Server Compass vs Supabase
Compare full-stack VPS deployment (including self-hosted Supabase) against Supabase Cloud. Choose infrastructure ownership or fully managed Backend-as-a-Service.
Server Compass column checked against v1.45.0 · Updated
Pick Supabase Cloud for a managed Postgres backend with Auth, Storage and Realtime. Pick Server Compass to self-host Supabase, or plain Postgres, next to your apps on one VPS.
- Full Supabase and Supabase Lite templates
- DB Admin with tables, SQL and per-table CSV import and export
- Free for one server; Pro is $29 once
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Server Compass | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Supabase deployment | Self-hosted on VPS | Cloud managed |
| App support | Any app via Docker + 420+ templates | Edge Functions (Deno) |
| Infrastructure ownership | ||
| Vendor lock-in | Low (open source, Postgres) | |
| SSH access | Full terminal | |
| File browser | ||
| Cron jobs | Visual UI management | Supabase Cron (pg_cron + dashboard) |
| Application deployment | Docker and Compose, any stack | Edge Functions only |
| Database type | Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB + more | Postgres only |
| Storage | VPS disk (unlimited) | 1GB free → $0.021/GB |
| Bandwidth | VPS bandwidth | 5GB free (250GB Pro) → $0.09/GB |
| Auth | DIY or self-hosted Supabase Auth | Managed Auth |
| Realtime | Self-hosted Supabase Realtime | Managed Realtime |
| Edge Functions | DIY on VPS | Managed Deno Edge Functions |
| Pricing model | One-time + VPS | Free tier + Pro ($25+) |
Pricing Comparison
Server Compass
- Desktop app (lifetime)
- Self-host Supabase on VPS
- Deploy apps + Supabase together
- Unlimited storage (VPS disk)
- Unlimited bandwidth (VPS)
- All features included
- Pay only VPS ($5-20/mo)
Supabase
- Free: 500MB database, 1GB storage, 5GB egress
- Pro: $25/month per org (+ compute per project)
- Storage: $0.021/GB
- Egress: $0.09/GB after 250GB
- Team: $599/month
- Compute: Additional charges for higher specs
When to Choose Each Platform
Choose Server Compass if...
- You want to self-host Supabase on your VPS
- You need complete infrastructure control
- You want to deploy apps alongside Supabase
- You need SSH and file system access
- You prefer one-time costs
- You want to avoid bandwidth charges
- You need visual cron job management
- You want vendor-independent infrastructure
Choose Supabase if...
- You want zero infrastructure management
- You need managed Auth and Realtime out-of-box
- You prefer Supabase-managed backups
- You want to scale without managing servers
- You need Supabase Edge Functions
- You prefer pay-as-you-grow pricing
- You want Supabase Studio without self-hosting
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I self-host Supabase with Server Compass?
Yes. The Supabase template deploys the full stack, with the Kong API gateway, GoTrue auth, Realtime and a protected Studio dashboard. A lighter Supabase (Lite) template is available too.
What is the difference between Server Compass and Supabase?
Server Compass is a desktop app that deploys and manages apps on servers you own, over SSH, with no control panel running on them. The comparison table on this page shows where Supabase works differently. Server Compass is free for one server, and Pro is $29 one-time; you also pay your VPS provider, typically $5-20/month.
Is Server Compass cheaper than Supabase?
It depends on how you use Supabase. Server Compass is free for one server, and Pro is $29 one-time for unlimited servers; after that you only pay for your VPS, typically $5-20/month. Supabase pricing: Pro: $25/mo + overages. Each extra project adds compute (Micro ~$10/mo).
Can I migrate from Supabase to Server Compass?
Usually, yes. Anything that runs in Docker can run on your VPS with Server Compass, and there are 420+ one-click templates. Built-in migration covers Coolify, Dokploy, RunCloud, Dockge, EasyPanel (preview) and Render, and you can use any VPS provider, such as DigitalOcean, Hetzner or Linode.
Does Server Compass have the same features as Supabase?
Server Compass covers the core deploy workflow: one-click templates, Git and image deploys, automatic SSL, environment variables, logs and rollbacks. Because the apps run on your own server, it also gives you an SSH terminal, a file browser, cron jobs and security tools.
Which should I choose: Server Compass or Supabase?
Choose Server Compass if you want to own your servers, avoid vendor lock-in, work over SSH and pay once for the tool. Choose Supabase if the reasons listed under "Choose Supabase if..." on this page match how you work.
Ready to Own Your Infrastructure?
Download Server Compass and start deploying on your own VPS with the same polished experience you expect from premium platforms.
Looking beyond Supabase? See the best Supabase alternative for self-hosting