Centrali vs Supabase
Both offer backend-as-a-service, but with different philosophies. Here's a detailed comparison.
Centrali
Centrali is a unified backend with multi-tenancy, AI features, and integrated search built in. One API, one mental model—no Postgres knowledge required.
Supabase
Supabase is an open-source Firebase alternative built on Postgres. It offers database, auth, storage, and edge functions with direct SQL access.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Centrali | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Tenancy | Built-in Workspaces with isolated data, roles, and permissions | DIY Implement with schemas or RLS policies |
| AI Features | Comprehensive Schema generation, NL search, validation, anomaly detection | Vector only pgvector for embeddings, no built-in AI tools |
| Data Access | API-first Structured API with SDK, no SQL needed | SQL + API Direct Postgres access, REST/GraphQL auto-generated |
| Full-Text Search | Built-in Meilisearch-powered, automatic indexing | Postgres FTS Native Postgres full-text search |
| Serverless Functions | Integrated JavaScript functions with data/storage APIs built-in | Edge Functions Deno-based edge functions |
| Real-Time | SSE Server-Sent Events with filtering | WebSocket Postgres LISTEN/NOTIFY + Realtime server |
| Self-Hosting | Enterprise Available for enterprise customers | Open Source Fully self-hostable, Docker-based |
| Learning Curve | Low One API to learn, no SQL required | Medium Requires Postgres/SQL knowledge |
| Pricing | Usage-based Pay for operations and storage | Tiered Free tier, then Pro ($25/mo) and Team plans |
| Vendor Lock-in | Low Standard REST API, exportable data | Low Standard Postgres, exportable |
Which should you choose?
Choose Centrali if you...
- Building multi-tenant SaaS applications
- Want AI-powered data management and validation
- Prefer abstracted data access over raw SQL
- Need integrated full-text search without setup
- Want simpler mental model without Postgres expertise
Choose Supabase if you...
- Need direct Postgres access and SQL queries
- Want open-source with self-hosting option
- Building applications requiring complex joins
- Need Row Level Security at database level
Migrating from Supabase
Export your Postgres tables as JSON or CSV
Create Centrali structures matching your table schemas
Import data using bulk import API
Convert Edge Functions to Centrali compute functions
Update frontend to use Centrali SDK
Ready to try Centrali?
Start building with a unified backend. No credit card required.