Centrali vs Supabase
Both offer backend-as-a-service, but with different philosophies. Here's a detailed comparison.
Centrali
Centrali is an application backend where your webhook events, data, and workflows live in one API. Receive webhook events, store them as queryable data you can join with your records, and fire outbound webhooks with HMAC and retries — no Postgres expertise required, no separate webhook service to bolt on.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Workspaces & Isolation | 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...
- Prefer one API for webhook events, data, search, and functions — instead of stitching 3–5 services together
- Ingesting Stripe or third-party webhooks into queryable collections
- Pairing orders with Stripe charge events in a single Smart Query
- Need outbound webhooks with HMAC, retries, and delivery tracking
- Prefer a TypeScript SDK and REST API over raw SQL
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 functions
Update frontend to use Centrali SDK
Ready to try Centrali?
Start building with a unified backend. No credit card required.