Supabase Alternatives: Choose the Best Backend for your SaaS

The simpler the work becomes, the more you can do. This isn’t news, but people don’t often associate this with database management. Yet, tools like Supabase add an interactive layer between yourself and PostgreSQL, offering a framework and a whole toolbox of goodies that help you build apps (APIs, authentication, updates, storage, edge functions). It is what is known as a hosted backend - your database living inside Supabase wrapping!

Despite being the go-to option, many teams wanna know if there are Supabase alternatives that can do the job better. In this guide, we look into other hosted backend solutions that make it easier to work with your database.

Supabase vs Airtable for Lightweight SaaS Tools

For those in Product or Marketing, Airtable feels familiar. The dashboard is built as a spreadsheet with numerous automations and lightweight data modeling. Teams often launch MVPs inside this app. If you are looking for something simple, you are at the right place.

When comparing Supabase vs Airtable, the former is best for production readiness, but Airtable wins on simplicity. When building a prototype, you will find value in this option, but if you are looking to scale your SaaS, it comes with limitations. Airtable limits row counts, performance, and API access. This is an issue for serious workloads, which require growth and more extensive “database thinking”. Supabase is technically capable of handling the job, but SQL requirements might slow down the non-technical members of your team. You can resolve this issue by introducing TalkBI to your stack - you keep the power of your hosted database provider, but remove SQL friction.

Feature comparison

Supabase or Airtable?

Airtable is a great choice for early-stage teams looking to build a prototype. It is also good for internal tools and lightweight SaaS that require frequent adjustments. The spreadsheet-like structure keeps things simple, but it also limits possibilities as you scale. Supabase is the better option when you are looking to grow, as it supports a full SaaS product with deeper data requirements and user permissions.

Supabase Alternatives for no-code backend - Xano

For the non-dev, no-code builders, there should be an easier alternative to Supabase. One that does not require code writing and is great for testing your ideas. This is where Xano comes in. Both Supabase and Xano offer a backend-as-a-service solution, but Xano is more focused on no-code API building, while Supabase is focused on Postgres access.

When comparing Supabase vs Xano, you compare two points on the spectrum of complexity tolerance. If you want to write SQL for tasks and need raw database control, then Supabase is your tool - more complexity but also more possibilities. Xano hides the database and lets you build APIs in a drag-and-drop fashion. It removes the need for SQL but also your database access, which limits its capacity for complex analytics.

The purpose of Xano, much like Airtable, is the ability to build something basic without headaches. Going deeper into Xano vs Supabase is only needed when you are looking to scale with more extensive relational structures. The tool you choose depends on the flexibility you need.

Whether you choose Xano or Supabase as your hosted backend, TalkBI can further unlock their potential. With Supabase, you get all the answers you need without SQL. For Xano, you get deeper insights than you would get from using the platform alone.

Feature comparison

Supabase or Xano?

Xano is the better option for those familiar with no-code tools and no SQL knowledge. If you have a background in Product or Marketing, the visual workflows Xano offers might work best for you.

On the other hand, Supabase is best for teams that require a PostgreSQL backend with strong dev tooling and more flexibility. If your SaaS relies on relational data or you’re looking to scale it with BI, Supabase is perhaps the best long-term solution.

Pocketbase vs Supabase for Simpler Self-Hosted Apps

Similar to Airtable and Xano, PocketBase is another lightweight backend that works well for simple apps and early prototypes. It uses a single-file model for data storage and provides authentication and timely updates.

There are certain clear distinctions when comparing PocketBase vs Supabase. The former is light and simple, removing SQL completely. It is great for personal projects, but you lose relational querying, which limits analytics. The latter is a full relational model and offers a deeper structure, and has SQL everywhere. Once again, it is meant for scaling and complex data analysis.

If you need the simplicity of PocketBase with the structure of Postgres, you can use Supabase together with TalkBI. By doing so, you remove the need for SQL and, instead, use natural language interactions.

Feature comparison

PocketBase or Supabase?

PocketBase is great for smaller apps, solo builders, and teams that want a single-file backend that can be self-hosted without complexity. You get a simple API and a quick setup. It is a minimal tool with a focus on speed. Supabase, on the other hand, is a better option for robust Postgres interactions, authentication, storage, structure, and scale. A more complete tool for bigger projects.

Redis vs Supabase for Speed-Focused Workloads

Comparing Redis vs Supabase comes down to the type of app you are building. Redis is an in-memory key-value store focused on speed of caching, real-time data, and session storage. It is one of those Supabase alternatives that is used to store frequently-accessed data (like past messages, leaderboard scores, etc.). It is a great storage solution for chat apps that update messages instantly, and leaderboards that update in real-time. But it is not a complete database solution. If used standalone, it leads to large gaps in analytics, as it does not replace a relational database. 

Feature comparison

Redis or Supabase?

Redis is a good choice for apps that need fast caching, session storage, and rate limiting. If your primary goal is speed, Redis is your choice. Supabase is a great long-term option for projects that require structured queries and relational logic. It is not one or the other with this one. Many teams can use them both simultaneously - Supabase as your foundation, with Redis as a supportive element.

Supabase vs AWS for Enterprise-Level Power

Let’s start by saying that Supabase and AWS are not direct competitors. They both offer a database solution, and overlap in many areas, but the former is a hosted PostgreSQL database, while the latter is a cloud infrastructure provider. 

In this comparison, Supabase is the simpler option, as it helps you build a backend quickly, offering a managed Postgres database and numerous additional features. It’s great for growing apps and those who don’t want the complexity that comes with database management.

AWS, on the other hand, is not just a database provider, but a broader cloud platform that offers everything you need to control your infrastructure (computing power, databases, storage, and more). It is perfect for large-scale apps or those who need a custom setup. It is inherently more complex when it comes to setup, management, and scaling. But it is also the option that gives you huge power and a wider variety of configuration options.

Feature comparison

AWS vs Supabase

If you are building a smaller to medium-sized SaaS, and want to spend little time managing your database, then choose Supabase. If you are building an enterprise-level, highly customized app that requires tight control as the product grows, AWS is better (but also more complex).

Supabase vs MongoDB for Flexible Schemas

Similar to competitors mentioned above, MongoDB uses a document-based data structure. This comes with increased flexibility and customization. For many teams, it is exactly what they need.

When looking into Supabase vs MongoDB, you weigh structure against flexibility. With MongoDB, you can make adjustments fast and easy. With Supabase, you have a more predictable structure. MongoDB is great for early runners. Supabase gives a better overview later on.

When comparing functionalities, MongoDB vs Supabase, MongoDB might seem more attractive to users with no SQL knowledge and a simpler workload. As mentioned earlier, Supabase uses SQL, and using it in conjunction with TalkBI can help simplify this process.

Feature comparison

MongoDB or Supabase?

MongoDB is a great option for document-based SaaS that has flexible schemas and requires frequent iterations. If you’re working on an app that handles nested JSON structures or if the data model changes frequently, then MongoDB is the tool to start with. If you reach the scaling stage and require deeper data analysis and increased customization, Supabase is the better choice.

Appwrite - Alternative to Supabase for Open-Source Flexibility

For teams that seek open-source control, Appwrite offers an API-focused experience with authentication and storage functionalities. Once again, a direct comparison between Appwrite vs Supabase is hard. Appwrite hides the database behind APIs and is a more sophisticated option for developers, one that, however, restricts analytics since you cannot inspect data directly. Supabase helps you interact with Postgres more transparently and supports reporting, as we already established.

Feature comparison

Supabase vs Appwrite

Appwrite is a better option for teams that are looking for a backend they can self-host, especially if they are more familiar with REST than SQL, and want powerful SDKs. Mobile-first apps, for example, could benefit more from this solution. Supabase is for teams that are more familiar with a PostgreSQL layer, SQL language, and transparent analytics - great for data-focused SaaS.

Supabase vs Convex: Not exactly Supabase competitors

We’ve added a special section to make a Supabase vs Convex comparison. Yet, the two tools should not be seen as competitors, as they serve a different purpose. Convex and Prisma (next chapter) are thus broader Supabase alternatives. Both help you manage your backend, but do so in fundamentally different ways. Supabase is your familiar PostgreSQL layer with authentication, storage, and APIs. Convex offers a reactive backend that works with serverless functions instead of SQL.

In Supabase, you are in control of the BI tools you choose to plug in, and can use SQL. This is a common way for non-technical marketers or PMs to interact with data, as the whole structure is predictable and easy to learn.

Convex, on the other hand, does not require SQL. It is slightly more technical, as it defines data with JavaScript functions. The tool manages storage, indexing, and reactivity. As with other options above, this simplifies work but limits the data you can access. So as you grow, Convex can feel more restrictive.

Let’s consider Convex vs Supabase with an example: You are looking to track drop-offs that result during the onboarding process. In Supabase, you can track these events on Postgres and ask TalkBI to explain patterns or estimate conversion steps. In Convex, you would need self-written custom functions. Without the,m you would struggle to get the data you need.

Feature comparison

Overall, the two tools solve different problems. Convex abstracts the backend while Supabase makes you understand it in a structured way. Using either or both depends primarily on the needs of your project.

Prisma vs Supabase: Two Tools, Different Roles

Another tool that often comes up in Supabase alternative comparisons is Prisma. Even though the two tools are essentially tackling different problems, many people search for Prisma vs Supabase. By now, we know how the latter operates, but Prisma works as a type-safe ORM. Teams uses it to query their database through Typescript models. It helps dev-heavy teams take full control of their backend. You control everything and decide how it connects - infrastructure, APIs, migrations, and more. It’s for the perfectionist whose priority is control and customization. 

Feature comparison

In this light, Supabase is more about removing complexity, while Prisma helps you “dance” with it. For this to happen, of course, you’d need to be an engineer.

Conclusion: Choosing the best hosted backend solution

Having reviewed numerous Supabase alternatives, we now come to the final chapter of this post. Many options simplify the early stages of your journey, and some offer targeted solutions for specific types of apps. Nonetheless, Supabase is superior to all (with AWS being a close second) when it comes to analytics, clarity, and work independence. The best tool is the one that helps you answer your questions as fast as possible. And while Supabase can answer your questions if you know SQL, you can remove this barrier by pairing it with TalkBI. No SQL is required, only natural-language conversations that make your database seem like your favourite LLM. You get the exact insights you are looking for, with the simplicity of early-stage backend tools like the ones we discussed.

Curious how TalkBI can improve your Supabase tasks? Reach out to us through the contact form and schedule a demo, or choose one of the available datasets to experiment on your own.