Fly.io vs Supabase — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Fly.io and Supabase to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Supabase takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for developers who want a firebase-like experience with real postgresql and open-source flexibility.. Fly.io (4.2) is the better pick if you need developers building globally distributed applications that need low latency worldwide..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Fly.io | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.2(145) | ★★★★★ 4.5(234) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | freemium |
| Starter Price | ~$3-5/mo (pay-as-you-go) | $25/mo (Pro) |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, linux, mac, windows | web |
| Learning Curve | hard | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Developers building globally distributed applications that need low latency worldwide. | Developers who want a Firebase-like experience with real PostgreSQL and open-source flexibility. |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Fly.io | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| 30+ global deployment regions | — | |
| Full Docker container support | — | |
| Fly Postgres (multi-region) | — | |
| Persistent volumes | — | |
| Machines API | — | |
| LiteFS distributed SQLite | — | |
| PostgreSQL database with dashboard | — | |
| Authentication (email, social, magic links) | — | |
| File storage with CDN | — | |
| Real-time subscriptions | — | |
| Edge functions | — | |
| Row Level Security | — |
Fly.io
Pros
- ✓Run full applications in 30+ global regions
- ✓Docker-based — full control over your runtime
- ✓Distributed PostgreSQL and SQLite at the edge
Cons
- ✕More complex than simpler hosting platforms
- ✕Documentation can be inconsistent
- ✕Pricing can be unpredictable for multi-region deployments
Supabase
Pros
- ✓Real PostgreSQL — no proprietary database lock-in
- ✓Auth, storage, and real-time included out of the box
- ✓Open source with self-hosting option
Cons
- ✕Complex queries can be challenging through the client library
- ✕Free tier projects pause after inactivity
- ✕Edge functions are newer and less mature than Firebase functions
The Bottom Line
Both Fly.io and Supabase are solid tools in the Developer Tools space. Supabase edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.2) and is the better choice for developers who want a firebase-like experience with real postgresql and open-source flexibility.. However, if you prioritize developers building globally distributed applications that need low latency worldwide., Fly.io is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.