What it does
Supabase centers each project on a PostgreSQL database and layers a Data API, authentication, storage and other backend services around it. The connection guide distinguishes frontend Data API access from pooled connections for serverless or edge code and direct connections for persistent backends. That makes the database useful for applications that want hosted Postgres and related services in one project, but it also means the best connection path depends on where the code runs.
Start by creating a project, then decide how the application will reach Postgres. Supabase's database guide recommends the Data API for frontend code, where Row Level Security is required, and a shared transaction pooler for serverless or edge functions that open many short-lived connections. A persistent backend may use a direct connection when its network supports it; the guide also describes pooler options for other environments.
Do not treat every connection string as interchangeable. The project connection guide explains how to find a string and configure its pool size, prepared statements and SSL. A GUI database client, a server process and browser code have different access constraints. For a browser feature, use the Data API and design Row Level Security policies instead of shipping a database password to the client.
The pricing page lists a free plan but documents important boundaries: free projects pause after a week of inactivity and the plan limits the number of active projects. Paid plans provide different storage, egress and backup allowances. These limits make the free tier useful for prototypes and learning, but a dormant production database needs a plan whose behavior fits its uptime needs.
Strengths
- The connection guide maps Data API, pooler, and direct connections to different runtime environments.
- Projects combine a Postgres database with related backend services.
- Row Level Security is part of the documented frontend Data API model.
Watch out for
- Free projects pause after a week of inactivity and the free tier caps active projects.
- A frontend connection requires deliberate Row Level Security configuration.
Best for
- Building an application on managed Postgres with integrated authentication and storage
- Choosing a connection route for browser, serverless, or persistent backend code
Sources
- Supabase | The Postgres Development Platform (Oct 25, 2026)
- Database | Supabase Docs (Oct 25, 2026)
- Connect to your database | Supabase Docs (Oct 25, 2026)
- Pricing & Fees | Supabase (Oct 25, 2026)