ReqRes compared to Supabase

Both ReqRes and Supabase help frontend developers ship without spinning up backend infrastructure. They serve different purposes and excel in different scenarios. This comparison helps you choose the right tool for your project.

TL;DR

• Supabase is a full backend platform with Postgres, auth, storage, and edge functions. Best for production apps where you want to own your data layer.
• ReqRes is a frontend-first backend you call with fetch(). Best for testing, demos, MVPs, and shipping frontend flows without writing backend code.
• Use Supabase when you need a real database with SQL queries and long-term data ownership.
• Use ReqRes when you need to ship fast, test frontend flows, or run QA automation.

What ReqRes is

ReqRes is a frontend-first backend designed for speed and simplicity. You create a project that bundles collections (JSON data), app users with magic-link auth, request logs, and automations-all accessible via fetch().

Key characteristics:

• No backend code required-ever
• Collections work like a JSON database with REST endpoints
• Built-in magic-link authentication for app users
• Request logs and data explorer for debugging
• Custom endpoints for mocking specific responses
• Triggers and webhooks for automation

ReqRes is purpose-built for frontend developers, QA engineers, and teams shipping client-side apps, prototypes, and internal tools.

What Supabase is

Supabase is an open-source Firebase alternative built on Postgres. It provides a full backend platform with database, authentication, storage, and serverless functions.

Key characteristics:

• Full Postgres database with SQL access
• Multiple auth providers (OAuth, email, phone)
• File storage with CDN
• Edge functions for custom backend logic
• Real-time subscriptions
• Row-level security policies

Supabase is designed for teams building production applications who want database ownership and SQL capabilities.

Key differences

When to choose ReqRes

ReqRes is the better choice when you:

• Need to ship a frontend fast without setting up a database or backend
• Are building a prototype or MVP where iteration speed matters more than long-term data ownership
• Run QA automation and need predictable, resettable test data
• Teach or learn REST/HTTP concepts with a real API surface
• Build client-only apps (browser extensions, Electron apps, mobile apps) that need lightweight persistence
• Mock API responses for frontend development while the real backend is in progress
• Demo features to stakeholders without provisioning infrastructure

Example scenarios:

• A frontend engineer building a notes app to learn React
• A QA team running Cypress tests against a consistent API
• A startup demoing their UI to investors before backend is ready
• A design team prototyping an interactive flow

When to choose Supabase

Supabase is the better choice when you:

• Need a production database with SQL queries and complex relationships
• Want data ownership and the option to self-host
• Require multiple auth providers (Google, GitHub, phone number)
• Build features needing real-time updates (chat, collaborative editing)
• Store files (images, documents) as part of your app
• Need row-level security for fine-grained access control
• Plan to scale to large datasets and high traffic

Example scenarios:

• A SaaS app with user accounts, billing, and complex data relationships
• A marketplace with user-uploaded images and real-time notifications
• An internal tool requiring LDAP/SAML authentication
• A mobile app with offline sync requirements

ReqRes is not for you if...

• You need SQL queries or complex relational data
• You require file storage or CDN capabilities
• You want to self-host your backend infrastructure
• You need real-time WebSocket subscriptions
• Your app requires OAuth providers like Google or GitHub

Common questions

Can I migrate from ReqRes to Supabase later?

Yes. ReqRes collections are JSON-based, so you can export your data structure and import it into Supabase. The migration is manual but straightforward for small datasets.

Can I use both together?

Absolutely. Some teams use ReqRes for rapid prototyping and testing, then migrate to Supabase for production. Others use ReqRes for QA environments alongside a Supabase production backend.

How do the pricing models compare?

ReqRes charges per project with usage limits (requests, collections, records). Supabase charges for database resources and API calls. For small projects and testing, ReqRes is often more predictable. For production apps with growing data, compare based on your specific usage patterns.

Which is faster to set up?

ReqRes. You can have a working API in under 30 seconds. Supabase requires database schema design and potentially migration setup, which takes more time but gives you more control.

Next step

Ready to try ReqRes? Start a project and see your first API response in seconds.

• Try ReqRes Projects - Create your first project
• See Notes example - Explore a working app