Supabase
Open-source Firebase alternative. Combines Postgres, auth, file storage, realtime subscriptions, and edge functions in one platform. The default backend for indie SaaS with a generous free tier.
Why Supabase?
You want Postgres with a built-in REST API and realtime support
You need storage, auth, and database in one platform
You want an open-source Firebase alternative
Signal Breakdown
What drives the Trust Score
Download Trend
Last 12 months
Tradeoffs & Caveats
Know before you commitYou need multi-region active-active replication
You're on Vercel and want native Postgres (try Neon)
You need a NoSQL document database
Pricing
Free tier & paid plans
500MB DB · 1GB storage · 2GB bandwidth
$25/mo Pro (8GB DB, daily backups)
Free tier suitable for MVPs
Cost Calculator
Estimate your Supabase cost
Estimated monthly cost
$25 – $35/mo
Pro plan $25/mo includes 8GB DB + 250GB bandwidth. Extras billed separately.
Estimates only. Verify with official pricing pages before budgeting.
Often Used Together
Complementary tools that pair well with Supabase
Learning Resources
Docs, videos, tutorials, and courses
Get Started
Repository and installation options
View on GitHub
github.com/supabase/supabase
npm install @supabase/supabase-jspip install supabaseQuick Start
Copy and adapt to get going fast
import { createClient } from '@supabase/supabase-js';
const supabase = createClient(
process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_SUPABASE_URL!,
process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_SUPABASE_ANON_KEY!
);
const { data, error } = await supabase
.from('tools')
.select('*')
.order('trust_score', { ascending: false });Code Examples
Common usage patterns
Realtime subscriptions
Listen to live database changes
const channel = supabase
.channel('tools-changes')
.on(
'postgres_changes',
{ event: 'INSERT', schema: 'public', table: 'tools' },
(payload) => {
console.log('New tool:', payload.new);
setTools((prev) => [...prev, payload.new]);
}
)
.subscribe();
// Cleanup
return () => supabase.removeChannel(channel);File storage upload
Upload a file to Supabase Storage
const { data, error } = await supabase.storage
.from('avatars')
.upload(`public/${userId}.png`, file, {
contentType: 'image/png',
upsert: true,
});
const { data: { publicUrl } } = supabase.storage
.from('avatars')
.getPublicUrl(`public/${userId}.png`);Server-side auth in Next.js
Use SSR client to read auth session on the server
import { createServerClient } from '@supabase/ssr';
import { cookies } from 'next/headers';
export async function createClient() {
const cookieStore = await cookies();
return createServerClient(
process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_SUPABASE_URL!,
process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_SUPABASE_ANON_KEY!,
{ cookies: { getAll: () => cookieStore.getAll() } }
);
}
// In a Server Component:
const supabase = await createClient();
const { data: { user } } = await supabase.auth.getUser();Community Notes
Real experiences from developers who've used this tool