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PocketBase

PocketBase

Open-source backend in one file

FreeDBOpen Source5 impressions

Open Source backend in 1 file with realtime database, authentication, file storage and admin dashboard

PocketBase is a free alternative to Firebase.

PocketBase is an open-source, single-file backend offering realtime database, authentication, file storage and an admin dashboard.

for
Developers needing a lightweight backend for web or mobile apps
pricing
open source
license
MIT
pocketbase/pocketbase 61k 3.7kGoupdated 5 days ago
works withJavaScriptDart

Key features

6 features of PocketBase
  • 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.

Use cases

  • Add realtime data sync to a web app with minimal backend code
  • Implement user authentication and file uploads for a mobile prototype
  • Create a quick admin interface for managing content without building a custom server

PocketBase vs alternatives

PocketBaseFirebaseAppwriteSupabaseNeon
Best forAll-in-one single-file backendManaged backend platformOpen-source backend suitePostgres-based backendServerless SQL database
PricingOpen sourceSubscriptionSubscriptionSubscriptionSubscription
DevHunt upvotes00000
Launched—————
  • PocketBase vs Firebase: Firebase is a managed cloud service with extensive analytics, whereas PocketBase is self-hosted and single-file.
  • PocketBase vs Appwrite: Appwrite offers similar features but requires multiple services; PocketBase is a single binary.
  • PocketBase vs Supabase: Supabase provides Postgres-based storage and auth, while PocketBase uses its own embedded database.
  • PocketBase vs Neon: Neon is a serverless Postgres offering; PocketBase is a lightweight all-in-one backend.

PocketBase FAQ

What language is PocketBase written in?+

PocketBase is compiled to a single binary, so you can run it on any platform without installing dependencies.

Do I need a separate database server?+

No, the realtime database is built into PocketBase and runs inside the same file.

How do I interact with the backend from the frontend?+

Use the provided JavaScript or Dart SDKs to query collections, subscribe to changes, and manage authentication.

Is there a hosted version?+

PocketBase is open source and self-hosted; you run the binary on your own infrastructure.

Can I extend PocketBase with custom logic?+

Yes, you can add server-side hooks and custom endpoints using the built-in HTTP server.

Summarized by DevHunt from pocketbase.io · Oct 1, 2026. Details may change; check the official site.

About this listing

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