Should I use PostgreSQL with Supabase or just regular Postgres?

If you want the short answer:

• Use Supabase if you want Postgres plus lots of built-in app stuff: auth, storage, realtime, auto-generated APIs, dashboard, row-level security setup, and faster development.
• Use regular PostgreSQL if you want just the database and maximum control, portability, and fewer platform dependencies.

Pick Supabase when:

• You’re building a startup, MVP, or internal tool quickly.
• You want authentication, file storage, and APIs without assembling everything yourself.
• You like the idea of managed Postgres but don’t want to handle as much infrastructure.
• You’re okay with being somewhat tied to Supabase’s ecosystem.

Pick plain PostgreSQL when:

• You already have your own backend and auth layer.
• You need full flexibility over architecture and tooling.
• You want to avoid vendor lock-in.
• You’re operating at a scale or with requirements where you prefer direct DB control.

Important nuance:

Supabase is still PostgreSQL under the hood. So the real choice is not “Postgres vs Supabase DB” — it’s:

• Postgres as a database only vs
• Supabase as a Postgres-based backend platform

My practical recommendation:

• Solo dev / MVP / small team: Supabase
• Backend already exists / custom infra / larger engineering team: regular Postgres
• Unsure: start with Supabase if speed matters, but keep your schema and SQL clean so you can migrate later if needed.

If you want, I can give you a decision checklist based on your exact project (stack, team size, auth needs, realtime, etc.).