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PocketBase vs Supabase
Supabase provides Postgres-based storage and auth, while PocketBase uses its own embedded database.
Which to pick
Pick PocketBase if you want…
- All-in-one single-file backend
- Lightweight embedded backend
- A free, open-source tool
- Integrations with JavaScript or Dart (on PocketBase's list, not Supabase's)
Pick Supabase if you want…
- Postgres-backed backend as a service
- Postgres-based backend
- Integrations with React, Next.js or Flutter (on Supabase's list, not PocketBase's)
PocketBase is a single-file embedded database with auth, but lacks the scalable Postgres engine and vector features of Supabase.
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.
- Supabase:Supabase is an open-source platform that provides a hosted Postgres database with auth, realtime, storage, edge functions and vector search.
- Best for
- PocketBase:All-in-one single-file backend
- Supabase:Postgres-backed backend as a service
- Who it’s for
- PocketBase:Developers needing a lightweight backend for web or mobile apps
- Supabase:Developers building web, mobile or AI apps who need a full backend without managing servers.
- Pricing
- PocketBase:Open source
- Supabase:Freemium
- Plans
- PocketBase:—
- Supabase:Free $0 · Pro $25 per month · Team $599 per month
- Open source
- PocketBase:Yes, 61,229 GitHub stars
- Supabase:Yes, 110,974 GitHub stars
- Works with
- PocketBase:JavaScript, Dart
- Supabase:React, Next.js, Flutter, Expo React Native, OpenAI, Hugging Face, Stripe
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.
Supabase features
- Managed Postgres. Each project gets its own dedicated Postgres instance with built-in Row Level Security.
- Authentication. User sign-up, login, social OAuth and MFA with automatic JWT handling.
- Realtime API. Live data synchronization for multiplayer or collaborative experiences.
- Edge Functions. Serverless functions that run close to the database without provisioning servers.
- Storage & CDN. File storage with 1 GB free, cached egress and basic CDN for serving assets.
- Vector Embeddings. Store, index and search vector embeddings via OpenAI or Hugging Face integrations.
- Instant REST/GraphQL APIs. Auto-generated APIs for any table, accessible via the client library.
- Dashboard & Tools. SQL/Table editors, RLS policy UI, log viewer and backup controls in a web console.
PocketBase vs Supabase FAQ
Is PocketBase or Supabase free?+
PocketBase is free and open source. Supabase has a free plan; paid plans start at $25/month (Pro).
Which is cheaper, PocketBase or Supabase?+
PocketBase is free, so it costs less. Supabase starts at $25/month (Pro).
Is PocketBase or Supabase open source?+
Yes, both are open source: PocketBase (pocketbase/pocketbase on GitHub, MIT license) and Supabase (supabase/supabase on GitHub, Apache-2.0 license).
Do PocketBase and Supabase integrate with the same tools?+
Their integration lists don't overlap: PocketBase lists JavaScript and Dart; Supabase lists React, Next.js, Flutter, Expo React Native and 3 more.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.