Backend for your next SaaS and Mobile app in one file.
- MIT
- Go
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Low-code & Backend comparison
PocketBase vs Supabase: which should you self-host in 2026?
Pick PocketBase for a tiny single-binary backend with SQLite, auth and realtime; pick Supabase for a full Postgres platform with auth, storage, edge functions and room to scale.
Both are open source and run on your own server. Below: a side-by-side of license, stack and features, live GitHub activity, and our verdict on who should pick which.
Postgres development platform with auth, realtime, storage and edge functions, the open-source Firebase alternative.
- Apache-2.0
- TypeScript
- Docker
- Actively maintained
Head-to-head
PocketBase vs Supabase, side by side
Hand-checked differences first, then live numbers from GitHub, refreshed with every catalog update.
| Aspect |  PocketBase |  Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Architecture | Single Go executable with embedded SQLite | Many services (Postgres, PostgREST, Auth, Realtime, Storage, Studio) run via Docker Compose |
| Database | SQLite | PostgreSQL with row-level security and extensions |
| Extensibility | Use as a Go framework or add JavaScript hooks | Postgres functions, triggers and Deno-based Edge Functions |
| Maturity | Pre-1.0: the README warns backward compatibility is not guaranteed before v1.0.0 | Stable platform also sold as a managed cloud |
| Hardware needs | Runs comfortably on very small servers | Needs noticeably more memory to run the full set of containers |
| GitHub stars | 61,293 | 111,147 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 500 | 6,123 |
| Last commit | Oct 2, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Latest release | v0.40.4Sep 12, 2026 | v1.26.08Aug 7, 2026 |
| Main language | Go | TypeScript |
| Official Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | pocketbase/pocketbase | supabase/supabase |
Swipe the table sideways to see both apps. GitHub figures come from the public API. Highlighted values are the higher of the two.
Verdict
PocketBase is ideal for side projects, prototypes and small apps: one executable gives you a database, auth, file storage, realtime and an admin UI, and it runs on the smallest VPS. Supabase is the stronger choice when you need real PostgreSQL, row-level security, many services and a team-ready platform, at the cost of a much heavier self-hosted stack.
Best for
Choose PocketBase for
Solo developers and small apps that want a backend in one file.
Best for
Choose Supabase for
Teams that need full PostgreSQL and a Firebase-style platform.
Deploy either in minutes
Not sure yet? Spin up a small VPS or a managed instance, try both for a week, and keep the one that fits.
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Can PocketBase scale?
It handles a lot on a single server because SQLite is fast, but it does not scale horizontally. If you outgrow one machine, a Postgres-based platform like Supabase is easier to grow.
Is self-hosted Supabase the same as Supabase Cloud?
Mostly. The self-hosted Docker setup includes the core services and Studio, but some platform features such as multiple projects per dashboard and managed backups are cloud-only.
Which has realtime updates?
Both. PocketBase offers realtime subscriptions on collections, and Supabase Realtime streams Postgres changes, broadcast and presence.
Which is more popular on GitHub, PocketBase or Supabase?
Supabase has 111,147 GitHub stars against 61,293 for PocketBase. Over the last twelve months PocketBase received 500 commits and Supabase received 6,123, so Supabase is the more actively developed of the two right now. Stars measure interest, not fit, so weigh them against the differences above.
