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Comparison · Backend-as-a-service platforms

PocketBase vs Supabase: which is better in 2026?

PocketBase84.0#5 in best backend-as-a-service platformsSupabase92.0#1 in best backend-as-a-service platforms

Supabase ranks higher in our list of backend-as-a-service platforms (#1 against #5, score 92.0 against 84.0).

  • 84.0
    Editorial score
    92.0
  • 2
    Platforms
    1
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose PocketBase if you want

Small apps on one self-run server.

A single-executable backend under MIT with realtime and auth, free to run on your own server. You handle hosting, backups and upgrades, and it is not a managed service.

Choose Supabase if you want

Postgres apps with auth and storage.

An open-source Postgres platform with auth and storage, Apache-2.0 licensed, with a generous Free plan. Pro is $25 a month, and extra compute instances add cost as a project grows.

The main differences

  • PocketBase is free and open source; Supabase is free plan, paid upgrades.

Side by side

PocketBaseSupabase
Score84.092.0
Rank in list#5 of 6#1 of 6
PriceFree and open sourceFree and open source under MIT; you host it on your own serverFree plan, paid upgradesFree plan; Pro from $25 a month; Team from $599 a month
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsWebSelf-hostedWeb, Self-hostedWebWeb
Made byNot statedSupabase
Main focusSingle-file backend with authPostgres database, auth and storage
LicenseMITApache-2.0
Best forSmall apps on one self-run serverPostgres apps with auth and storage
Strengths
  • Single executable with no extra services to run
  • MIT-licensed and free
  • Open source under Apache-2.0
  • Postgres database for each project
Limits
  • You run hosting, backups and upgrades
  • Not a managed service with hosted scaling
  • Extra compute instances cost more than the plan price
  • Team plan starts at $599 a month
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about PocketBase vs Supabase

Is Supabase better than PocketBase?
Supabase ranks higher in our list of backend-as-a-service platforms (#1 against #5, score 92.0 against 84.0). PocketBase is best for: small apps on one self-run server. Supabase is best for: postgres apps with auth and storage.
Which is cheaper, PocketBase or Supabase?
PocketBase: Free and open source under MIT; you host it on your own server. Supabase: Free plan; Pro from $25 a month; Team from $599 a month.
Do PocketBase and Supabase run on the same platforms?
PocketBase supports Web, Self-hosted. Supabase supports Web.