Supabase vs MySQL: Which is Right for Your Project?

Choosing between Supabase and MySQL depends on how much control you need versus how quickly you want to build. Supabase runs on PostgreSQL and comes with built-in tools like auth, storage, and real-time APIs. MySQL is a proven relational database used everywhere from startups to enterprise systems.

Let’s look at how they differ in design, performance, and day-to-day development so you can pick what fits your stack.

What is Supabase?

Supabase is an open-source backend-as-a-service built on PostgreSQL. It provides a managed database with authentication, real-time subscriptions, file storage, and auto-generated APIs. The platform targets developers who want backend functionality without building infrastructure from scratch.

You get a PostgreSQL database with additional services integrated through a unified dashboard. The project started in 2020 as an open-source Firebase alternative.

What is MySQL?

MySQL is a relational database management system that's been around since 1995. Oracle maintains it, though open-source forks like MariaDB exist. It runs in millions of applications across web hosting, enterprise systems, and embedded software.

MySQL handles read-heavy workloads well and includes mature replication features. Most hosting platforms support it out of the box, and almost every programming language has a MySQL driver.

Supabase's Database: PostgreSQL

Supabase doesn't use MySQL. It runs on PostgreSQL, which differs from MySQL in SQL syntax, data types, and features. PostgreSQL supports advanced data types like JSONB, arrays, and geometric types. It handles complex queries with CTEs (Common Table Expressions) and window functions more naturally than MySQL.

PostgreSQL's extension system allows adding functionality like full-text search (pg_trgm), geospatial queries (PostGIS), and job scheduling (pg_cron). MySQL's plugin architecture is more limited.

Core Differences & Architecture

1. Data model, schema and storage

Both databases use relational structures with tables, rows, and SQL. PostgreSQL (and Supabase) enforces strict data types, while MySQL often performs implicit conversions that can lead to silent truncation or rounding. PostgreSQL throws explicit errors instead.

Both use MVCC for transactions, handling concurrent reads and writes efficiently. MySQL allows multiple storage engines, though InnoDB is standard. PostgreSQL uses a unified storage layer with extension hooks.

2. Real-time and API support

Supabase adds real-time data through WebSockets, using PostgreSQL’s logical replication to broadcast changes instantly. MySQL has no native real-time mechanism; you rely on tools like Debezium or polling for change capture.

Supabase also auto-generates REST and GraphQL APIs from your schema, while MySQL requires building those APIs manually with frameworks such as Express or Django.

3. Extensibility, functions & plugins

PostgreSQL supports rich extensions like PostGIS for geospatial data, pg_stat_statements for performance insights, and uuid-ossp for UUID generation. You can install them easily with SQL commands.

MySQL’s plugin system is more limited. You can write user-defined functions in C or use stored procedures, but PostgreSQL’s procedural language options (PL/pgSQL, PL/Python, PL/V8) make it more flexible.

Features & Built-in Services

Authentication, access control, and security

Supabase includes built-in auth for email, OAuth, and magic links. You can manage users through its dashboard or API. Row-Level Security (RLS) lets you define access rules in SQL and enforce them at the database layer.

MySQL handles authentication with user accounts and privileges but doesn’t offer built-in user management or RLS. Application-level auth and access control require external tools or custom logic.

File storage, edge functions, and other services

Supabase offers S3-compatible file storage and edge functions for running backend logic without managing servers. Both tie into your database policies for consistent access control.

MySQL focuses on data storage only. File storage and serverless functions require separate services like AWS S3 and Lambda.

Backup, monitoring & extensions

Supabase automates daily backups, includes point-in-time recovery on paid plans, and provides metrics through its dashboard. PostgreSQL extensions can be enabled directly.

MySQL backups and monitoring rely on tools like mysqldump, Percona XtraBackup, and Prometheus. You manage scheduling and retention yourself.

Performance, Scalability & Cost

Throughput, latency, and concurrency

Performance depends on workload and schema design. MySQL handles simple, read-heavy queries well, while PostgreSQL (and Supabase) is better for complex or analytical workloads.

MySQL uses a threaded connection model that’s lighter on memory than PostgreSQL’s process-per-connection approach. Supabase includes pooling by default to manage this. In both cases, indexing and query design matter more than the database itself.

Scaling strategies

Supabase scales vertically and offers read replicas on higher plans. Write scaling still needs vertical upgrades or sharding.

MySQL supports both vertical and horizontal scaling through replication. Tools like Vitess simplify sharding and distributed setups. Managed MySQL services like AWS Aurora or Google Cloud SQL handle scaling and failover automatically.

Cost models: hosted Supabase vs self-hosted MySQL

• Supabase Free: $0/month. Includes 500 MB database storage, 50,000 MAUs, unlimited API requests, and basic real-time and auth features. Projects pause after 1 week of inactivity.

• Supabase Pro: Starts at $25/month. Includes 8 GB storage, 100,000 MAUs, email support, daily backups, and $10 in compute credits. Extra storage, egress, or MAUs incur usage fees.

• Self-Hosted MySQL: No licensing cost. Expenses come from hosting, backups, and maintenance. 

• Managed MySQL (AWS RDS, Cloud SQL): Pricing depends on instance type, storage, and region.

• Time and integration: Supabase includes auth, APIs, and real-time updates. With MySQL, you need to set these up yourself.

Frameworks & Libraries

Supabase offers client libraries for JavaScript, TypeScript, Python, Dart, and Swift, covering authentication, real-time updates, and API calls with minimal setup. It integrates well with Next.js, React, and Vue via starter templates.

MySQL has broad support across all major languages and frameworks through database drivers. You get universal compatibility, though you handle more of the boilerplate like connection pooling and query mapping yourself.

Industry Examples:

MySQL runs platforms like YouTube, PayPal, LinkedIn, Netflix, and eBay, handling massive transactional workloads reliably. 

Supabase is popular with startups and SaaS apps needing real-time features, though it has fewer large-scale deployments.

Migration, Compatibility & Lock-in

Migrating from MySQL to Supabase

Moving to Supabase means switching from MySQL to PostgreSQL. pgLoader automate much of the transfer, but MySQL-specific features often need manual adjustment.

Steps include exporting data, translating SQL dialects, converting stored procedures, and testing queries. AUTO_INCREMENT becomes SERIAL or IDENTITY, and MySQL’s non-standard GROUP BY requires attention.

Compatibility Concerns

SQL dialect differences cause most issues. PostgreSQL is stricter: string comparisons are case-sensitive unless you use ILIKE, ENUM types differ, and full-text search syntax is not compatible. MySQL-specific functions in application code need refactoring.

Vendor Lock-in

Supabase is open-source, so you can self-host and move your database with pg_dump. Heavy reliance on Supabase-specific features like auto-generated APIs, auth hooks, or edge functions can tie your code to their platform. 

MySQL has no inherent lock-in; you control the installation and can migrate to MariaDB or other hosting environments easily.

When to Choose Supabase vs MySQL

Supabase works well for new apps that need authentication, real-time updates, and quick development. It fits small teams and projects using frameworks like Next.js, React, or Vue. Real-time dashboards and collaboration features are built in.

Choose MySQL for existing applications, legacy systems, or high-scale read-heavy workloads. It’s mature, widely supported, and easier to integrate with established infrastructure.

You can run MySQL for core data while using Supabase for new services or features, handling data consistency through application logic or message queues.

You can connect with our experts to get practical help with database setup, migration, optimization, or building and scaling applications on Supabase and MySQL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Supabase just a frontend for MySQL?

No. Supabase is a full backend-as-a-service platform built on PostgreSQL, not MySQL. It provides database hosting, authentication, real-time subscriptions, file storage, and auto-generated APIs. You can't use Supabase with a MySQL database.

Can I keep MySQL and use Supabase features?

Not directly. Supabase's features depend on PostgreSQL. You could run both systems separately and use Supabase for new features while keeping MySQL for existing data, but they won't integrate at the database level.

Which performs better in production (Supabase vs MySQL)?

Performance depends on your workload type, schema design, and configuration. MySQL performs well for simple read-heavy queries. PostgreSQL (which powers Supabase) handles complex analytical queries better. Both systems can handle production loads when properly configured and indexed.

How do I handle transactions in Supabase vs MySQL?

Both support ACID transactions. Supabase uses PostgreSQL's transaction model with BEGIN, COMMIT, and ROLLBACK. The syntax is similar to MySQL. Through Supabase's client libraries, you use the .rpc() method to call database functions that wrap transaction logic. Direct SQL access lets you write standard transaction blocks.

Can I use MySQL for main database and Supabase for real-time?

Supabase's real-time engine monitors PostgreSQL's write-ahead log, so it can't watch MySQL directly. You'd need to replicate MySQL changes to a PostgreSQL instance or build custom APIs that push MySQL changes through WebSockets. This adds complexity without clear benefits over using one system.

How do I replicate MySQL triggers/events in Supabase?

Supabase uses PostgreSQL triggers and functions. Create a function that performs your logic, then create a trigger that calls it. For example:

CREATE FUNCTION update_modified_column()
RETURNS TRIGGER AS $$
BEGIN
    NEW.updated_at = NOW();
    RETURN NEW;
END;
$$ LANGUAGE plpgsql;

CREATE TRIGGER set_timestamp
BEFORE UPDATE ON your_table
FOR EACH ROW
EXECUTE FUNCTION update_modified_column();

MySQL event scheduler equivalents become PostgreSQL triggers or pg_cron jobs for scheduled tasks.