Pocketbase vs Supabase
Self-host pick — both replace Firebase (Backend-as-a-service (auth + DB + storage + realtime)).
Both Pocketbase and Supabase self-host as a replacement for Firebase (Backend-as-a-service (auth + DB + storage + realtime)). Pick Pocketbase if you want the lighter footprint — 5min — single Go binary + SQLite, $5 vps handles low-to-medium traffic; sqlite + wal is surprisingly far-reaching. Pick Supabase if you need apps that can live with Postgres-shaped data — most Firestore use is shallow document storage that maps fine to a JSONB column or a relational schema — 20min docker-compose (the official self-host bundle) and $10-20 vps — postgres + gotrue + postgrest + realtime + storage in one stack.
| Pocketbaseopen-source | Supabaseopen-source | |
|---|---|---|
| License | MIT | Apache-2.0 |
| Setup time | 5min — single Go binary + SQLite | 20min docker-compose (the official self-host bundle) |
| Monthly cost | $5 VPS handles low-to-medium traffic; SQLite + WAL is surprisingly far-reaching. | $10-20 VPS — Postgres + GoTrue + PostgREST + Realtime + Storage in one stack. |
| GitHub | pocketbase/pocketbase | supabase/supabase |
| Replaces | Firebase + 1 other | Firebase |
Good fit for
Pocketbase
Solo / small team apps where a single-binary, no-ops backend matters more than horizontal scale.
Weak at:SQLite ceiling — works for tens of thousands of users, not millions; realtime is via WebSocket but lacks Firestore's offline-first cache.
Supabase
Apps that can live with Postgres-shaped data — most Firestore use is shallow document storage that maps fine to a JSONB column or a relational schema.
Weak at:Realtime semantics differ from Firestore's offline cache + listener model; client SDK swap is not transparent.
In a terminal? npx -y github:SolvoHQ/os-alt-cli firebase prints Firebase's self-host options including both —
how the CLI works →
FAQ
Which is easier to self-host, Pocketbase or Supabase?
Pocketbase: 5min — single Go binary + SQLite. Supabase: 20min docker-compose (the official self-host bundle).
What does each cost to run?
Pocketbase: $5 VPS handles low-to-medium traffic; SQLite + WAL is surprisingly far-reaching.. Supabase: $10-20 VPS — Postgres + GoTrue + PostgREST + Realtime + Storage in one stack.. Both projects are free and open source.
Do Pocketbase and Supabase replace the same SaaS?
Yes — both are open-source alternatives to Firebase.