Supabase vs PocketBase: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

Supabase is the better pick for teams wanting Postgres with auth, storage and realtime built in. PocketBase is the better pick for small apps and prototypes that need a backend fast.

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At a Glance

Feature	Supabase	PocketBase
Best For	Teams wanting Postgres with auth, storage and realtime built in	Small apps and prototypes that need a backend fast
Pricing	Free open source; paid managed cloud	Free and open source
Free to Start	Yes	Yes
License	Open source	Open source
Deployment	Self-hosted or managed cloud	Self-hosted
Link	Visit Supabase	Visit PocketBase

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Detailed Breakdown

Supabase

Open-source Postgres development platform

Pros:

• Full Postgres database
• Auth, storage, edge functions and realtime
• Self-hostable

Cons:

• Self-hosting is more involved than the cloud
• Free projects pause after inactivity

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PocketBase

Open-source backend in a single executable

Pros:

• Single binary with embedded SQLite
• Realtime subscriptions and auth
• Extremely easy to deploy

Cons:

• Not built for horizontal scaling
• Pre-1.0 releases may include breaking changes

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Key Differences

• Positioning: Supabase — open-source Postgres development platform. PocketBase — open-source backend in a single executable.
• Both share the same licensing model (open source), so the decision comes down to features and workflow fit.
• Deployment: Supabase — self-hosted or managed cloud. PocketBase — self-hosted.
• Pricing: Supabase — free open source; paid managed cloud. PocketBase — free and open source.
• Signature strength: Supabase — full Postgres database. PocketBase — single binary with embedded SQLite.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Supabase better than PocketBase?

It depends on your requirements. Supabase is a strong fit for teams wanting Postgres with auth, storage and realtime built in, while PocketBase suits small apps and prototypes that need a backend fast.

Is Supabase free to use?

Yes, you can start with Supabase for free. Pricing model: Free open source; paid managed cloud.

Is PocketBase free to use?

Yes, you can start with PocketBase for free. Pricing model: Free and open source.

Can I self-host Supabase or PocketBase?

Supabase can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud. PocketBase can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted.

What are the main drawbacks of Supabase and PocketBase?

Supabase: self-hosting is more involved than the cloud; free projects pause after inactivity. PocketBase: not built for horizontal scaling; Pre-1.0 releases may include breaking changes.