FerretDB vs Pocketbase
Self-host pick — both replace MongoDB Atlas (Document database (managed)).
Both FerretDB and Pocketbase self-host as a replacement for MongoDB Atlas (Document database (managed)). Pick FerretDB if you want a Apache-licensed codebase (Apache-2.0); pick Pocketbase for MIT (MIT). Both run in roughly the same cost bracket — $5-10 vps — postgres backend does the heavy lifting vs $5 vps handles tens of thousands of records; sqlite-backed.
| FerretDBopen-source | Pocketbaseopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT |
| Setup time | 10min docker-compose (FerretDB + Postgres) | 5min (single Go binary) |
| Monthly cost | $5-10 VPS — Postgres backend does the heavy lifting. | $5 VPS handles tens of thousands of records; SQLite-backed. |
| GitHub | FerretDB/FerretDB | pocketbase/pocketbase |
| Replaces | MongoDB Atlas | MongoDB Atlas + 1 other |
Good fit for
FerretDB
Teams that want a true OSS license + Postgres durability without leaving the Mongo client SDKs.
Weak at:Compatibility is per-operator; not a 100% drop-in for large existing apps.
Pocketbase
Greenfield apps where you'd take SQLite + auth + file storage in one binary over Mongo's flexible-schema model.
Weak at:Schema-typed; doesn't suit apps that genuinely need flexible per-document structure.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli mongodb-atlas prints MongoDB Atlas's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, FerretDB or Pocketbase?
FerretDB: 10min docker-compose (FerretDB + Postgres). Pocketbase: 5min (single Go binary).
What does each cost to run?
FerretDB: $5-10 VPS — Postgres backend does the heavy lifting.. Pocketbase: $5 VPS handles tens of thousands of records; SQLite-backed.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do FerretDB and Pocketbase replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to MongoDB Atlas.