PGCat vs Supavisor: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between PGCat and Supavisor 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:
PGCat
PostgreSQL pooler and proxy with sharding, load balancing, and failover support.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • PostgreSQL connection pooler and proxy.
- • Supports sharding, load balancing, and failover.
Supavisor
A scalable, high-performance connection pooler for Postgres.
Best for you if:
- • Open-source PostgreSQL connection pooler.
- • Improves database scalability and performance.
| At a Glance |  PGCat |  Supavisor |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $10/month/moBasic |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | - | - |
Choose PGCat or Supavisor?
Choose PGCat if
PostgreSQL pooler and proxy with sharding, load balancing, and failover support.
- Enhances PostgreSQL performance and scalability.
- Provides robust failover and load balancing for high availability.
- Offers advanced features like sharding and mirroring (though some are experimental).
- You want a fully free tool (Supavisor requires payment)
Choose Supavisor if
A scalable, high-performance connection pooler for Postgres.
- Significantly improves PostgreSQL performance under high load.
- Essential for serverless applications to manage database connections efficiently.
- Reduces the resource consumption on the PostgreSQL server.
| Feature | PGCat | Supavisor |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesDeveloper Tools | Data & DatabasesDevOps |
In-Depth Analysis
PGCat
PostgreSQL pooler and proxy with sharding, load balancing, and failover support.
Strengths
- +Enhances PostgreSQL performance and scalability.
- +Provides robust failover and load balancing for high availability.
- +Offers advanced features like sharding and mirroring (though some are experimental).
- +Multi-threaded architecture efficiently uses multicore machines.
- +Open-source with an MIT license.
Weaknesses
- -Some advanced features (sharding, mirroring) are still experimental.
- -Requires Rust for local development.
- -Optimal performance recommends 4 CPUs for default worker settings.
Key features
Supavisor
A scalable, high-performance connection pooler for Postgres.
Strengths
- +Significantly improves PostgreSQL performance under high load.
- +Essential for serverless applications to manage database connections efficiently.
- +Reduces the resource consumption on the PostgreSQL server.
- +Open-source, allowing for transparency and community contributions.
Weaknesses
- -Adds an additional layer of infrastructure to manage.
- -Configuration can be complex for advanced use cases.
- -Requires understanding of connection pooling concepts.
Key features
Pricing: PGCat vs Supavisor
| Plan | PGCat | Supavisor |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $10/month Basic |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $25/month Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on PGCat pricing and Supavisor pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
PGCat is free. Supavisor is freemium.
Go with: PGCat
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: PGCat
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: PGCat
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
PGCat is free. Supavisor is freemium. Go with PGCat if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
PGCat
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Supavisor
- Choose if you want a scalable, high-performance connection pooler for Postgres
The Bottom Line
PGCat is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PGCat or Supavisor better?
PGCat is rated in our evaluation. PGCat is free and Supavisor is freemium.
What are PGCat and Supavisor used for?
PGCat: PostgreSQL pooler and proxy with sharding, load balancing, and failover support.. Supavisor: A scalable, high-performance connection pooler for Postgres..
What does PGCat cost vs Supavisor?
PGCat is completely free. Supavisor is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.