Appwrite vs PocketBase

PocketBase provides a single-file backend with limited services compared to Appwrite’s full suite.

AppwriteOpen-source backend for web and mobile apps

PocketBaseOpen-source backend in one file

Which to pick

Pick Appwrite if you want…

All-in-one open-source backend
Open-source backend suite
Integrations with React (on Appwrite's list, not PocketBase's)

Pick PocketBase if you want…

All-in-one single-file backend
Lightweight single-file backend
A free, open-source tool
Integrations with JavaScript or Dart (on PocketBase's list, not Appwrite's)

Appwrite offers similar features but requires multiple services; PocketBase is a single binary.

Side by side

What it is: Appwrite:Appwrite is an open-source backend platform offering auth, databases, storage, functions, messaging, realtime and hosting.; PocketBase:PocketBase is an open-source, single-file backend offering realtime database, authentication, file storage and an admin dashboard.
Best for: Appwrite:All-in-one open-source backend; PocketBase:All-in-one single-file backend
Who it’s for: Appwrite:Developers building web, mobile or AI-agent applications who need a unified backend.; PocketBase:Developers needing a lightweight backend for web or mobile apps
Pricing: Appwrite:Freemium; PocketBase:Open source
Plans: Appwrite:Free $0; PocketBase:—
Open source: Appwrite:Yes, 57,531 GitHub stars; PocketBase:Yes, 61,229 GitHub stars
Works with: Appwrite:React; PocketBase:JavaScript, Dart

Appwrite features

Auth. User authentication via email, SMS, OAuth, magic links and anonymous sessions.
Databases. Managed TablesDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL and vector stores with query and scaling tools.
Storage. File storage with compression, encryption, image transformations and access control.
Functions. Serverless functions with isolated runtimes, event-driven triggers and cron schedules.
Messaging. Unified email, SMS and push notification service with templating.
Realtime. Live event subscription for collaborative and real-time app experiences.
Sites. Deploy static, SSR or CSR front-ends from Git with instant previews.
Firewall. Edge security with traffic rules, rate limiting and abuse protection.

PocketBase features

Single-file deployment. Run the entire backend stack from one executable file.
Realtime database. Subscribe to live changes on collections without extra setup.
Built-in authentication. User sign-up, login and session management out of the box.
File storage. Store and serve files directly through the backend.
Admin dashboard. Web UI to manage collections, records and settings.
JavaScript & Dart SDKs. Client libraries for easy integration with popular front-end stacks.

Appwrite vs PocketBase FAQ

Is Appwrite or PocketBase free?+

Appwrite has a free plan and paid plans. PocketBase is free and open source.

Is Appwrite or PocketBase open source?+

Yes, both are open source: Appwrite (appwrite/appwrite on GitHub, BSD-3-Clause license) and PocketBase (pocketbase/pocketbase on GitHub, MIT license).

Do Appwrite and PocketBase integrate with the same tools?+

Their integration lists don't overlap: Appwrite lists React; PocketBase lists JavaScript and Dart.

On DevHunt

Appwrite

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Appwrite on DevHunt →Appwrite alternatives

PocketBase