Pocketbase vs Firebase: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Pocketbase and Firebase 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 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
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
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
| At a Glance |  Pocketbase |  Firebase |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | App Builders | CI/CD |
Rating | 87/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Pocketbase | Firebase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | App BuildersInternal Tools | CI/CDServerless |
How Pocketbase and Firebase Compare
Pocketbase
Open-source backend in a single file
Free · 87/100 score
Firebase
App development platform by Google
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Pocketbase is a app builders tool. Firebase is in ci/cd.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Pocketbase is free. Firebase is freemium.
Go with: Pocketbase
Want the highest-rated option?
Pocketbase: 87/100. Firebase: 88/100.
Go with: Firebase
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Firebase
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Pocketbase is free. Firebase is freemium. Go with Pocketbase if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Pocketbase is a app builders tool. Firebase is in ci/cd. 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 Pocketbase or Firebase better?
Firebase scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Pocketbase is free and Firebase is freemium.
What are Pocketbase and Firebase used for?
Pocketbase: Open-source backend in a single file. Firebase: App development platform by Google.
What does Pocketbase cost vs Firebase?
Pocketbase is completely free. Firebase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.