Supabase vs Turso
Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative providing a Postgres database, authentication, storage, and edge functions, while Turso is edge-hosted distributed database built on libSQL (SQLite fork) for ultra-low latency reads. The biggest difference up front: Turso is free, while Supabase starts at $25/mo. Supabase is built for developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core, whereas Turso targets developers wanting sqlite at the edge.
| Feature | Supabase | Turso |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auth | ✓ | — |
| Branching | — | ✓ |
| Edge Functions | ✓ | — |
| Edge SQLite | — | ✓ |
| Embedded Replicas | — | ✓ |
| Multi-Region | — | ✓ |
| Postgres | ✓ | — |
| Realtime | ✓ | — |
| Storage | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Turso is completely free (Free 9 GB total storage), 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 Turso lacks. Turso brings Branching, Edge SQLite and Embedded Replicas that Supabase does not have.
Team fit: Supabase is geared toward any size teams, while Turso 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: Both Supabase and Turso 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. Turso's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes edge sqlite 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 Turso, 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 Turso if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting sqlite at the edge
- Budget is a hard constraint — Turso is free, Supabase is not
- You specifically need Branching and Edge SQLite
- You care about includes edge sqlite as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Turso is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between Supabase and Turso?
Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative providing a Postgres database, authentication, storage, and edge functions, while Turso is edge-hosted distributed database built on libSQL (SQLite fork) for ultra-low latency reads. The biggest difference up front: Turso is free, while Supabase starts at $25/mo. Supabase is built for developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core, whereas Turso targets developers wanting sqlite at the edge.
Should I use Supabase or Turso?
Turso is the free option; Supabase charges $25/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Supabase over Turso?
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 Turso over Supabase?
Choose Turso if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting sqlite at the edge; Budget is a hard constraint — Turso is free, Supabase is not; You specifically need Branching and Edge SQLite; You care about includes edge sqlite as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Turso is designed for.
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