I've been using Supabase for my app, particularly for Postgres, authentication, and storage, and it has been really easy to set up. However, I'm considering migrating to a self-hosted backend on my VPS. My primary reasons for the switch include:
- **Cost**: The Supabase pricing can get steep once you exceed the free tier.
- **Control**: I want more flexibility over my backend stack and the ability to optimize performance.
- **Vendor lock-in**: I'm wary of being tied to a hosted service in the long run.
But I'm also worried about losing Supabase's great built-in features like the authentication and database UI, and the extra DevOps and security responsibilities that come with managing my own backend. Am I perhaps overthinking this decision too early? Has anyone transitioned like this? Was the complexity worth it? Any tips on what to be cautious about? Thanks!
2 Answers
It's important to consider what you actually need. If you don't have thousands of users or heavy traffic, Supabase might be sufficient for you. It handles a lot of the backend tasks, like auth and analytics, but if you're feeling the pinch financially or need more control, weighing the hassle of self-hosting against these costs is key. Just make sure you have a plan for managing security and upkeep if you decide to go that route.
Switching to a self-hosted solution can really save you money! You can self-host Supabase on a service like Hetzner for as little as $5/month, compared to the $25/month for managed hosting. Plus, you gain the ability to customize any part of the stack since it’s modular and open-source, so you're not stuck on vendor solutions. Plus, Supabase is built on open technologies, which means you can migrate easily if needed. I personally prefer Pocketbase, but if you like Supabase, it's a solid option!
I actually use the Oracle VPS free tier—it's a great way to keep costs down while you test this out!
Totally, if you're ready to take on that complexity and it fits your budget, then it might be worth it. Just remember, you’re paying for simplicity when sticking with Supabase!