Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to Supabase · 🛠️ dev tools
Supabase vs PocketBase
A lightweight, self-hosted backend solution with real-time database, authentication, and file storage capabilities. Here is how PocketBase ($0/mo open source) stacks up against Supabase ($25/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
PocketBase is a verified MIT-licensed open-source replacement for Supabase. Switching from Supabase ($25/mo) saves $300/yr per solo seat, or $1,500/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Self-host.
The catch: PocketBase is excellent for one modest app, but a single SQLite server with no built-in functions runtime cannot match Firebase's offline SDKs, global scaling, messaging, analytics, or managed operations.
PocketBase
$0.00/mo · MIT
Supabase vs PocketBase Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | Supabase (Paid) | PocketBase (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $25 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $300 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $300) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $1,500 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,500) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $3,000 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $3,000) |
| 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 | — | ★ 61.6k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from Supabase to PocketBase
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
PocketBase is excellent for one modest app, but a single SQLite server with no built-in functions runtime cannot match Firebase's offline SDKs, global scaling, messaging, analytics, or managed operations.
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 clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for Supabase or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 18 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Appwrite.
Supabase vs PocketBase FAQ
Is PocketBase a good free alternative to Supabase?+
Yes. PocketBase is a verified open-source (MIT) replacement for Supabase. A lightweight, self-hosted backend solution with real-time database, authentication, and file storage capabilities.
What is the catch when switching from Supabase to PocketBase?+
PocketBase is excellent for one modest app, but a single SQLite server with no built-in functions runtime cannot match Firebase's offline SDKs, global scaling, messaging, analytics, or managed operations.
How much do you save switching from Supabase to PocketBase?+
Supabase costs $25/mo ($300/yr) per seat, whereas PocketBase is $0/mo. Switching saves $300/yr for a solo user, $1,500/yr for a 5-person team, and $3,000/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host PocketBase instead of Supabase?+
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.
