Knock vs Supabase: Full Comparison (2026)
Pricing, features, scores, and a clear verdict on which one is right for you.
The bottom line
Knock positions itself as "notification infrastructure for developers" while Supabase goes after "open-source firebase alternative with postgres" — so the right pick depends on which problem you're actually solving. Both use freemium pricing, but Knock charges per message while Supabase charges per project — a meaningful difference for larger teams.
At a glance
| Knock | Supabase | |
|---|---|---|
| Our score | 84/100 | 88/100 |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Notification infrastructure for developers | Open-source Firebase alternative with Postgres |
Pricing comparison
Calculate your cost
Feature comparison
core
| Feature | Knock | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-channel notifications | Yes | No |
| Workflow builder | Yes | No |
| User preferences | Yes | No |
| In-app feed | Yes | No |
| Template management | Yes | No |
| PostgreSQL database | No | Yes |
| Authentication | No | Yes |
| Storage | No | Yes |
| Edge Functions | No | Yes |
| Realtime subscriptions | No | Yes |
Ratings breakdown
What the data tells us
How costs scale
Supabase's pricing curve is steeper — the jump from its entry plan to its top tier is more dramatic than Knock's. If you're a growing team, model the 12-month cost at your projected team size, not just today's. Knock tends to stay more predictable as you add seats or usage.
Key capabilities you'd miss
Choosing Knock means going without PostgreSQL database, Authentication, Storage (which Supabase offers). Choosing Supabase means losing Multi-channel notifications, Workflow builder, User preferences. These are the features that typically drive the final decision — check whether your workflow depends on any of them before committing.
What company size tells you
Supabase (201-500 employees) has the engineering bench to ship features across many fronts but may iterate slower on individual requests. Knock (1-10 employees) typically ships faster on its core product but may lag on peripheral features. Consider which matters more for your roadmap.
Choose Knock if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Choose Supabase if...
- You want a free tier to get started
- You value an intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Getting strong value for money is a priority
Frequently asked questions
Is Knock or Supabase better?
Supabase scores 88/100 compared to Knock's 84/100 on VendorVS. However, the best choice depends on your needs — Knock excels at ease of use (9/10) while Supabase scores 8/10.
How much does Knock cost compared to Supabase?
Knock starts at free (free tier available). Supabase starts at free (free tier available). Knock is the more affordable option.
Does Knock or Supabase have a free plan?
Yes, both Knock and Supabase offer free tiers, so you can try each before committing to a paid plan.
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