Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Convex · ☁️ hosting
Convex vs Supabase
Database, functions, realtime, files, and auth in one self-hosted stack; SQL replaces Convex's document model. Here is how Supabase ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Convex (paid subscription) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
Supabase
$0.00/mo · Apache-2.0
Convex vs Supabase Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Convex (Paid) | Supabase (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | Paid tier | $0 / mo |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Apache-2.0 |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local or hosted (your machine or their cloud) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | webself-hostedcliself-host, real ops |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 108k (active aug 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Convex to Supabase
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Supabase replaces Convex's document/function runtime with PostgreSQL, SQL migrations, row-level security, and separate services, so the application architecture must be rewritten rather than simply moved.
How to deploy Supabase
Hosted Supabase project, or the official Docker Compose stack; `supabase start` runs the local stack
What it takes to run
Self-hosting is not 'just Postgres': the Compose stack needs many secrets and services, plus SMTP, object storage, TLS, backups, observability, and coordinated upgrades.
Where your data lives
Relational data, auth records, and platform metadata live in PostgreSQL; Realtime consumes the Postgres replication stream; object data lives in the configured storage backend with metadata in Postgres; edge-function and migration source stays in project files. Supabase Cloud stores and operates the managed copy.
Why fork Supabase instead of vibe-coding a Convex clone?
Do not mistake the interface for the product. Convex's durable value is infrastructure, uptime, operations, which a solo one-shot build cannot reproduce responsibly. The prompt therefore builds only the closest honest personal consolation tool.
Convex vs Supabase FAQ
Is Supabase a good free alternative to Convex?+
Yes. Supabase is a verified open-source (Apache-2.0) replacement for Convex. Database, functions, realtime, files, and auth in one self-hosted stack; SQL replaces Convex's document model.
What is the catch when switching from Convex to Supabase?+
Supabase replaces Convex's document/function runtime with PostgreSQL, SQL migrations, row-level security, and separate services, so the application architecture must be rewritten rather than simply moved.
How do I install or self-host Supabase instead of Convex?+
Install: Hosted Supabase project, or the official Docker Compose stack; `supabase start` runs the local stack. Setup: Self-hosting is not 'just Postgres': the Compose stack needs many secrets and services, plus SMTP, object storage, TLS, backups, observability, and coordinated upgrades.
