Choosing between AWS Amplify and Supabase depends on your project’s backend needs. AWS Amplify connects well with Amazon Web Services, providing a powerful cloud backend.
Meanwhile, Supabase offers an open-source backend solution built on PostgreSQL, ideal for developers who want an easy-to-manage database and real-time features.
If you want to simplify backend management, this comparison will help you pick the platform that fits your budget, workflow, and long-term goals.
What Is AWS Amplify?
AWS Amplify is a development framework that connects your frontend to powerful Amazon backend services. It offers built-in tools for hosting, authentication, APIs, storage, and analytics.
Ideal for React, Angular, and Vue apps, it works best if your project already uses AWS. While it provides strong security and scalability, its setup can be complex.
Developers unfamiliar with AWS may find the learning curve steep, but it is a solid choice for those already in the Amazon ecosystem.
What Is Supabase?
Supabase is an open-source backend built on PostgreSQL, offering real-time database, auth, file storage, and auto-generated APIs. It is simple to set up, with a clean dashboard and SQL-friendly environment.
Supabase suits developers who want flexibility and control without complex setup. You can self-host it or use the managed version.
Ideal for startups, MVPs, and side projects, it delivers real-time performance and ease of use, making backend tasks faster and more manageable.
AWS Amplify vs Supabase: Feature Comparison
Choosing between AWS Amplify and Supabase becomes easier when their features are shown side by side.
The comparison table below will help you quickly spot the differences and decide which one suits your project better.
| Feature | AWS Amplify | Supabase |
| Platform Type | Full-stack backend from Amazon Web Services (AWS) | Open-source Firebase alternative |
| Database | DynamoDB (NoSQL) or optional RDS (SQL) | Built-in PostgreSQL |
| Hosting | Static site hosting with CI/CD pipelines | No built-in hosting (requires third-party or self-host) |
| Authentication | AWS Cognito with complex setup options | Simple built-in auth with OAuth and magic links |
| Real-time Features | Via AWS AppSync (GraphQL) | Built-in real-time with PostgreSQL replication |
| API Support | REST and GraphQL (AppSync) | Auto-generated RESTful APIs and GraphQL |
| Ease of Use | Steep learning curve, complex for beginners | Easy to start, beginner-friendly |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Pricing | Pay-as-you-go with separate AWS service charges | Transparent, usage-based pricing |
| Best For | Enterprise apps, AWS-heavy projects | Startups, MVPs, projects needing speed and simplicity |
| Security | Advanced via IAM roles and policies | Row-level security policies |
| Dashboard/Console | AWS Console (complex) | Clean, modern developer dashboard |
Unique Features of AWS Amplify
Deep AWS Integration: Amplify connects seamlessly with many AWS services like Lambda (serverless functions), S3 (storage), DynamoDB or RDS (databases), CloudFront (CDN), and Cognito (authentication).
GraphQL and REST APIs: Built-in support for GraphQL with AWS AppSync alongside REST APIs, giving developers flexibility in data queries.
CI/CD and Hosting: Provides easy-to-set-up continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines for frontend hosting.
Analytics & Push Notifications: Built-in support for tracking app usage and sending targeted push notifications to users.
Security: Uses AWS IAM roles and policies for fine-grained access control, suitable for enterprise-grade security needs.
Multi-Platform Support: Works well with mobile (iOS, Android) and web frameworks with SDKs tailored for different platforms.
Unique Features of Supabase
Open Source: The Entire platform is open source, allowing self-hosting and full control over backend infrastructure.
PostgreSQL Database: Uses a powerful SQL-based database that supports complex queries, relational data, and transactions.
Real-time Subscriptions: Provides real-time data syncing using PostgreSQL’s built-in logical replication, without third-party tools.
Auto-generated APIs: Automatically generates RESTful and GraphQL APIs from your database schema, saving development time.
Row-Level Security: Built-in security policies at the database level, allowing detailed control over data access.
Developer-friendly Dashboard: Clean, easy-to-use interface for managing database, authentication, and storage without complex setup.
Authentication with Multiple Providers: Supports email/password, OAuth providers (Google, GitHub, etc.), and magic links easily.
Feature Set Comparison
The real difference between AWS Amplify and Supabase shows up when you compare their features side by side.
Amplify offers GraphQL and REST APIs, user authentication, file storage via Amazon S3, and hosting with global delivery using AWS CloudFront.
It also supports analytics and push notifications, especially if you are building mobile apps.
The experience is powerful, but most of these features are tightly connected to other AWS services, which can make configuration tricky for beginners.
Supabase provides a different set of tools. It offers instant RESTful APIs for your PostgreSQL database, real-time subscriptions, and row-level security.
You also get email and password auth, magic links, and third-party logins. Its storage solution is simpler but works well for small to mid-size apps.
Supabase is not as broad as AWS Amplify in feature scope, but it wins when it comes to speed and simplicity.
Developers often find they can go from idea to working prototype much faster on Supabase.
So if your focus is on getting a clean and efficient backend running without diving deep into cloud infrastructure, Supabase feels more direct.
On the other hand, Amplify shines when your app needs enterprise-grade services backed by AWS.
Ease of Setup and Use
Setting up Amplify requires you to understand the AWS ecosystem. You need to configure different services and handle permissions using IAM (Identity and Access Management), which can be intimidating for beginners.
The Amplify CLI and UI tools help, but they still rely heavily on AWS’s structure. Once you get through the setup, it becomes more manageable.
But the initial experience might feel heavy, especially for small teams or solo developers who just want to launch quickly.
Supabase makes setup feel effortless.
You create a project, and your database, authentication, and API are ready within minutes. There is no need to touch any cloud console or deal with complex permissions.
Everything is available through a clean dashboard, and the documentation is beginner-friendly. If speed and simplicity matter to you, Supabase takes the lead here.
You do not need cloud experience or DevOps knowledge to get started. That is one reason why many developers use it for hackathons, prototypes, or products with tight deadlines. The platform just lets you focus on building.
Scalability and Flexibility
Amplify is built to scale, thanks to its integration with AWS’s massive infrastructure. If your app has ten users or ten million, AWS can handle the load.
You can connect Amplify with services like Lambda for functions, DynamoDB or RDS for databases, and S3 for unlimited storage. This gives you control over every part of your system as it grows.
But with that control comes complexity. Scaling with Amplify usually means deeper AWS knowledge and possibly a DevOps team.
Supabase scales more naturally for smaller to medium projects. It handles a decent amount of traffic and offers performance tuning options for PostgreSQL.
For high-scale apps, you might need to self-host or move to a paid tier with better performance.
While Supabase is growing fast and adding more enterprise-level support, it is not yet at AWS’s scale.
But for most apps, especially early-stage ones, Supabase handles growth well without needing extra configuration.
If you are not planning for millions of users right away, Supabase gives you just enough power to grow steadily.
The Importance of Cost
Before getting excited about features, pricing usually sets the tone. AWS Amplify offers a free tier with limited usage, which might work for early testing or small MVPs.
But once your usage grows, the cost can become complicated to track. Since it is part of the larger AWS ecosystem, pricing depends on many services like storage (S3), compute (Lambda), and databases (DynamoDB or RDS).
For many developers, estimating the monthly bill can be tricky, especially as your traffic and app needs grow. Supabase keeps things much more straightforward.
It gives a generous free plan, especially for database and auth. When you need to upgrade, the pricing is flat and transparent, which helps teams manage their budget better.
Startups and solo developers often lean toward Supabase for this reason. It does not lock you into a web of services, you know exactly what you are paying for.
For projects that are cost-sensitive and need clear pricing from day one, Supabase usually feels like the safer bet.
Which One Should You Choose?
The right choice comes down to your project’s goals. If you are already deep into the AWS ecosystem and need scalability, security, and enterprise-level tools, AWS Amplify could be the better option.
It has everything you need to build serious applications, but it asks for technical investment.
On the other hand, if you want to get started quickly, avoid complex cloud setup, and prefer SQL over NoSQL, Supabase is a very developer-friendly choice.
It suits startups, MVPs, side projects, or anyone who just wants to build without the noise. Both platforms are great, just in different ways.
Think about your team size, experience level, future scaling needs, and budget. That will guide you toward the right pick.
Why Choose BrandOut for Your Backend Needs?
BrandOut understands that picking the right backend platform is crucial for successful web development. We offer expert guidance to match your project with the best tools like AWS Amplify or Supabase.
Our goal is to simplify your decisions and help your web app succeed with the perfect backend solution.
Ending Lines:
Choosing the right backend platform is important for your project’s success.
AWS Amplify offers strong integration with Amazon’s cloud services, while Supabase provides an open-source, developer-friendly alternative with PostgreSQL.
Consider your budget, workflow, and future plans carefully. This will help you pick the backend that works best for your needs without unnecessary hassle.
Most asked questions:
Why not use AWS Amplify?
AWS Amplify can feel complicated for small teams or simple projects. Its setup requires familiarity with the broader AWS ecosystem, which might slow down beginners.
If your project needs a quick launch without dealing with multiple AWS services and configurations, Amplify may not be the best fit.
It is better suited for apps requiring deep AWS integration and advanced features.
Why use Supabase over AWS?
Supabase offers a faster and simpler setup compared to AWS Amplify. It is open source, uses PostgreSQL, and provides real-time features, authentication, and storage in a user-friendly package.
This makes it ideal for developers who want to build and launch projects quickly without managing complex cloud infrastructure or worrying about unpredictable costs linked to AWS.
Is Firebase better than Amplify?
Firebase offers an easier experience for mobile and real-time apps with its ready-to-use tools and simplified setup.
Amplify provides more advanced features and deeper AWS integration but requires more knowledge and effort to configure.
If speed and ease are your priority, Firebase is often better. Amplify fits those needing enterprise-level control and AWS service connections.
Which is better, Supabase or Firebase?
Supabase is great for developers who prefer SQL databases, open-source tools, and more control over data.
Firebase excels in real-time apps and offers extensive mobile features with NoSQL databases.
Supabase provides flexibility and familiarity with PostgreSQL, while Firebase offers ease of use and powerful real-time capabilities, making each suited for different project needs.
Which is better, AWS or Firebase?
AWS offers unmatched control, scalability, and a vast range of services but requires experience to manage.
Firebase simplifies development with easy-to-use tools for small to medium apps, especially on mobile.
If your team is experienced and needs custom solutions, AWS is preferable. For faster development with less complexity, Firebase is often the better choice.
Is Supabase a good backend?
Yes, Supabase is a reliable and efficient backend for modern applications. It offers quick setup, real-time database updates, authentication, and storage.
Its use of PostgreSQL gives developers strong control and familiarity. For startups, side projects, or teams looking for simplicity without sacrificing power, Supabase delivers a great balance of speed and capability.
