Fly.io vs Supabase
Fly.io is platform for running full-stack apps and databases close to users with automatic scaling, while Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative with Postgres database, auth, and edge functions. Supabase is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Fly.io is built for developers wanting to run apps close to users globally, whereas Supabase targets full-stack developers wanting a hosted postgres backend.
| Feature | Fly.io | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Auth | — | ✓ |
| Edge Computing | ✓ | — |
| Edge Functions | — | ✓ |
| GPU Support | ✓ | — |
| Global Deploy | ✓ | — |
| Machines API | ✓ | — |
| Postgres | — | ✓ |
| Real-Time | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. Fly.io's free plan: Generous free tier. Supabase's free plan: Free for 2 projects.
Feature gaps: Fly.io offers Edge Computing, GPU Support and Global Deploy that Supabase lacks. Supabase brings Auth, Edge Functions and Postgres that Fly.io does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target small teams teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Open source: Supabase is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Fly.io is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: Fly.io's biggest strengths are: includes edge computing as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. Supabase's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes postgres as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.
Watch out for: With Fly.io, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Supabase, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Fly.io if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting to run apps close to users globally
- You specifically need Edge Computing and GPU Support
- You care about includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
- The free tier works for you: generous free tier
choose Supabase if
- You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a hosted postgres backend
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Auth and Edge Functions
- You care about includes postgres as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
- The free tier works for you: free for 2 projects
frequently asked
What is the difference between Fly.io and Supabase?
Fly.io is platform for running full-stack apps and databases close to users with automatic scaling, while Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative with Postgres database, auth, and edge functions. Supabase is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Fly.io is built for developers wanting to run apps close to users globally, whereas Supabase targets full-stack developers wanting a hosted postgres backend.
Should I use Fly.io or Supabase?
Supabase gives you open source and self-hosting; Fly.io is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Fly.io over Supabase?
Choose Fly.io if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting to run apps close to users globally; You specifically need Edge Computing and GPU Support; You care about includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows; The free tier works for you: generous free tier.
When should I choose Supabase over Fly.io?
Choose Supabase if You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a hosted postgres backend; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Auth and Edge Functions; You care about includes postgres as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows; The free tier works for you: free for 2 projects.
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