Pick the right backend for your app. Rocket supports four backend integrations, each designed for different use cases. This page helps you choose.
Quick answer
- Full-stack backend (auth, database, storage, edge functions) - Use Supabase.
- Lightweight data management (spreadsheet-style, no code) - Use Airtable.
- Content management with a visual admin panel - Use Strapi or Directus.
Supabase connects via OAuth. Airtable uses a personal access token. Strapi and Directus use an API token plus your instance URL.
Comparison table
Scroll right to see all four services →| Feature | Supabase | Airtable | Strapi | Directus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Full-stack app backend | Lightweight data, CRM, internal tools | Blog and content management | Content management on any SQL DB |
| Database | PostgreSQL (full SQL) | Proprietary (spreadsheet-style) | SQLite, MySQL, PostgreSQL | Any SQL database |
| User authentication | Built-in (email, social, magic links) | No | Plugin-based | Admin-level (not end-user auth) |
| File storage | Built-in | Attachment fields | Media library | Asset management |
| Edge functions | Yes (Deno) | No | No | Flows (automation) |
| REST API | Auto-generated | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GraphQL | Via extension | No | Yes | Yes |
| Admin panel | Supabase Dashboard | Airtable UI | Visual admin | Visual admin |
| Self-hosted option | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Free tier | 500 MB DB, 1 GB storage | 1,000 records per base | Self-hosted (free) | Self-hosted (free) |
| Connection method | OAuth | Personal access token | API token + URL | Access token + URL |
Detailed recommendations
I am building a web or mobile app that needs user accounts and a database
Use Supabase. It provides a PostgreSQL database, user authentication (email, Google, GitHub, magic links), file storage, and edge functions in a single platform. Rocket connects via OAuth, so you do not need to manage API keys.I need a simple database for leads, inventory, or internal tools
Use Airtable. It works like a spreadsheet with the power of a database. It is great for managing leads, content calendars, inventory, and lightweight CRM workflows. Non-technical team members can view and edit data directly in Airtable’s interface.I am building a blog, docs site, or content-heavy website
Use Strapi or Directus. Both are headless CMS platforms with visual admin panels for managing articles, pages, and media. Choose based on your database preference:- Strapi has a larger community, more plugins, and a built-in media library. It works with SQLite, MySQL, or PostgreSQL.
- Directus wraps any existing SQL database with an instant API. Choose it if you already have a database or want GraphQL support.