Choosing the Optimal Backend Solution for a College Event Website: Supabase vs. MongoDB + Render + Hono
Planning a college festival website involves numerous decisions—especially when it comes to backend infrastructure. Recently, I found myself at a crossroads, weighing two popular stacks to support roughly 2,000 users. Having experience running last year’s portal on MongoDB, I considered whether to stick with something familiar or switch to a more streamlined, all-in-one platform. Here’s a detailed look at my dilemma, hoping it resonates with others facing similar choices or provides insights for those seeking a reliable solution.
Evaluating Two Robust Options
Option 1: Supabase – An Integrated, Developer-Friendly Platform
- Rapid setup with built-in authentication via Google and other providers.
- Relational database powered by PostgreSQL, offering auto-generated APIs and real-time capabilities.
- Generous free-tier plans: up to 50,000 users per month, 500MB database storage, 5GB outbound bandwidth, and 1GB media storage.
- Minimal backend management required—focus primarily on UI and user experience.
Option 2: MongoDB Atlas Combined with Render and Hono
- Proven track record from last year’s event, ensuring familiarity and stability.
- Higher bandwidth limits (up to 40GB/month outbound), reducing concerns over data caps.
- Flexible NoSQL data model supports complex nesting and varied data types.
- Complete control over backend logic: building APIs with Hono, deploying on Render, managing authentication through NextAuth, JWT, etc.
- Requires strategic measures such as keep-alive routines or cron jobs to prevent cold starts on Render’s free tier, along with additional configuration.
My Dilemma: Pros and Cons
Why I Lean Towards Supabase
The ease of use is undeniable. Its “batteries-included” design simplifies development, especially with features like integrated Google login—a convenience for quick deployment. As my focus is primarily on text and JSON data (images are just URLs), the limited bandwidth might suffice unless there’s a sudden spike in activity. Its all-in-one dashboard reduces potential errors and deployment issues, making it ideal for fast-moving college events.
Why I Keep Returning to MongoDB + Render + Hono
Last year’s success with this stack provides confidence—no surprises so far. It offers significantly more bandwidth, which is appealing given the potential for increased traffic. The flexible data model allows for intricate data relationships and future scalability. Plus, having full control
