SpacetimeDB vs Supabase
SpacetimeDB: In-memory relational database that runs your server logic as WASM modules and streams changes to clients. Supabase: Open-source Postgres backend platform: database, auth, storage, realtime and edge functions in one project.
key differences
- Licensing: SpacetimeDB is source-available (Business Source License 1.1); Supabase is open source (permissive) (Apache License 2.0).
- Supabase is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than SpacetimeDB (≤ 100 GB).
- Only SpacetimeDB has in-memory, runs in webassembly.
- Only Supabase has full-text search, vector search, geospatial, json, change data capture.
- SpacetimeDB has a serverless option; Supabase does not.
choose spacetimedb for
- +Multiplayer and MMO game backends
- +Realtime collaborative apps
- +Chat and presence systems
best at · OLTP, Pub/Sub, Real-time analytics
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
SpacetimeDB vs Supabase: FAQ
What is the difference between SpacetimeDB and Supabase?
SpacetimeDB: In-memory relational database that runs your server logic as WASM modules and streams changes to clients. Supabase: Open-source Postgres backend platform: database, auth, storage, realtime and edge functions in one project. Licensing: SpacetimeDB is source-available (Business Source License 1.1); Supabase is open source (permissive) (Apache License 2.0). Supabase is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than SpacetimeDB (≤ 100 GB). Only SpacetimeDB has in-memory, runs in webassembly.
When should I choose SpacetimeDB over Supabase?
Choose SpacetimeDB for multiplayer and MMO game backends; realtime collaborative apps; and chat and presence systems. 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 SpacetimeDB or Supabase more popular?
Supabase ranks #23 on the WhichDB Score (54.3/100) and SpacetimeDB ranks #105 (27.3/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are SpacetimeDB and Supabase open source?
Not in the OSI sense. SpacetimeDB is source-available: you can read the code, but the license restricts some uses, typically offering it as a competing managed service. License: Business Source License 1.1. Yes. Supabase is open source. License: Apache License 2.0.