Convex vs Supabase
Updated . Stats refresh daily.
Short answer: The choice between Convex and Supabase comes down to your preference for SQL vs TypeScript and Standardization vs Innovation.
At a glance
| Attribute | Convex | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Main job | Reactive Backend | Backend DB |
| GitHub stars | 12,615 | 110,783 |
| npm downloads a week | 1.6M | 30M |
| Latest release | None on GitHub | v1.26.08, 1 month ago |
| Founded | 2021 | 2020 |
| Database Engine | Transactional Document Store | PostgreSQL |
| Query Language | TypeScript / JavaScript | SQL / PostgREST-like Syntax |
| Realtime Sync | Native & Automatic | Opt-in (Postgres Changes) |
| Type Safety | End-to-End Type Safe (Native) | Generated from SQL Schema |
| ACID Transactions | Yes (Serializable) | Yes (Postgres) |
| Authentication | Built-in & Clerk/Auth0 Integration | Built-in (GoTrue) & External Providers |
| Vector Search | Built-in Native Search | pgvector Extension |
| Cron Jobs | Built-in Scheduler | pg_cron or Edge Functions |
Key differences
Data Paradigm
Supabase provides a standard PostgreSQL database, offering the full power of SQL, joins, and the relational model. Convex uses a custom transactional document store that behaves like TypeScript objects, optimizing for end-to-end type safety and reactivity.
Realtime Architecture
Convex is 'realtime-by-default'. Every query is a subscription that updates automatically. Supabase uses PostgreSQL Replication (WAL) to broadcast 'Postgres Changes', which must be explicitly enabled per table and client.
Backend Logic
Convex promotes 'functions' (queries/mutations) as the primary way to access data, running in a V8 environment. Supabase offers a mix: direct access via client SDK (RLS protected) and Edge Functions (Deno) for custom business logic.
Pricing
Convex
Usage-based. Free tier includes 1M function calls/mo. Paid starts at $25/mo. Costs scale with storage, bandwidth, and function wall-time.
Supabase
Hybrid. Free tier (500MB DB). Pro starts at $25/mo (8GB DB). Compute is separate if upgrading instance size. Charges for database size, egress, and active users (MAU).
Prices change often. Check each vendor's pricing page before you commit.
Strengths and weaknesses
Convex
Strengths
- Unmatched Developer Experience (DX) for React devs
- Realtime is automatic, not an afterthought
- Perfect end-to-end type safety without codegen steps
- Automatic caching of query results
- No cold starts (V8 Isolate architecture)
Weaknesses
- Vendor lock-in: Custom database cannot be self-hosted easily
- No SQL: Complex analytics queries can be harder
- Newer ecosystem compared to Postgres
- Strict usage limits on free tier
Supabase
Strengths
- Open Source & Self-hostable (Docker)
- Standard PostgreSQL: Portable skills and massive ecosystem
- Powerful Row Level Security (RLS) policies
- Extensive extensions (PostGIS, pgvector, etc.)
- Direct DB access via any Postgres client
Weaknesses
- Realtime can be tricky to scale (WAL limits)
- Type generation requires a build step/CLI
- No built-in caching layer for API requests
- Cold starts possible on Edge Functions
Which should you choose?
Choose Supabase if
- You want the industry standard (PostgreSQL).
- You need to ensure zero vendor lock-in (self-hostable).
- You have complex relational data or need deep SQL analytics.
- You are building a traditional CRUD app where realtime is a 'nice to have'.
Choose Convex if
- You are building a highly interactive, realtime UI (like a collaboration tool or chat).
- You love TypeScript and want end-to-end type safety without friction.
- You want to move fast and don't want to manage database infrastructure.
- You prefer writing backend logic as simple JavaScript functions.
Questions
Can I migrate from Convex to Supabase later?
Yes, but it's not a simple dump-and-restore. Convex is a document store, while Supabase is relational (SQL). You would need to write scripts to export your Convex data (JSON) and map it to a new PostgreSQL schema in Supabase.
Which is cheaper: Convex or Supabase?
For small to medium projects, both are comparable ($25/mo starting). Supabase can become expensive if your database size grows large (storage costs). Convex can become expensive if you have heavy compute logic (function wall-time costs). For high-scale, Supabase's self-hosting option offers a cost ceiling, whereas Convex is fully managed.
Does Supabase support realtime like Firebase?
Yes, via 'Postgres Changes'. However, it works differently. Firebase and Convex watch the data query itself. Supabase watches the database transaction log (WAL). This means Supabase realtime is great for event notifications but requires careful setup for complex filtered queries.
Is Convex production ready?
Yes. Convex is used by significant production applications and offers strong ACID guarantees. It is designed by early infrastructure engineers from libraries like Dropbox and verify performance and reliability.
How do they handle data migrations?
Supabase uses standard SQL migrations (via CLI). Convex uses 'schema validation' where you define your schema in code. Convex allows lazy data migration (active schema enforcement), which can be safer and easier for rapid iteration than rigid SQL migrations.