Nhost vs Supabase: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Nhost 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 wins this matchup. OutSystems is our overall Low-Code Backend pick. Sanity is our free Low-Code Backend pick. Pick Nhost if you need low-code backend.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Nhost
Open-source Firebase alternative
Best for you if:
- • You want open source backend
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Best for you if:
- • You want full PostgreSQL access
| At a Glance | Supabase | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Low-Code Backend Cloud & Infrastructure | Data & Databases API Tools |
Rating | n/a | 4.6/5 G2 4.6 · Capterra 5.0 233 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Compute overage fees beyond included credits | Free projects pause after 7 days of inactivity: your app goes offline until someone visits it again. Not suitable for any production use, only for development and demos |
Choose Nhost or Supabase?
Choose Nhost if
- You want open source backend
- You want firebase alternative
- You work in low-code backend, not data & databases
Choose Supabase if
- You want full PostgreSQL access
- You want generous free tier
- You work in data & databases, not low-code backend
In-Depth Analysis
Nhost
Open-source Firebase alternative
Nhost's pricing is generous, especially with a free Starter tier that pauses only after a week of inactivity, making it suitable for hobbyists.
Watch out
Compute overage fees beyond included credits
Strengths
- Pro: Open source backend
- Pro: Firebase alternative
- Pro: GraphQL built-in
- Pro: Self-hostable
- Pro: Good documentation
Weaknesses
- Con: Newer platform
- Con: Smaller community
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Enterprise features require a paid plan
- Con: Still maturing
Key features
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Supabase is the open-source Firebase alternative that developers actually want to use, Postgres database, authentication, storage, edge functions, and real-time subscriptions in one platform.
Watch out
Free projects pause after 7 days of inactivity: your app goes offline until someone visits it again. Not suitable for any production use, only for development and demos
Strengths
- Pro: Full PostgreSQL access
- Pro: Generous free tier
- Pro: Open-source and self-hostable
- Pro: Great developer experience
Weaknesses
- Con: Projects pause on free tier
- Con: Smaller ecosystem than Firebase
- Con: Less mature than alternatives
Key features
Pricing: Nhost vs Supabase
| Plan | Nhost | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Starter | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $25 Pro | $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 Nhost pricing and Supabase pricing.
Key Takeaways
Supabase
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Nhost
- Better fit for low-code backend
The Bottom Line
Supabase wins this matchup. OutSystems is our overall Low-Code Backend pick. Sanity is our free Low-Code Backend pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nhost or Supabase better in 2026?
Supabase wins this matchup. OutSystems is our overall Low-Code Backend pick. Sanity is our free Low-Code Backend pick. Pick Nhost for low-code backend workflows (main strength: open source backend). Pick Supabase for data & databases workflows (main strength: full PostgreSQL access).
What are Nhost and Supabase used for?
Nhost: Open-source Firebase alternative. Supabase: Open source Firebase alternative.
What does Nhost cost vs Supabase?
Nhost's paid plans start at Free (Pro). Supabase's paid plans start at Free (Pro).
What's the main difference between Nhost and Supabase?
Nhost's main strength: open source backend. Supabase's main strength: full PostgreSQL access.