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Clerk vs Supabase

Clerk (Auth) and Supabase (Database/BaaS) take different approaches to development. Clerk: Drop-in authentication with pre-built UI components optimized for React and Next.js Supabase: Open-source Firebase alternative with Postgres auth storage realtime and edge functions

Clerk logo

Clerk

Drop-in authentication with pre-built UI components optimized for React and Next.js

Category
Auth
Subcategory
Auth Provider
Pricing
Free (10K MAU) / Pro $25/mo
Tier
free
authauth provider
Supabase logo

Supabase

Open-source Firebase alternative with Postgres auth storage realtime and edge functions

Category
Database/BaaS
Subcategory
Full BaaS
Pricing
Free (500MB) / Pro $25/mo
Tier
free
database/baasfull baasopen-source

Key differences

DimensionClerkSupabase
PricingFree (10K MAU) / Pro $25/moFree (500MB) / Pro $25/mo
PlatformAuth ProviderFull BaaS
Open SourceNoYes
Capabilitiesauth, auth providerdatabase/baas, full baas, open-source

Choose Clerk if...

  • Clerk fits your specific workflow and team preferences

Choose Supabase if...

  • You need full control over the source code

Community pros and cons

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Frequently asked questions

Is Clerk or Supabase better for beginners?
Both tools are accessible. Clerk and Supabase are similar in approachability — try both and see which workflow clicks.
Which is cheaper, Clerk or Supabase?
Both have a free pricing model. Clerk: Free (10K MAU) / Pro $25/mo. Supabase: Free (500MB) / Pro $25/mo. Compare their specific plans to find the best value.
Can I use Clerk and Supabase together?
Yes — Clerk (Auth) and Supabase (Database/BaaS) serve different roles and can complement each other in a project.
Is Supabase open source?
Yes, Supabase is open source. Clerk is proprietary.

Verdict

Clerk and Supabase solve different problems. Choose based on whether you need a auth or a database/baas.

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