I've noticed many people using Supabase, but I'm finding the free tier, which limits you to three projects, a bit restrictive, especially when I'm experimenting or building multiple small apps. I'm interested in what alternatives folks are using. Here are a few I'm considering: Firebase, Appwrite, PocketBase, or maybe something self-hosted. I'm curious to hear what has been working well for you?
5 Answers
If you want to replicate Supabase functionality but avoid project limits, consider self-hosting. I run Supabase on a managed VPS and it's been solid. The setup can be annoying at first, but it pays off in the long run with unlimited projects and no cold starts!
PocketBase is ideal for small, easy projects. It's just a single binary and offers built-in auth and real-time capabilities. It's super simple to deploy and you can run multiple instances on a cheap VPS without any hassle.
Absolutely! PocketBase has been a lifesaver for me too—super quick setup with no limits, just not meant for scaling!
If you're looking for budget-friendly options, I recommend grabbing the cheapest VPS you can find and setting up PostgreSQL on it. It allows for unlimited projects and you'll learn a lot in the process. Just remember to back it up regularly to avoid losing any work!
Totally agree! I've been down that route too and self-hosting PostgreSQL on a low-cost VPS has been great for me. Just make sure to have a backup routine; losing a side project to a crashed VPS can hurt!
I’ve had good experiences with Hetzner while using Coolify; it makes the setup pretty smooth!
Firebase is still a solid option if you need quick deployment and don't want to think much about scaling initially. However, it can get pricey over time. For more control, Appwrite or PocketBase would be better, especially for smaller projects.
Definitely agree! Each tool has its strengths, but it often comes down to personal preference and the level of management you want to deal with.
I’d still go for something like SQLite for quick experiments; you really don’t need heavy lifting for most side projects!
For experimentation, SQLite could be your go-to option. It's lightweight and perfect for smaller projects. Just remember, if you're using it in WAL mode, be cautious about how you back it up.
Yeah, SQLite is fantastic for small apps. Just make sure you know the backup process, especially with WAL. It's not as straightforward as a simple file copy.
I had a challenging experience setting up Supabase myself. It's much more than just PostgreSQL, which adds complexity!