Backend as a Service (BaaS)
- Supabase
- Firebase
- Appwrite
- PocketBase
- Convex
Supabase
Open-source Firebase alternative built on PostgreSQLComplete backend platform with auth, database, storage, edge functions, and real-time subscriptions.Best for:- SQL-first applications with complex queries
- Open-source projects avoiding vendor lock-in
- Real-time features with PostgreSQL power
- Row-Level Security requirements
- PostgreSQL database with auto-generated REST & GraphQL APIs
- Built-in auth with JWT + social logins
- Real-time subscriptions via PostgreSQL CDC
- Edge Functions (Deno runtime)
- Storage with CDN
SQL Databases
PostgreSQL
Most advanced open-source databaseACID-compliant, powerful querying, extensions (pgvector for embeddings).
- Free & open-source
- Extensions ecosystem
- Production-ready
- Used by Supabase, Neon, etc.
Neon
Serverless PostgreSQLAuto-scaling, branching, generous free tier. Instant databases.
- Free: 0.5GB storage
- Database branching
- Serverless architecture
- Fast cold starts
PlanetScale
MySQL-compatible serverless databaseBranching workflows, horizontal scaling, Vitess-powered.
- Database branching
- Horizontal scaling
- MySQL compatible
- Free tier available
MySQL
World’s most popular open-source databaseFast, reliable, used by Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.
- Free & open-source
- Widely adopted
- Fast performance
- Large ecosystem
NoSQL Databases
MongoDB
Document-based NoSQL databaseFlexible schemas, horizontal scaling, cloud-native (Atlas).
- Document database
- Atlas (managed service)
- Powerful queries
- Flexible schema
Redis
In-memory data structure storeCaching, pub/sub, session storage. Sub-millisecond latency.
- In-memory speed
- Ultra-fast reads/writes
- Pub/Sub messaging
- Caching layer
DynamoDB
AWS fully managed NoSQLServerless, single-digit millisecond latency at any scale.
- AWS ecosystem
- Auto-scaling
- Serverless
- Single-digit ms latency
ORMs & Query Builders
Prisma
Next-generation TypeScript ORMType-safe database client, schema migrations, great DX.
- TypeScript-first
- Type-safe queries
- Multiple databases
- Auto-generated client
Drizzle ORM
Lightweight TypeScript ORMSQL-like syntax, zero overhead, edge-ready. Faster than Prisma.
- Lightweight & fast
- TypeScript support
- Edge-compatible
- SQL-like syntax
Comparison: BaaS Platforms
| Feature | Supabase | Firebase | Convex | PocketBase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Database | PostgreSQL (SQL) | Firestore (NoSQL) | Reactive DB | SQLite |
| Auth | JWT + RLS | Firebase Auth | Built-in | Built-in |
| Real-time | PostgreSQL CDC | Firestore sync | Reactive | Built-in |
| Pricing | $0.00325/MAU | Pay-per-operation | $0/month starter | Free (self-host) |
| Self-host | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Best for | SQL apps, open-source | Mobile apps, rapid MVP | TypeScript apps | Side projects |
Decision Guide
1
Need SQL and open-source?
Choose Supabase for PostgreSQL power with modern DX
2
Building a mobile app?
Choose Firebase for best mobile integration
3
Want minimal infrastructure?
Choose PocketBase for single-file deployment
4
TypeScript-first with reactivity?
Choose Convex for type-safe reactive backend
5
Need custom API control?
Skip BaaS, use FastAPI or NestJS with your own database