Convex vs Supabase: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Convex and Supabase comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Convex
Real-time backend platform for reactive apps
Best for you if:
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • Convex is a backend-as-a-service platform with real-time sync and serverless functions
- • It provides a reactive database, file storage, and TypeScript backend functions in one package
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Best for you if:
- • You need data & databases features specifically
- • Open-source Firebase alternative
- • PostgreSQL with real-time subscriptions
| At a Glance |  Supabase | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Low-Code Backend | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Convex or Supabase?
Choose Convex if
Real-time backend platform for reactive apps
- Real-time first
- Great DX
- TypeScript native
- Your work is low-code backend-shaped, not data & databases-shaped
Choose Supabase if
Open source Firebase alternative
- Full PostgreSQL access
- Generous free tier
- Open-source and self-hostable
- Your work is data & databases-shaped, not low-code backend-shaped
| Feature | Convex | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 25 reviews | ★4.7/5 33 reviews |
| Categories | Low-Code BackendServerless | Data & DatabasesAPI Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Convex
Real-time backend platform for reactive apps
Strengths
- +Real-time first
- +Great DX
- +TypeScript native
Weaknesses
- -Vendor lock-in
- -Newer platform
Key features
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Strengths
- +Full PostgreSQL access
- +Generous free tier
- +Open-source and self-hostable
- +Great developer experience
Weaknesses
- -Projects pause on free tier
- -Smaller ecosystem than Firebase
- -Less mature than alternatives
Key features
Pricing: Convex vs Supabase
| Plan | Convex | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $25/developer Professional | $25 Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $599 Team |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Convex pricing and Supabase pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Convex
Want the highest-rated option?
Convex: 4.6/5 (25 reviews). Supabase: 4.7/5 (33 reviews).
Go with: Supabase
Value user reviews?
Convex: 25 reviews (4.6/5). Supabase: 33 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: Supabase
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Convex is a low-code backend tool. Supabase is in data & databases. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Supabase is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5.
Key Takeaways
Supabase
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.6/5
- Larger review base (33 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Convex
- Better fit for low-code backend
The Bottom Line
Supabase is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Convex or Supabase better?
Supabase is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Convex and Supabase used for?
Convex: Real-time backend platform for reactive apps. Supabase: Open source Firebase alternative.
What does Convex cost vs Supabase?
Convex is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Supabase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.