Convex vs Supabase
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Convex provides a fully managed backend platform that includes a reactive, versioned database, serverless functions, and file storage. It syncs data in real time across web and mobile clients, eliminating the need for custom server infrastructure. Developers can write TypeScript functions that run automatically on data changes, query the database with a simple API, and leverage built‑in authentication and scaling. The platform is designed for rapid iteration and production‑grade reliability.
Supabase is an open-source, PostgreSQL-based database platform that provides a scalable and secure backend for web applications. It offers a suite of tools and features that make it easy to build, deploy, and manage applications at scale.
- Zero‑ops backend infrastructure
- Realtime data propagation
- Strong TypeScript integration
- Automatic scaling and pay‑as‑you‑go pricing
- Scalable and secure
- Real-time data capabilities
- Supports SQL
- Collaborative development features
- Limited to JavaScript/TypeScript runtimes
- Vendor lock‑in to Convex cloud
- Advanced query patterns may require workarounds
- Steep learning curve
- Limited support for non-SQL databases
- May require additional infrastructure costs
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSupabase gives you a free, open‑source PostgreSQL database you control, while Convex offers a managed, realtime BaaS with automatic scaling; the choice hinges on whether you prefer self‑hosted control (Supabase) or zero‑ops convenience (Convex).
Key differences
- •Supabase is a PostgreSQL database you can run yourself; Convex is a proprietary cloud BaaS.
- •Supabase supports any SQL client and standard REST API; Convex only supports JavaScript/TypeScript SDKs and serverless functions.
- •Supabase requires you to manage scaling and infrastructure; Convex auto‑scales without configuration.
- •Supabase is fully open source with a large GitHub community; Convex is open source but only the client SDK, core is SaaS.
- •Convex includes built‑in file storage and CDN; Supabase does not list native file storage.
Pricing & value
Supabase is listed as Free, while Convex is Freemium with potential pay‑as‑you‑go costs.
Ease of use / learning curve
Convex offers zero‑ops backend and CLI, reducing setup effort compared to Supabase’s steeper learning curve.
Features & depth
Supabase provides a full PostgreSQL engine, SQL, REST API, and real‑time; Convex focuses on reactive DB and serverless functions.
Integrations & ecosystem
Convex lists direct integrations with Vercel, Netlify, React, Next.js; Supabase only mentions generic PostgreSQL/REST.
Collaboration
Supabase explicitly mentions collaborative development features; Convex does not specify collaboration tools.
Scalability
Convex provides automatic scaling without manual provisioning; Supabase requires you to manage scaling yourself.
Support & security
Supabase lists email, live chat, and documentation plus encryption/authentication; Convex lists email, community Slack, and documentation.
Choose Convex if…
Developers who want instant realtime backend with zero‑ops scaling and TypeScript‑first tooling.
Choose Supabase if…
Teams needing full SQL control, open‑source stack, and no vendor lock‑in.
Common questions
What are the cost implications of each platform?
Supabase is free to start; any additional infrastructure costs are up to you. Convex is freemium with usage‑based pricing beyond the free tier.
Can I avoid vendor lock‑in with either product?
Supabase is fully open source and can be self‑hosted, avoiding lock‑in. Convex’s core service runs only on Convex cloud, creating lock‑in.
Which platform supports non‑SQL data models?
Supabase is limited to PostgreSQL (SQL). Convex uses a proprietary reactive database, not a traditional SQL engine.