Electric SQL vs Supabase: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Electric SQL 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.
Bottom line: Supabase is our overall pick for data & databases workflows. Pick Electric SQL if you need developer tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Electric SQL
Build fast, modern, collaborative apps with real-time data sync for your existing stack.
Best for you if:
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • Real-time data synchronization for PostgreSQL.
- • Enables collaborative and reactive applications with instant local writes.
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 |  Electric SQL |  Supabase |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Usage-based pricing/moElectric Cloud | $25/moPro |
Best For | Developer Tools | Data & Databases |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Electric SQL or Supabase?
Choose Electric SQL if
Build fast, modern, collaborative apps with real-time data sync for your existing stack.
- Adds real-time sync without changing existing stack
- Supports offline-first application development
- Provides sub-millisecond reactivity and instant local writes
- Your work is developer tools-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 developer tools-shaped
| Feature | Electric SQL | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 33 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsData & Databases | Data & DatabasesAPI Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Electric SQL
Build fast, modern, collaborative apps with real-time data sync for your existing stack.
Strengths
- +Adds real-time sync without changing existing stack
- +Supports offline-first application development
- +Provides sub-millisecond reactivity and instant local writes
- +Offers flexible deployment options including cloud hosting and self-hosting
- +Integrates with a wide range of popular frameworks and platforms
Weaknesses
- -Requires familiarity with PostgreSQL for optimal configuration
- -Complexity might be high for very simple applications
- -Specific pricing details are not fully available on the main page
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: Electric SQL vs Supabase
| Plan | Electric SQL | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Usage-based pricing Electric Cloud | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | Free Open source | $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 Electric SQL pricing and Supabase pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Electric SQL
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Electric SQL
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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?
Electric SQL is a developer tools tool. Supabase is in data & databases. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Supabase
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Electric SQL
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
Supabase is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Electric SQL or Supabase better?
Supabase is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Electric SQL and Supabase used for?
Electric SQL: Build fast, modern, collaborative apps with real-time data sync for your existing stack.. Supabase: Open source Firebase alternative.
What does Electric SQL cost vs Supabase?
Electric SQL is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Supabase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.