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PocketBase vs PocketStarter
PocketBase is the backend only; PocketStarter adds Next.js UI, auth, Stripe and UI components.
Which to pick
Pick PocketBase if you want…
- All-in-one single-file backend
- Open-source single-file backend
- A free, open-source tool
- Integrations with JavaScript or Dart (on PocketBase's list, not PocketStarter's)
Pick PocketStarter if you want…
- Full-stack PocketBase + Next.js starter
- Integrations with PocketBase, Next.js or Stripe (on PocketStarter's list, not PocketBase's)
Side by side
- What it is
- PocketBase:PocketBase is an open-source, single-file backend offering realtime database, authentication, file storage and an admin dashboard.
- PocketStarter:PocketStarter is a production-ready boilerplate that combines PocketBase backend with Next.js, auth, Stripe payments and SEO tools.
- Best for
- PocketBase:All-in-one single-file backend
- PocketStarter:Full-stack PocketBase + Next.js starter
- Who it’s for
- PocketBase:Developers needing a lightweight backend for web or mobile apps
- PocketStarter:Developers building web apps with PocketBase and Next.js who want a ready-made starter kit.
- Pricing
- PocketBase:Open source
- PocketStarter:Paid
- Open source
- PocketBase:Yes, 61,229 GitHub stars
- PocketStarter:—
- Works with
- PocketBase:JavaScript, Dart
- PocketStarter:PocketBase, Next.js, Stripe, Tailwind CSS, TypeScript, OAuth, Brevo, Google Analytics
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.
PocketStarter features
- PocketBase + Next.js integration. Backend with PocketBase and SSR/CSR Next.js setup, including error handling.
- Authentication. OAuth, password recovery, email verification and profile management out of the box.
- Stripe payments. One-time and subscription payments with automatic billing cycles and portal.
- Basic security. Protected routes, CSP, cookie management and token refresh.
- SEO & analytics. Automatic sitemap, meta tags, robots.txt and optional GA4 tracking.
- Tailwind UI. Responsive components with dark mode using Tailwind CSS and shadcn/ui.
- Marketing hooks. Optional Brevo email automation and consent management.
- Cursor AI rules. Pre-configured AI rules to help Cursor understand PocketBase patterns.
PocketBase vs PocketStarter FAQ
Is PocketBase or PocketStarter free?+
PocketBase is free and open source. PocketStarter is paid.
Is PocketBase or PocketStarter open source?+
PocketBase is open source (pocketbase/pocketbase on GitHub, MIT license). DevHunt has no public source repository on record for PocketStarter.
Do PocketBase and PocketStarter integrate with the same tools?+
Their integration lists don't overlap: PocketBase lists JavaScript and Dart; PocketStarter lists PocketBase, Next.js, Stripe, Tailwind CSS and 4 more.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.