Pocketbase vs Supabase: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Pocketbase and Supabase 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.
Bottom line: Supabase is our overall pick for data & databases workflows. Pick Pocketbase if you need a fully free option.
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
- • PocketBase is an open-source backend in a single file
- • It provides a database, auth, and file storage with built-in admin UI
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Best for you if:
- • Open-source Firebase alternative
- • PostgreSQL with real-time subscriptions
| At a Glance |  Pocketbase |  Supabase |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $0/moOpen Source | $25/moPro |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Pocketbase or Supabase?
Choose Pocketbase if
Open-source backend in a single file
- Simple backend in a file
- SQLite based
- Real-time subscriptions
- You want a fully free tool (Supabase requires payment)
Choose Supabase if
Open source Firebase alternative
- Full PostgreSQL access
- Generous free tier
- Open-source and self-hostable
| Feature | Pocketbase | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 33 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesLow-Code Backend | Data & DatabasesAPI Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Pocketbase
Open-source backend in a single file
Strengths
- +Simple backend in a file
- +SQLite based
- +Real-time subscriptions
- +Auth built-in
- +Open source
Weaknesses
- -Single file limits scale
- -Go knowledge helpful
- -Limited ecosystem
- -Not for large apps
- -Documentation basic
Key features
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Strengths
- +Full PostgreSQL access
- +Generous free tier
- +Open-source and self-hostable
- +Great developer experience
Weaknesses
- -Projects pause on free tier
- -Smaller ecosystem than Firebase
- -Less mature than alternatives
Key features
Pricing: Pocketbase vs Supabase
| Plan | Pocketbase | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Open Source | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $25 Pro |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $599 Team |
| Tier 4 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Pocketbase pricing and Supabase pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Pocketbase is free. Supabase is freemium.
Go with: Pocketbase
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Pocketbase
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Supabase
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Pocketbase is free. Supabase is freemium. Go with Pocketbase if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Supabase
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Pocketbase
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Supabase is our pick. That said, Pocketbase is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pocketbase or Supabase better?
Supabase is rated in our evaluation. Pocketbase is free and Supabase is freemium.
What are Pocketbase and Supabase used for?
Pocketbase: Open-source backend in a single file. Supabase: Open source Firebase alternative.
What does Pocketbase cost vs Supabase?
Pocketbase is completely free. Supabase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.