# PocketBase vs Supabase

> 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.

## 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 PocketBase: Solo developers and small apps that want a backend in one file
- Best for Supabase: Teams that need full PostgreSQL and a Firebase-style platform

## Key differences

| 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 numbers

| Metric | PocketBase | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | 61,293 | 111,147 |
| Forks | 3,725 | 15,877 |
| Commits, last 12 months | 500 | 6,123 |
| Last commit | Oct 2, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
| Latest release | v0.40.4 | v1.26.08 |
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| License type | Open source | Open source |
| Language | Go | TypeScript |
| Docker image | Yes | Yes |
| Repository | https://github.com/pocketbase/pocketbase | https://github.com/supabase/supabase |

App pages: [PocketBase](https://appsgit.com/apps/pocketbase), [Supabase](https://appsgit.com/apps/supabase)

## FAQ

### 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.

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Canonical page: https://appsgit.com/compare/pocketbase-vs-supabase
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