PocketBase vs Supabase
Is it time to switch? We break down the differences so you can stop bleeding money.
Choose Supabase.
If you want to own your data, save money, and avoid vendor lock-in, Supabase is more popular among developers.
What Actually Matters
No fluff — just the differences that affect your decision
Both open source, different licenses: PocketBase uses MIT, Supabase uses Apache-2.0. Check the fine print if you're building commercial.
Both can run on your own metal with Docker. Full data ownership, no cloud dependency. We have deploy guides for each.
Supabase leads at 111.5k stars vs 61.4k, but both have solid communities. You won't be alone with either choice.
PocketBase is built in Go, Supabase in TypeScript. Matters if you want to contribute, extend, or debug internals.
Want ships as a single binary — no dependencies? Go PocketBase. Need postgres under the hood? Go Supabase. For most teams: pick the one you can own.
PocketBase
Open Source realtime backend in 1 file
Why Choose PocketBase
- ✓Ships as a single binary — no dependencies
- ✓Deploy anywhere in seconds with zero config
- ✓Embedded SQLite with realtime subscriptions
Drawbacks
- ×SQLite only (for now)
Supabase
The Postgres development platform. Supabase gives you a dedicated Postgres database to build your web, mobile, and AI applications.
Why Choose Supabase
- ✓Postgres under the hood
- ✓No vendor lock-in
Drawbacks
- ×Self-hosting can be complex
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