Firebase vs Pocketbase: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Firebase and Pocketbase comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 22, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Firebase
App development platform by Google
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • You need ci/cd features specifically
- • Google's app development platform
- • Backend-as-a-service for mobile and web
Pocketbase
Open-source backend in a single file
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need app builders features specifically
- • PocketBase is an open-source backend in a single file
- • It provides a database, auth, and file storage with built-in admin UI
| At a Glance |  Firebase |  Pocketbase |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free |
Best For | CI/CD | App Builders |
Rating | 88/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | Firebase | Pocketbase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | CI/CDServerless | App BuildersInternal Tools |
How Firebase and Pocketbase Compare
Firebase
App development platform by Google
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Pocketbase
Open-source backend in a single file
Free · 87/100 score
Firebase is a ci/cd tool. Pocketbase is in app builders.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Pocketbase is free. Firebase is freemium.
Go with: Pocketbase
Want the highest-rated option?
Firebase: 88/100. Pocketbase: 87/100.
Go with: Firebase
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Firebase
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Firebase is freemium. Pocketbase is free. Go with Pocketbase if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Firebase is a ci/cd tool. Pocketbase is in app builders. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Firebase scores higher: 88/100 vs 87/100.
Key Takeaways
Firebase
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 87
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Pocketbase
- Completely free
- Better fit for app builders
The Bottom Line
Firebase (88/100) is our pick. That said, Pocketbase is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Firebase or Pocketbase better?
Firebase scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Firebase is freemium and Pocketbase is free.
What are Firebase and Pocketbase used for?
Firebase: App development platform by Google. Pocketbase: Open-source backend in a single file.
What does Firebase cost vs Pocketbase?
Firebase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Pocketbase is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.