Technology

Convex vs Supabase: Backend-as-a-Service Comparison

Compare Convex vs Supabase for app backends. Real-time, database, serverless functions, and DX.

Convex

Supabase

Quick Verdict

Convex excels in real-time reactive apps with its integrated approach. Supabase is better for SQL-centric apps needing PostgreSQL's power and open-source flexibility. Convex for DX-first real-time apps; Supabase for data-heavy PostgreSQL workloads.

Detailed Comparison

A side-by-side analysis of key factors to help you make the right choice.

Factor	ConvexRecommended	Supabase	Winner
Real-Time Sync	Built-in reactive queries, automatic UI updates	Real-time subscriptions via PostgreSQL LISTEN/NOTIFY
Database	Document database with TypeScript-first schema	Full PostgreSQL with SQL, joins, extensions
Developer Experience	End-to-end TypeScript, zero-config, type-safe queries	Good DX but requires SQL knowledge, more config
Open Source & Self-Host	Proprietary, cloud-only	Fully open source, self-hostable
Serverless Functions	Integrated mutations/actions with ACID transactions	Edge Functions (Deno) with separate deployment
Total Score	3/ 5	2/ 5	0 ties

Real-Time Sync

Convex

Built-in reactive queries, automatic UI updates

Supabase

Real-time subscriptions via PostgreSQL LISTEN/NOTIFY

Database

Convex

Document database with TypeScript-first schema

Supabase

Full PostgreSQL with SQL, joins, extensions

Developer Experience

Convex

End-to-end TypeScript, zero-config, type-safe queries

Supabase

Good DX but requires SQL knowledge, more config

Open Source & Self-Host

Convex

Proprietary, cloud-only

Supabase

Fully open source, self-hostable

Serverless Functions

Convex

Integrated mutations/actions with ACID transactions

Supabase

Edge Functions (Deno) with separate deployment

Key Statistics

Real data from verified industry sources to support your decision.

Supabase: 75K+ GitHub stars, fully open source

GitHub

GitHub (2025)

Convex reactive queries update UIs in <50ms on average

Convex benchmarks

Convex benchmarks (2025)

Supabase supports 50+ PostgreSQL extensions

Supabase docs

Supabase docs (2025)

All statistics are from reputable third-party sources. Links to original sources available upon request.

When to Choose Each Option

Clear guidance based on your specific situation and needs.

Choose Convex when...

Building real-time reactive applications.
Need an integrated development approach.
Prioritize speed and responsiveness.

Choose Supabase when...

Focusing on SQL-centric applications.
Need PostgreSQL's capabilities.
Prioritize open-source solutions.

Our Recommendation

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this comparison answered.

Convex wins for TypeScript projects with its end-to-end typing. Supabase wins for teams familiar with SQL and relational modeling.

Technically yes, but not recommended. Choose based on your primary needs - real-time first (Convex) or SQL/relational first (Supabase).

We use Convex for most new projects due to superior TypeScript DX and automatic real-time. We use Supabase when clients need SQL or have existing Postgres data.

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