Supabase vs CockroachDB
Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative providing a Postgres database, authentication, storage, and edge functions, while CockroachDB is Distributed SQL database designed for global scale, resilience, and strong consistency. The biggest difference up front: CockroachDB is free, while Supabase starts at $25/mo. Supabase is built for developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core, whereas CockroachDB targets teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything.
| Feature | Supabase | CockroachDB |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auth | ✓ | — |
| Distributed SQL | — | ✓ |
| Edge Functions | ✓ | — |
| Multi-Region | — | ✓ |
| PostgreSQL Compatible | — | ✓ |
| Postgres | ✓ | — |
| Realtime | ✓ | — |
| Serverless | — | ✓ |
| Storage | ✓ | — |
Pricing: CockroachDB is completely free (Free 10 GiB), which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. Supabase starts at $25/mo, but Free for 2 projects, pauses after inactivity. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.
Feature gaps: Supabase offers Auth, Edge Functions and Postgres that CockroachDB lacks. CockroachDB brings Distributed SQL, Multi-Region and PostgreSQL Compatible that Supabase does not have.
Team fit: Supabase is geared toward any size teams, while CockroachDB is aimed at enterprise teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: Both Supabase and CockroachDB are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.
Where each tool shines: Supabase's biggest strengths are: full postgres database with sql access and extensions. open source with self-hosting option for full control. CockroachDB's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes distributed sql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows.
Watch out for: With Supabase, users commonly note that free tier pauses inactive projects after one week. With CockroachDB, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Supabase if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core
- You specifically need Auth and Edge Functions
- You care about open source with self-hosting option for full control
- Your team size fits the any size profile Supabase is designed for
- The free tier works for you: free for 2 projects, pauses after inactivity
choose CockroachDB if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything
- Budget is a hard constraint — CockroachDB is free, Supabase is not
- You specifically need Distributed SQL and Multi-Region
- You care about includes distributed sql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
- Your team size fits the enterprise profile CockroachDB is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between Supabase and CockroachDB?
Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative providing a Postgres database, authentication, storage, and edge functions, while CockroachDB is Distributed SQL database designed for global scale, resilience, and strong consistency. The biggest difference up front: CockroachDB is free, while Supabase starts at $25/mo. Supabase is built for developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core, whereas CockroachDB targets teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything.
Should I use Supabase or CockroachDB?
CockroachDB is the free option; Supabase charges $25/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Supabase over CockroachDB?
Choose Supabase if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core; You specifically need Auth and Edge Functions; You care about open source with self-hosting option for full control; Your team size fits the any size profile Supabase is designed for; The free tier works for you: free for 2 projects, pauses after inactivity.
When should I choose CockroachDB over Supabase?
Choose CockroachDB if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything; Budget is a hard constraint — CockroachDB is free, Supabase is not; You specifically need Distributed SQL and Multi-Region; You care about includes distributed sql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows; Your team size fits the enterprise profile CockroachDB is designed for.
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