Supabase vs Convex: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

Supabase is the better pick for teams wanting Postgres with auth, storage and realtime built in. Convex is the better pick for TypeScript apps that want reactive data without managing infrastructure.

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At a Glance

Feature	Supabase	Convex
Best For	Teams wanting Postgres with auth, storage and realtime built in	TypeScript apps that want reactive data without managing infrastructure
Pricing	Free open source; paid managed cloud	Free tier with paid plans
Free to Start	Yes	Yes
License	Open source	Source-available
Deployment	Self-hosted or managed cloud	Self-hosted or managed cloud
Link	Visit Supabase	Visit Convex

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Detailed Breakdown

Supabase

Open-source Postgres development platform

Pros:

• Full Postgres database
• Auth, storage, edge functions and realtime
• Self-hostable

Cons:

• Self-hosting is more involved than the cloud
• Free projects pause after inactivity

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Convex

Reactive backend platform with TypeScript functions

Pros:

• Queries are reactive by default
• Backend logic written in TypeScript
• Transactions built in

Cons:

• Proprietary data model and query API
• Less suited to SQL-heavy workloads

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Key Differences

• Positioning: Supabase — open-source Postgres development platform. Convex — reactive backend platform with TypeScript functions.
• Licensing differs: Supabase is open source while Convex is source-available.
• Pricing: Supabase — free open source; paid managed cloud. Convex — free tier with paid plans.
• Signature strength: Supabase — full Postgres database. Convex — queries are reactive by default.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Supabase better than Convex?

It depends on your requirements. Supabase is a strong fit for teams wanting Postgres with auth, storage and realtime built in, while Convex suits TypeScript apps that want reactive data without managing infrastructure.

Is Supabase free to use?

Yes, you can start with Supabase for free. Pricing model: Free open source; paid managed cloud.

Is Convex free to use?

Yes, you can start with Convex for free. Pricing model: Free tier with paid plans.

Can I self-host Supabase or Convex?

Supabase can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud. Convex can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of Supabase and Convex?

Supabase: self-hosting is more involved than the cloud; free projects pause after inactivity. Convex: proprietary data model and query API; less suited to SQL-heavy workloads.