Looking for a Supabase alternative?
Get the full stack.
Database, Auth, Realtime, Functions, Storage -- plus full application deployment. One self-hosted binary replaces Supabase + your hosting provider. No Docker Compose, no per-project billing.
The honest take: Supabase has a more mature PostgreSQL experience with features like Row Level Security, database branching, and a polished SQL editor. But if you need multiple database engines, want to deploy applications (not just backends), or run multiple projects without per-project billing, sh0 offers a complete self-hosted platform in a single binary.
Feature Comparison
sh0 vs Supabase: BaaS features, deployment capabilities, and self-hosting compared.
| Feature | sh0 | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL database | Managed PostgreSQL 14-17 with admin UI | Managed PostgreSQL (one per project) |
| Additional database engines | MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, Redis | -- |
| REST API | PostgREST (same engine Supabase uses) | PostgREST (auto-generated) |
| Auth service | Managed Logto (OIDC, social login) | GoTrue (email, phone, social, SSO) |
| Realtime subscriptions | Centrifugo (WebSocket + SSE, channels) | Custom Elixir service (Postgres changes) |
| Serverless functions | Managed Deno runtime | Deno Edge Functions |
| File storage | MinIO (S3-compatible, web console) | S3-compatible object storage |
| Email hosting | Stalwart Mail with DKIM/SPF/DMARC | -- |
| App deployment | Full PaaS (any Docker container) | -- |
| Self-hosted (single binary) | One curl command, one binary | Docker Compose (10+ containers) |
| Git push deploy | GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket webhooks | -- |
| CLI deploy | sh0 push (any directory) | supabase CLI (schema only) |
| One-click templates | 170+ (WordPress, Ghost, etc.) | -- |
| Built-in AI assistant | 30 MCP tools + 6 specialist agents | SQL editor AI assistant |
| Multiple projects | Unlimited stacks ($49/mo Scale) | $25/mo per project |
| Mobile app | sh0 Manager (iOS & Android) | -- |
Why Developers Switch from Supabase
Real scenarios where sh0's approach makes more sense.
"Each Supabase project costs $25/mo. I have 8 client projects and my bill is $200/mo just for databases."
sh0 Scale plan ($49/mo) gives you unlimited stacks. Create as many databases and projects as your server can handle. One price, no per-project billing.
"Self-hosting Supabase means running 10+ Docker containers. It takes 2 GB of RAM before I deploy anything."
sh0 is a single Rust binary (~25 MB). The entire platform runs in ~80 MB of RAM idle. Install with one curl command, not a Docker Compose file.
"Supabase is great for the backend, but I still need Vercel/Netlify for my frontend and another service for email."
sh0 is a complete platform: deploy your frontend + backend, manage databases, host email, add auth and realtime -- all from one dashboard. No service stitching.
What Makes sh0 Different
BaaS + PaaS in One Binary
Supabase is backend-only -- you still need a hosting provider for your app. sh0 combines full application deployment with all the BaaS features: databases, auth, realtime, functions, and storage.
5 Database Engines, Not Just PostgreSQL
Supabase is PostgreSQL-only. sh0 manages PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB, and Redis -- with admin UIs, user/grant management, and connection pooling for each.
True Self-Hosting, Not Docker Compose
Supabase's self-hosted option requires 10+ containers and significant DevOps knowledge. sh0 is one binary you install with curl. Updates are a single command.
Complete BaaS Services, Self-Hosted
Every backend service you need, managed through one dashboard.
PostgREST API
Same engine Supabase uses. Auto-generated REST API from your tables.
Auth (Logto)
OIDC-compliant auth with social login, MFA, and admin console.
Realtime (Centrifugo)
WebSocket + SSE with channels, presence, history, and pub/sub.
Functions (Deno)
TypeScript/JavaScript serverless functions, HTTP-invokable.
Storage (MinIO)
S3-compatible object storage with web console and access keys.
Email (Stalwart)
Full email hosting with DKIM/SPF/DMARC auto-configuration.
Pricing Comparison
Supabase charges per project. sh0 gives you unlimited projects on one plan.
| Scenario | sh0 | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 project (DB + Auth + Storage) | $19/mo (Pro) | $25/mo (Pro) |
| 5 projects | $49/mo (Scale -- unlimited) | $125/mo ($25 x 5) |
| 10 projects | $49/mo (same) | $250/mo ($25 x 10) |
| Database size (8 GB) | Limited by your VPS disk | Included at Pro tier |
| Email hosting | Included (Stalwart Mail) | Not available |
Migrate from Supabase in 5 Steps
sh0 uses the same PostgREST engine as Supabase, making migration straightforward.
Install sh0
curl -fsSL https://get.sh0.dev | bashCreate a PostgreSQL server
One click in the dashboard. sh0 uses the same PostgREST engine as Supabase for auto-generated REST APIs.
Enable BaaS services
Turn on Auth (Logto), Realtime (Centrifugo), Functions (Deno), and Storage (MinIO) -- each with one click.
Deploy your frontend
Connect your Git repo or use sh0 push. Your app deploys alongside your backend services on the same server.
Update connection strings
Replace Supabase API URLs with your sh0 endpoints. PostgREST, Auth, and Realtime follow standard protocols -- minimal code changes.
Who Should Choose What
Choose Supabase if...
- You need Row Level Security and Postgres extensions
- You want a polished SQL editor and schema visualizer
- You prefer managed cloud with zero infrastructure
- Your project is PostgreSQL-only and doesn't need app hosting
Choose sh0 if...
- You need app deployment + backend services in one tool
- You want multiple database engines (not just PostgreSQL)
- You have multiple projects and want flat pricing
- Data sovereignty and true self-hosting are requirements
Your Backend, Your Server, One Binary
Install sh0 in 30 seconds. Get PostgreSQL, Auth, Realtime, Functions, and Storage -- plus full app deployment.