RethinkDB vs Supabase: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between RethinkDB 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:
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • RethinkDB is a real-time document database with push-based architecture
- • It pushes changes to applications in real-time for live updates
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Best for you if:
- • Open-source Firebase alternative
- • PostgreSQL with real-time subscriptions
| At a Glance |  RethinkDB |  Supabase |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $25/moPro |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | - | - |
Choose RethinkDB or Supabase?
Choose RethinkDB if
Real-time database for modern apps
- Real-time database
- Good for live updates
- Open source
- You want a fully free tool (Supabase requires payment)
Choose Supabase if
Open source Firebase alternative
- Full PostgreSQL access
- Generous free tier
- Open-source and self-hostable
| Feature | RethinkDB | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★3.6/5 17 reviews | ★4.7/5 33 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesWebSocket Tools | Data & DatabasesAPI Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
RethinkDB
Real-time database for modern apps
Strengths
- +Real-time database
- +Good for live updates
- +Open source
- +Good query language
- +Push architecture
Weaknesses
- -Less popular now
- -Company dissolved
- -Community smaller
- -Production concerns
- -Better alternatives exist
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: RethinkDB vs Supabase
| Plan | RethinkDB | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $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 RethinkDB pricing and Supabase pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
RethinkDB is free. Supabase is freemium.
Go with: RethinkDB
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: RethinkDB
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Supabase
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
RethinkDB is free. Supabase is freemium. Go with RethinkDB 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
Supabase
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 3.6/5
- Larger review base (33 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
RethinkDB
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Supabase is our pick. That said, RethinkDB is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RethinkDB or Supabase better?
Supabase is rated in our evaluation. RethinkDB is free and Supabase is freemium.
What are RethinkDB and Supabase used for?
RethinkDB: Real-time database for modern apps. Supabase: Open source Firebase alternative.
What does RethinkDB cost vs Supabase?
RethinkDB is completely free. Supabase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.