Overview
A web app needs a database, a way to sign users in and somewhere to store files. Supabase brings these together in one service built around PostgreSQL, the most proven relational database. Firebase stores data differently (NoSQL): if your data is relational (customers, orders, content), PostgreSQL is the better fit.
Every project includes:
- A full Postgres database, portable, with a table editor and SQL editor.
- A REST API generated from your schema and kept in sync.
- Authentication (email, magic links, Google, Apple…) and row-level security (RLS).
- File storage in buckets.
- Realtime: messages, presence, screens updating when data changes.
- Edge Functions in TypeScript, and vector search for AI.
Pros
- Open source and self-hostable with Docker: no lock-in.
- All-in-one: a complete backend in minutes.
- AI ecosystem: default backend for Lovable, Bolt and many vibe-coding tools.
- Generous free plan for prototyping.
Cons
- Free plan quotas (and pausing inactive projects) make it a testing tier.
- Usage-based billing above quotas: keep an eye on it.
- Security needs configuring: without RLS rules on every table, data may be readable by anyone.
- Coding is required once you connect the database to an app.
Studio Elias’s recommendation
Supabase is our pick whenever a project needs real data: client portals, directories, internal tools, apps built with Lovable. Alongside Webflow, it nicely complements the CMS for what Webflow doesn’t handle (user accounts, private data), through a custom integration. Before going live: enable RLS on every table and watch your quotas.
FAQ
Is Supabase free?
Yes, the Free plan allows 2 active projects with a 500 MB database and 50,000 monthly active users. Pro costs $25 a month.
Can Supabase connect to Webflow?
Yes, through Supabase’s API and a custom integration (scripts, Wized or server functions).
Supabase or Firebase?
Supabase if your data is relational and you want SQL and open source; Firebase if you are already in Google’s ecosystem and prefer NoSQL.
