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Reviews on SourceForge
67 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Price
Free, no paid tier. Compare plans

Key facts

  • PocketBase is an open-source backend in a single file
  • It provides a database, auth, and file storage with built-in admin UI
  • Completely free and open-source

Pros

  • Simple backend in a file
  • SQLite based
  • Real-time subscriptions
  • Auth built-in
  • Open source

Cons

  • Single file limits scale
  • Go knowledge helpful
  • Limited ecosystem
  • Not for large apps
  • Documentation basic

What is Pocketbase?

Editorial review
PocketBase provides backend in a single file. Database, auth, and file storage-complete backend that just works. The simplicity is remarkable. The single file deploys anywhere. The features are complete. Developers wanting simple backend choose PocketBase for all-in-one simplicity.

Available on: Web

Ratings Across the Web

4.3 (67 reviews)

Pocketbase holds an aggregate rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 67 reviews across SourceForge, last checked June 10, 2026.

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

  • Backend platform
  • SQLite database
  • Authentication
  • File storage
  • Single file
  • Open source

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Sep 29, 2026

Pocketbase plans and prices, checked September 2026
PlanPriceDetails
Open Source

$0

  • Self-hosted
  • Realtime database
  • Authentication
+4 more
  • File storage
  • Admin dashboard
  • Fully extensible
  • Go/JavaScript SDK

Is Pocketbase worth the price?

Great value

The pricing for Pocketbase is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely open-source and free.

Users get a powerful backend with real-time features, authentication, and file storage for $0. This is ideal for developers, startups, and small projects looking for a cost-effective and flexible backend solution.

Full Pocketbase pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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4.3/5

Across 67 verified user reviews on SourceForge

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Pocketbase FAQ

How does PocketBase simplify backend development?

PocketBase simplifies backend development by providing a complete backend solution in a single file, encompassing a database, authentication, and file storage. This all-in-one approach allows developers to deploy a functional backend quickly and efficiently.

What kind of user benefits most from PocketBase?

Developers seeking a straightforward and complete backend for their projects will find PocketBase most beneficial. Its design caters to those who prioritize simplicity and a quick setup for their applications.

How does PocketBase compare to Supabase?

PocketBase offers a backend in a single file, which includes a SQLite-based database, built-in authentication, and real-time subscriptions, emphasizing simplicity and portability. Supabase provides a broader suite of services, often with more extensive scalability options, but PocketBase's single-file nature makes it uniquely easy to deploy.

What are the primary limitations of using PocketBase?

PocketBase's single-file architecture inherently limits its scalability, making it less suitable for very large applications. Additionally, its ecosystem is more limited, and the documentation is considered basic, which might require some Go knowledge for deeper customization.

Does PocketBase include a free tier?

PocketBase is entirely free to use, as it is an open-source product with no paid plans required. This allows developers to utilize all its features without any cost.

Can PocketBase handle real-time data updates?

Yes, PocketBase supports real-time subscriptions, enabling applications to receive instant updates on data changes. This feature is built directly into its single-file backend solution.

Which teams would find PocketBase suitable for their projects?

Teams working on projects that require a simple, fast-to-deploy backend with built-in authentication and data storage would find PocketBase suitable. It's particularly well-suited for smaller to medium-sized applications where ease of use is a priority.

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