Backendless vs Supabase: What are the differences?

Introduction

Backendless and Supabase are two popular backend as a service (BaaS) platforms that provide developers with the ability to build and manage server-side functionality for their applications. While they share the same goal of simplifying backend development, there are several key differences between them.

1. Pricing Model: Backendless offers a usage-based pricing model where users are charged based on the resources they consume. This can be advantageous for applications that have unpredictable usage patterns. On the other hand, Supabase offers a fixed pricing model where users pay a monthly fee based on the number of API calls and storage they require. This can be more cost-effective for applications with consistent usage.

2. Real-time Data Sync: Backendless provides real-time data synchronization out of the box, allowing developers to easily build real-time collaborative features in their applications. Supabase, on the other hand, requires additional configuration to enable real-time updates, but provides more control and flexibility over the synchronization process.

3. Database Support: Backendless supports a wide range of databases including MySQL, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB, allowing developers to choose the database that best suits their needs. Supabase, on the other hand, currently only supports PostgreSQL databases, limiting the options available for developers.

4. Authentication and Authorization: Backendless offers a comprehensive authentication and authorization system, allowing developers to easily implement user registration, login, and role-based access control. Supabase also provides similar features, but with a stronger focus on authentication using JSON Web Tokens (JWT).

5. Serverless Functions: Backendless allows developers to write and deploy serverless functions using JavaScript or Java. This enables developers to build custom server-side logic without the need to manage infrastructure. Supabase, on the other hand, currently does not provide a built-in serverless function feature.

6. Open Source and Self-hosting: Supabase is an open-source project, which means developers have access to the source code and can self-host the platform if desired. This provides a high level of flexibility and control for developers who prefer to manage their own infrastructure. Backendless, on the other hand, is a commercial product and does not offer open-source or self-hosting options.

In summary, Backendless offers a usage-based pricing model, built-in real-time data sync, support for multiple databases, a comprehensive authentication system, serverless function support, and a commercial offering. Supabase, on the other hand, offers a fixed pricing model, requires additional configuration for real-time data sync, supports only PostgreSQL databases, has a strong focus on authentication using JWT, lacks a built-in serverless function feature, and provides an open-source option for self-hosting.