# supabase-auth

Source: https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/open-source/supabase-auth/
Last updated: 2026-06-19
License: content by Start with Identity. Cite the source URL.

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## Overview

Supabase Auth is the authentication component of Supabase, the open-source backend platform positioned as a Firebase alternative. Founded in 2020, Supabase bundles a Postgres database, storage, edge functions, and auth into one stack. Auth is built around the open-source GoTrue server and is most valuable as part of that platform rather than as a standalone identity provider. It is open source and self-hostable, and also available as a managed tier within Supabase's hosted plans. It targets startups and product teams building on Postgres.

## What it is good at

Tight integration with the rest of Supabase is the strength. Auth issues JWTs that plug directly into Postgres row-level security, so authorization rules live in the database alongside the data. It supports email and password, magic links, social login, phone OTP, SAML for enterprise SSO, and multi-factor authentication. For teams already on Supabase, getting secure, policy-driven auth wired to their data is fast, and the developer experience and documentation are strong.

## Where it falls short

The value is highest inside Supabase; as a standalone IdP it is less compelling, and adopting it usually means adopting the broader platform. Advanced lifecycle provisioning, SCIM, and deep governance and audit are lighter than dedicated enterprise IAM. Self-hosting the full stack adds operational ownership. Teams wanting a standalone open-source IdP should consider [Zitadel](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/open-source/zitadel/), [Keycloak](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/open-source/keycloak/), or [Logto](https://startwithidentity.com/vendors/open-source/logto/).

## Pricing

The core is free and open source, self-hostable at no license cost. Managed Supabase Auth is bundled into Supabase's hosted plans, which scale with usage. Compare self-host versus managed with the [TCO calculator](https://startwithidentity.com/tools/tco-calculator/).

## Best for, and who should look elsewhere

A natural fit for teams already building on Supabase and Postgres who want auth integrated with row-level security. Look elsewhere if you need a standalone enterprise IdP, deep governance, or you are not using Supabase.

## Bottom line

The right auth layer for teams building on Supabase and Postgres, but not a standalone enterprise identity provider for those outside that ecosystem.