Supabase vs Convex
Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative providing a Postgres database, authentication, storage, and edge functions, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. The biggest difference up front: Convex is free, while Supabase starts at $25/mo. Supabase is built for developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
| Feature | Supabase | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| Auth | ✓ | — |
| Edge Functions | ✓ | — |
| File Storage | — | ✓ |
| Postgres | ✓ | — |
| Real-Time Sync | — | ✓ |
| Realtime | ✓ | — |
| Scheduling | — | ✓ |
| Server Functions | — | ✓ |
| Storage | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Convex is completely free (Free for small projects), 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 Convex lacks. Convex brings File Storage, Real-Time Sync and Scheduling that Supabase does not have.
Team fit: Supabase is geared toward any size teams, while Convex is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: Supabase is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Convex is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
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. Convex's biggest strengths are: includes real-time sync as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows. includes server functions 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 Convex, 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 need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- 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
choose Convex if
- You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend
- Budget is a hard constraint — Convex is free, Supabase is not
- You specifically need File Storage and Real-Time Sync
- You care about includes server functions as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Convex is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between Supabase and Convex?
Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative providing a Postgres database, authentication, storage, and edge functions, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. The biggest difference up front: Convex is free, while Supabase starts at $25/mo. Supabase is built for developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
Should I use Supabase or Convex?
Convex is the free option; Supabase charges $25/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Supabase over Convex?
Choose Supabase if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; 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.
When should I choose Convex over Supabase?
Choose Convex if You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend; Budget is a hard constraint — Convex is free, Supabase is not; You specifically need File Storage and Real-Time Sync; You care about includes server functions as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Convex is designed for.
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