What is the difference between AWS Amplify and PocketBase?

AWS Amplify is best for AWS developers wanting fast frontend hosting, while PocketBase is best for Developers wanting a single-file Go backend. AWS Amplify starts at Free and PocketBase starts at Free.

Is AWS Amplify or PocketBase cheaper?

AWS Amplify starts at Free with a free tier. PocketBase starts at Free and is free.

Is there a free alternative to PocketBase?

Both AWS Amplify and PocketBase offer free tiers.

AWS Amplify vs PocketBase

AWS Amplify is full-stack hosting and CI/CD for web apps built on AWS infrastructure, while PocketBase is open-source backend in a single Go file with real-time DB, auth, and file storage. PocketBase is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. AWS Amplify is built for aws developers wanting fast frontend hosting, whereas PocketBase targets developers wanting a single-file go backend.

At a glance

	AWS Amplify	PocketBase
Best for	AWS developers wanting fast frontend hosting	Developers wanting a single-file Go backend
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	—	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	—	✓
API	✓	—
Auth	✓	✓
CI/CD	✓	—
Hosting	✓	—
Real-Time	—	✓
S3 Storage	—	✓
Single File	—	✓

AWS Amplify

Strengths

Built-in CI/CD pipelines automate testing and deployment on every push
Includes Auth as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Generous free tier — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Includes api alongside the core feature set — fewer separate tools needed

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Developer-oriented tooling may not suit non-technical team members
Costs can spike unexpectedly during traffic surges if limits aren't configured
Mobile experience lags behind the desktop version in features and polish

Try AWS Amplify → Full review

PocketBase

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Single File as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
The core product is free with no paywalled essentials

Weaknesses

May lack some advanced features
Self-hosting is free but requires server maintenance and DevOps knowledge
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Costs can spike unexpectedly during traffic surges if limits aren't configured

Try PocketBase → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both AWS Amplify and PocketBase are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.

Feature gaps: AWS Amplify offers API, CI/CD and Hosting that PocketBase lacks. PocketBase brings Real-Time, S3 Storage and Single File that AWS Amplify does not have. Both share Auth.

Team fit: AWS Amplify is geared toward any size teams, while PocketBase is aimed at individual users and small setups. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.

Open source: PocketBase is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. AWS Amplify is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.

Where each tool shines: AWS Amplify's biggest strengths are: built-in ci/cd pipelines automate testing and deployment on every push. includes auth as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. PocketBase's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes single file as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.

Watch out for: With AWS Amplify, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With PocketBase, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.

Choose AWS Amplify if...

You need a tool built for aws developers wanting fast frontend hosting
You specifically need API and CI/CD
You care about includes auth as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Your team size fits the any size profile AWS Amplify is designed for
The free tier works for you: generous free tier

Choose PocketBase if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a single-file go backend
You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
You specifically need Real-Time and S3 Storage
You care about includes single file as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Your team size fits the individuals profile PocketBase is designed for