What is the difference between PocketBase and Supabase?

PocketBase is best for Developers wanting a single-file Go backend, while Supabase is best for Full-stack developers wanting a hosted Postgres backend. PocketBase starts at Free and Supabase starts at Free.

Is PocketBase or Supabase cheaper?

PocketBase starts at Free and is free. Supabase starts at Free with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to Supabase?

Both PocketBase and Supabase offer free tiers.

PocketBase vs Supabase

PocketBase is open-source backend in a single Go file with real-time DB, auth, and file storage, while Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative with Postgres database, auth, and edge functions. PocketBase is built for developers wanting a single-file go backend, whereas Supabase targets full-stack developers wanting a hosted postgres backend.

At a glance

	PocketBase	Supabase
Best for	Developers wanting a single-file Go backend	Full-stack developers wanting a hosted Postgres backend
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	✓
Auth	✓	✓
Edge Functions	—	✓
Postgres	—	✓
Real-Time	✓	✓
S3 Storage	✓	—
Single File	✓	—

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

Supabase

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Postgres 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
Free for 2 projects — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
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
Community support can be slower than the dedicated support teams at commercial alternatives

Try Supabase → Full review

The bottom line

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

Feature gaps: PocketBase offers S3 Storage and Single File that Supabase lacks. Supabase brings Edge Functions and Postgres that PocketBase does not have. Both share Auth and Real-Time.

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

Open source: Both PocketBase and Supabase are open source, so self-hosting and code audits are on the table with either choice.

Where each tool shines: PocketBase's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes single file as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. Supabase's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes postgres as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.

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

Choose PocketBase if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a single-file go backend
You specifically need S3 Storage and Single File
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

Choose Supabase if...

You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a hosted postgres backend
You specifically need Edge Functions and Postgres
You care about includes postgres as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
Your team size fits the small teams profile Supabase is designed for
The free tier works for you: free for 2 projects