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PocketBase

Single-binary open-source backend

open sourceupdated Apr 21, 2026

PocketBase is an open-source backend in a single Go binary with 44K+ GitHub stars providing a real-time database, authentication, file storage, and admin dashboard. No dependencies, no Docker required — just download and run. Features collection-based data modeling, REST API, real-time subscriptions, OAuth2 authentication, file uploads with thumbnails, and a built-in admin UI. Extends with custom Go code or JavaScript hooks. Ideal for prototyping, MVPs, and small-to-medium applications.

PocketBase packages an entire backend into a single Go binary — database, auth, file storage, admin UI. No dependencies, no Docker, no configuration. Download and run.

Collection-based data modeling with field types, validation, and relations. REST API with filtering, sorting, pagination. Real-time subscriptions via SSE for live data updates.

Built-in OAuth2 authentication with email/password and social providers. File uploads with automatic thumbnail generation. Admin dashboard for visual data management.

Extends with custom Go routes or JavaScript hooks for business logic. Ideal for prototyping, MVPs, and applications that value simplicity over enterprise scale.

Pricing

Free and open-source

Platforms

Single binary, any OS, SQLite

Categories

Tags

Use Cases

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Comparisons

Directus vs PocketBase — Headless CMS with Data Studio vs All-in-One Backend in a Single File

Directus provides an enterprise headless CMS and data platform with a visual data studio, granular access control, and extensive API generation from any SQL database. PocketBase delivers a complete backend with database, auth, and file storage in a single Go binary under five megabytes. Directus wins for enterprise content management while PocketBase wins for rapid lightweight backend development.

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Appwrite vs Supabase vs PocketBase — Open-Source Backend Comparison

Open-source backend platforms have matured into genuine Firebase alternatives in 2026, each offering a different philosophy of data ownership, developer experience, and scalability. Supabase builds on PostgreSQL with a relational-first approach, Appwrite provides a comprehensive all-in-one platform via Docker microservices, and PocketBase delivers a single-binary backend requiring zero external dependencies. This comparison evaluates their architectures, feature sets, pricing, and ideal use cases.

FAQ

What is PocketBase?

PocketBase is an open-source backend in a single Go binary with 44K+ GitHub stars providing a real-time database, authentication, file storage, and admin dashboard. No dependencies, no Docker required — just download and run. Features collection-based data modeling, REST API, real-time subscriptions, OAuth2 authentication, file uploads with thumbnails, and a built-in admin UI. Extends with custom Go code or JavaScript hooks. Ideal for prototyping, MVPs, and small-to-medium applications.

Is PocketBase free?

Yes — PocketBase is open source and free to use. Free and open-source

Is PocketBase open source?

Yes — PocketBase is open source.

What are the best PocketBase alternatives?

The top editor-verified PocketBase alternatives are Directus, Nexa SDK.