Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Supabase Pro · ☁️ hosting
Supabase Pro vs PocketBase
A drastically smaller substitute for one app: auth, files, realtime, API, and database in one binary, with no functions runtime. Here is how PocketBase ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Supabase Pro (paid subscription) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
PocketBase
$0.00/mo · MIT
Supabase Pro vs PocketBase Specification Matrix
facts verified 2026-08-10
| Dimension | Supabase Pro (Paid) | PocketBase (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | Paid tier | $0 / mo |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source MIT |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Self-host (your server) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopself-hostedone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 59k (active may 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Supabase Pro to PocketBase
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
PocketBase's single SQLite binary gives up PostgreSQL compatibility, extensions, SQL tooling, row-level security semantics, edge functions, horizontal scale, and high availability.
How to deploy PocketBase
Download one platform binary and run `pocketbase serve`; build from Go source only for custom extensions
What it takes to run
It installs unusually cleanly, but a public deployment still needs process supervision, HTTPS/reverse proxying, backups of `pb_data`, and a deliberate upgrade routine.
Where your data lives
Collections, auth records, settings, and application data live in SQLite files under `pb_data`; uploaded files live under `pb_data/storage` by default or in configured S3-compatible storage, and schema migrations can be kept as JavaScript files in `pb_migrations`.
Why fork PocketBase instead of vibe-coding a Supabase Pro clone?
The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For Supabase Pro, self-host a Postgres backend with auth, storage, and a small API surface. The hard boundary is managed postgres, backups, auth delivery, storage, edge functions, observability, and support, plus infrastructure scale, operations, and reliability.
Supabase Pro vs PocketBase FAQ
Is PocketBase a good free alternative to Supabase Pro?+
Yes. PocketBase is a verified open-source (MIT) replacement for Supabase Pro. A drastically smaller substitute for one app: auth, files, realtime, API, and database in one binary, with no functions runtime.
What is the catch when switching from Supabase Pro to PocketBase?+
PocketBase's single SQLite binary gives up PostgreSQL compatibility, extensions, SQL tooling, row-level security semantics, edge functions, horizontal scale, and high availability.
How do I install or self-host PocketBase instead of Supabase Pro?+
Install: Download one platform binary and run `pocketbase serve`; build from Go source only for custom extensions. Setup: It installs unusually cleanly, but a public deployment still needs process supervision, HTTPS/reverse proxying, backups of `pb_data`, and a deliberate upgrade routine.
