What is the difference between Fly.io and PocketBase?

Fly.io is best for Developers wanting to run apps close to users globally, while PocketBase is best for Developers wanting a single-file Go backend. Fly.io starts at Free and PocketBase starts at Free.

Is Fly.io or PocketBase cheaper?

Fly.io starts at Free with a free tier. PocketBase starts at Free and is free.

Is there a free alternative to PocketBase?

Both Fly.io and PocketBase offer free tiers.

Fly.io vs PocketBase

Fly.io is platform for running full-stack apps and databases close to users with automatic scaling, 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. Fly.io is built for developers wanting to run apps close to users globally, whereas PocketBase targets developers wanting a single-file go backend.

At a glance

	Fly.io	PocketBase
Best for	Developers wanting to run apps close to users globally	Developers wanting a single-file Go backend
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	—	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	—	✓
Auth	—	✓
Edge Computing	✓	—
GPU Support	✓	—
Global Deploy	✓	—
Machines API	✓	—
Real-Time	—	✓
S3 Storage	—	✓
Single File	—	✓

Fly.io

Strengths

Includes Edge Computing as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Includes Global Deploy 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 gpu support 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
Limited team/admin features if your organization eventually scales up

Try Fly.io → 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 Fly.io and PocketBase are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.

Feature gaps: Fly.io offers Edge Computing, GPU Support and Global Deploy that PocketBase lacks. PocketBase brings Auth, Real-Time and S3 Storage that Fly.io does not have.

Team fit: Fly.io is geared toward small teams 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. Fly.io is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.

Where each tool shines: Fly.io's biggest strengths are: includes edge computing as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. includes global deploy 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 Fly.io, 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 Fly.io if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting to run apps close to users globally
You specifically need Edge Computing and GPU Support
You care about includes global deploy as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Your team size fits the small teams profile Fly.io 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 Auth and Real-Time
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