizations. |
| Enterprise | Custom terms, dedicated support and advanced security. |
Prices and plan limits change often. Check the official website for current pricing. Last reviewed Oct 3, 2026.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Built on standard Postgres, which reduces lock-in
- Generous set of backend features in one product
- Open source with a self-hosting option
Cons
- Row level security policies have a learning curve
- Self-hosting the full stack takes real operational effort
- Compute add-on costs can be harder to estimate than flat pricing
Supabase alternatives
-
Dev Tools Freemium Visit
Vercel
Frontend cloud for deploying web apps with previews, serverless functions and a CDN.
-
Dev Tools Freemium Visit
Cloudflare Workers
Serverless functions that run on Cloudflare's global network with integrated storage.
-
SaaS Freemium Visit
Airtable
Spreadsheet-style relational database for building team apps and workflows.
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Try Supabase
Free tier for small projects; paid plans are billed per organization with usage-based compute and storage, and the open source stack can be self-hosted.