Kolaybase vs. Hasura: REST Backend or GraphQL Engine?
Hasura is a GraphQL engine that instantly exposes your PostgreSQL (and other databases) as a GraphQL API with a powerful permission system. Kolaybase is a complete backend with a REST API plus built-in authentication and storage.
How Kolaybase is different
If you want GraphQL and a rich permissions layer over an existing database, Hasura is purpose-built for that. If you prefer REST and want auth and storage included as part of one backend — not assembled separately — Kolaybase fits better.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Kolaybase | Hasura |
|---|---|---|
| API style | REST (PostgREST-style) | GraphQL |
| Scope | Full backend (DB + auth + storage + API) | API layer over your database |
| Authentication | Built in (Keycloak realm) | Via external auth + JWT |
| Storage | Built in (S3-compatible) | Not included |
| Permissions | PostgreSQL row-level security | Hasura permission rules |
| Self-hosting | Docker Compose | Open source / cloud |
Frequently asked questions
- Is Kolaybase a Hasura alternative?
- They overlap on exposing PostgreSQL as an API but differ in style and scope. Hasura is GraphQL-focused and pairs with external auth; Kolaybase offers REST with auth and storage built in.
- Should I pick Hasura or Kolaybase?
- Choose Hasura if GraphQL and its permission model are central to your stack. Choose Kolaybase if you want a REST API and a backend that already includes authentication and storage.
More comparisons
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