Harper (formerly HarperDB) vs Supabase
Harper (formerly HarperDB): Node.js runtime that fuses database, cache, app logic and MQTT/WebSocket messaging in one process. Supabase: Open-source Postgres backend platform: database, auth, storage, realtime and edge functions in one project.
key differences
- Harper (formerly HarperDB) is primarily a document database; Supabase is relational.
- Horizontal scaling is addon in Harper (formerly HarperDB) and none in Supabase.
- Transactions: Harper (formerly HarperDB) offers limited ACID; Supabase offers full.
- Only Harper (formerly HarperDB) has ttl / expiry, in-memory.
- Only Supabase has full-text search, geospatial, change data capture, triggers, stored procedures.
choose harperdb for
- +Edge caching and API acceleration in front of slower origins
- +Real-time apps needing MQTT or WebSocket fan-out
- +Geo-distributed application backends
- +Vector lookups next to application logic
best at · Cache, Edge, Pub/Sub
choose supabase for
- +MVPs and startups needing a complete backend quickly
- +AI-generated apps from Lovable, Bolt and similar builders
- +Mobile and web apps with auth and file uploads
- +Realtime collaborative features via Postgres changes
best at · OLTP, Vector search, RAG
Harper (formerly HarperDB) vs Supabase: FAQ
What is the difference between Harper (formerly HarperDB) and Supabase?
Harper (formerly HarperDB): Node.js runtime that fuses database, cache, app logic and MQTT/WebSocket messaging in one process. Supabase: Open-source Postgres backend platform: database, auth, storage, realtime and edge functions in one project. Harper (formerly HarperDB) is primarily a document database; Supabase is relational. Horizontal scaling is addon in Harper (formerly HarperDB) and none in Supabase. Transactions: Harper (formerly HarperDB) offers limited ACID; Supabase offers full.
When should I choose Harper (formerly HarperDB) over Supabase?
Choose Harper (formerly HarperDB) for edge caching and API acceleration in front of slower origins; real-time apps needing MQTT or WebSocket fan-out; and geo-distributed application backends. Choose Supabase for MVPs and startups needing a complete backend quickly; AI-generated apps from Lovable, Bolt and similar builders; and mobile and web apps with auth and file uploads.
Is Harper (formerly HarperDB) or Supabase more popular?
Supabase ranks #23 on the WhichDB Score (54.3/100) and Harper (formerly HarperDB) ranks #317 (9.1/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are Harper (formerly HarperDB) and Supabase open source?
Yes. Harper (formerly HarperDB) is open source. License: Apache License 2.0 (core); Elastic License 2.0 (Harper Pro). Yes. Supabase is open source. License: Apache License 2.0.