What Is Supabase?
Supabase is an open-source backend platform that provides everything you need to build modern applications. Often called the open-source Firebase alternative, Supabase combines a PostgreSQL database with authentication, real-time subscriptions, file storage, and serverless functions in one cohesive platform.
What makes Supabase special for no-code app builders is its accessibility. You do not need to be a database expert to use it. The platform provides a spreadsheet-like interface for managing data, automatic API generation, and native integrations with popular no-code tools. This makes it the perfect backend for non-technical founders and citizen developers.
PostgreSQL Database
A full Postgres database with a spreadsheet-like interface. Create tables, relationships, and queries without SQL knowledge.
Authentication
Built-in email, OAuth, SSO, and magic link authentication. Row-level security keeps data protected.
Real-time Updates
WebSocket-based subscriptions push changes instantly. Perfect for chat apps and live dashboards.
File Storage
Store and serve images, videos, and documents with built-in CDN and transformation APIs.
Edge Functions
Serverless functions that run close to users. Write custom backend logic in TypeScript.
Vector Search
Built-in pgvector extension for AI embeddings. Build semantic search and recommendation systems.
Why Supabase Is So Popular
According to Sacra research, Supabase has grown from 1 million to over 4.5 million developers in less than a year. This unprecedented growth is driven by several factors that make it ideal for both developers and no-code builders.
4-5x Cheaper Than Firebase
$25/month Pro tierIndependent analyses show Supabase Pro at $25/month delivers 4-5x more value than equivalent Firebase or AWS Amplify usage. The generous free tier includes 500MB database, 50,000 monthly active users, and unlimited API requests.
Open Source = No Vendor Lock-in
100% open sourceUnlike proprietary backends, Supabase is fully open source. You can self-host, export your data anytime, and are never trapped by a single vendor. Your PostgreSQL database is standard SQL you own completely.
AI and Vibe Coding Boom
700%+ YoY user growthSupabase has become the default backend for AI coding tools like Bolt, Lovable, and v0. User growth was up 700%+ year-over-year during the AI coding revolution of 2024-2025.
Spreadsheet-Like Interface
No SQL requiredThe table editor makes database management as intuitive as using Excel or Google Sheets. Non-technical users can create tables, add data, and manage relationships without learning SQL.
Supabase vs Firebase: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Supabase | Firebase |
|---|---|---|
| Database Type | PostgreSQL (relational) | Firestore (NoSQL) |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Self-Hosting | Available | Not possible |
| SQL Support | Full SQL + Extensions | No SQL |
| Pricing Model | Predictable usage-based | Can spike unexpectedly |
How No-Code Tools Integrate with Supabase
The beauty of Supabase is that it works seamlessly with popular no-code and AI app builders. According to WeWeb's comparison guide, you can connect multiple frontend apps to the same Supabase backend, making it ideal for multi-platform projects.
FlutterFlow
Native IntegrationFlutterFlow offers native Supabase integration out of the box. Connect by entering your API URL and key, then visually create forms, bind widgets to tables, and perform CRUD operations through built-in actions.
- Authentication with Supabase Auth
- Real-time data sync
- Export Flutter code you own
WeWeb
First-Class ConnectorWeWeb provides first-class REST and GraphQL connectors for Supabase. Go from idea to interactive prototype in hours. The combination of WeWeb + Supabase is recommended for apps requiring flexibility and scalability.
- AI-assisted with visual control
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Best for web applications
Retool
Admin ToolsConnect directly to Supabase PostgreSQL database in Retool. Build internal dashboards, admin panels, and CRUD interfaces. Query data directly or use the REST API.
- Direct database connection
- Pre-built components
- Best for internal tools
Softr
Business AppsConnect your Supabase backend to Softr and build custom business apps in minutes. Manage data, logins, and apps in one place without SQL or server setup.
- No developer overhead
- Pre-built templates
- Client portals and directories
Multi-Frontend Architecture
Connect several frontend apps to the same Supabase backend: a web dashboard (WeWeb), a mobile app (FlutterFlow or Natively), and internal tools (Retool). This multi-frontend approach serves different user groups while sharing a single source of truth.
What Can You Build with Supabase?
Supabase powers thousands of production applications. The Made with Supabase showcase features everything from AI tools to SaaS platforms. Here are the most common application types built with Supabase as the backend.
User Management Apps
Profile systems, dashboards, account settings
SaaS Products
Subscription apps, analytics tools, CRM systems
Mobile Apps
iOS and Android apps via React Native, Flutter
Real-Time Apps
Chat apps, live dashboards, collaboration tools
AI Applications
Chatbots, semantic search, recommendation engines
Marketplaces
E-commerce, booking platforms, directories
Real Apps Built with Supabase
Calendry
Open source calendar application
Spendify
Expense tracking with graphs and analytics
CliniAI
Healthcare AI assistant
SyncList
Meal prep and grocery management
Palette AI
Personalized color palette generator
Chat with PDF
AI document analysis tool
Explore more at madewithsupabase.com
Do I Need Database Experience?
No, you do not need to understand databases to use Supabase for beginners. According to Supabase's beginner guide, the platform is designed to make database management as simple as using a spreadsheet. Here is how Supabase makes databases accessible.
Spreadsheet-Like Interface
The table view makes Postgres as easy to use as Excel. Create tables, add columns, enter data, and set relationships all through a visual interface. No SQL required.
Automatic APIs
Supabase automatically generates REST and GraphQL APIs for your tables. No need to write backend code. Your data is instantly accessible to your app.
AI SQL Assistant
When you need advanced queries, Supabase includes an AI assistant that writes SQL for you. Describe what you want in plain English and get working queries.
Built-in Security
Row Level Security policies can be set up through the UI. Protect your data without understanding complex security patterns. Templates make it easy.
Recommended Learning Path
Start with the Table Editor
Create your first table using the spreadsheet interface. No SQL needed.
Connect Your No-Code Tool
Use FlutterFlow, WeWeb, or Natively to build a UI that reads and writes data.
Add Authentication
Enable email or social login through the dashboard. No code required.
Learn SQL Gradually
As you grow comfortable, explore the SQL editor and AI assistant for advanced queries.
Supabase Pricing 2026
Supabase uses a hybrid pricing model with a base fee plus usage-based charges. According to the official pricing page, you can set spend caps to prevent unexpected bills.
Free
- 500 MB database
- 1 GB storage
- 50,000 MAUs
- 2 active projects
Pauses after 1 week of inactivity
Pro
- 8 GB database
- 100 GB storage
- 100,000 MAUs
- $10 compute credits
7-day backups + email support
Team
- Everything in Pro
- SOC 2 compliance
- SSO for dashboard
- Priority support + SLA
HIPAA available as add-on
Enterprise
- Dedicated support manager
- 24/7 premium support
- Uptime SLAs
- BYO cloud option
Private Slack channel included
Pricing as of January 2026. Source: supabase.com/pricing
Getting Started with Supabase
Setting up a Supabase project takes less than 5 minutes. According to the official getting started guide, within 30 seconds of clicking "Create new project" you will have a live PostgreSQL database running in the cloud.
Create a Supabase Account
Go to supabase.com and sign up using GitHub, email, or another option. It is free to start.
Create a New Project
Click "New Project", choose a name, set a database password, and select your region. Your database spins up in about 30 seconds.
Create Your First Table
Use the Table Editor to create tables visually. Add columns, set types, and enter data just like a spreadsheet.
Get Your API Keys
Copy your project URL and API key from Settings > API. You will need these to connect your no-code tool.
Connect Your App Builder
Paste your credentials into FlutterFlow, WeWeb, Natively, or your chosen platform. Start building your UI.
Build Mobile Apps with Supabase + Natively
Natively generates real React Native code that connects seamlessly to Supabase. Describe your app in plain English, connect your Supabase backend, and get production-ready iOS and Android apps with code you own and can export.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Supabase and why is it popular?
Supabase is an open-source backend platform built on PostgreSQL that provides database, authentication, real-time subscriptions, storage, and serverless functions. It is popular because it offers a generous free tier, is 4-5x cheaper than Firebase for equivalent usage, has grown to over 4.5 million developers, and provides a user-friendly interface that makes databases as easy to use as spreadsheets. As an open-source Firebase alternative, Supabase gives you full control over your data without vendor lock-in.
How do no-code tools integrate with Supabase?
No-code tools integrate with Supabase through its REST API and real-time WebSocket connections. Platforms like FlutterFlow offer native Supabase integration where you simply enter your API URL and key. WeWeb provides first-class connectors for Supabase data. You can connect multiple frontend apps (web dashboard, mobile app, internal tools) to the same Supabase backend, making it ideal for multi-platform projects.
What can I build with Supabase as my backend?
With Supabase you can build virtually any application: user management systems, SaaS products, e-commerce stores, real-time chat apps, social networks, booking systems, CRM tools, file sharing portals, AI-powered applications, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. The Made with Supabase showcase features hundreds of production apps including expense trackers, calendar apps, AI tools, and compliance dashboards.
Do I need to understand databases to use Supabase?
No, you do not need database expertise to start with Supabase. The platform provides a spreadsheet-like table editor that makes creating and managing data intuitive. You can create tables, add columns, and enter data without writing SQL. Supabase automatically generates APIs for your data, so you can build apps without learning complex database queries. As you grow more comfortable, you can optionally learn SQL to unlock advanced features.
Is Supabase free to use?
Yes, Supabase offers a generous free tier that includes 500 MB database storage, 1 GB file storage, 50,000 monthly active users, unlimited API requests, and 2 active projects. This is sufficient for prototypes, side projects, and small production apps. Paid plans start at $25/month for the Pro tier which includes 8 GB database, 100,000 MAUs, and email support. Free projects pause after 1 week of inactivity.