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Supabase vs Convex for a new SaaS: which to pick

Both have generous free plans. Supabase is Postgres with sign-in and storage built in; Convex is a reactive backend written in TypeScript. Here is how to choose.

Short answer: pick Supabase if you want a standard Postgres database, SQL, and sign-in, file storage and row-level security in one place. Pick Convex if you want your whole backend in TypeScript with data that updates live in the app without extra work. Both are free to start. Firebase and Neon are worth a look too.

Side by side

SupabaseConvex
What it isHosted Postgres with sign-in, storage and APIsA reactive backend: database, functions and sync in TypeScript
Free plan2 projects, 500 MB database each, 50,000 monthly active users, 1 GB storage1M function calls, 0.5 GB database, 1 GB bandwidth a month
First paid stepPro $25 a month (includes $10 compute credit)Pay as you go beyond free; Professional $25 per developer a month
Good atSQL, reporting, existing Postgres tools, mobile and web clientsLive-updating apps, end-to-end TypeScript, fewer moving parts
Watch out forFree projects pause after a week without activityA different model from SQL; less useful if your team thinks in SQL

How I’d decide

  1. 1

    Choose Supabase if

    • You or an AI agent are comfortable with SQL.
    • You want sign-in, file uploads and the database from one provider.
    • You’ll want reports or exports in standard tools later.
  2. 2

    Choose Convex if

    • Your app is collaborative or live: chat, boards, dashboards.
    • You want all backend code in TypeScript next to your app.
    • You’d rather not write SQL or manage migrations by hand.
  3. 3

    Consider the others if

    • Firebase: you’re building a mobile-first app and like Google’s tools.
    • Neon: you want plain serverless Postgres and will add sign-in separately.

Things to set up on day one

  • Keep the database private to your server code; don’t expose admin keys to the browser or the app.
  • If you use Supabase, turn on row-level security for every table holding user data.
  • Separate projects for testing and production, so experiments never touch real customers.
  • Save every schema change as a file in your project so you can repeat it on production.

Questions

Will the free plan last until launch?

Usually, yes. On Supabase, remember that free projects pause after a week of inactivity, so keep your production project on a paid plan once real users depend on it.

Can I switch later?

From Supabase, your data is standard Postgres and moves easily. Moving away from Convex means rewriting backend functions, so decide early.

The full setup guideEvery step, in order, in a few days.Finding your first usersResearch first, ads later.Feedback from day oneLearn what to build from the people using it.

Sources

Prices and limits were checked on each provider’s own page in November 2026. They change, so confirm before you commit.