Supabase vs PocketBase: hosted full BaaS vs single-binary OSS backend
Supabase is the hosted Postgres BaaS with auth + realtime + storage + edge functions. PocketBase is a single Go binary that bundles SQLite + auth + storage + realtime. Pick Supabase for production scale, PocketBase for self-host simplicity.
At a glance
| Dimension | Supabase | PocketBase |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | Hosted + OSS server | Single Go binary |
| Database | PostgresWIN | SQLite |
| Setup complexity | Cloud signup or self-host stack | Run one binaryWIN |
| Auth + realtime + storage | First class | First class |
| Edge functions | Deno-basedWIN | No |
| Vector / pgvector | First classWIN | Available via extensions |
| Scalability | Postgres + horizontal architectureWIN | SQLite + Go binary limits |
| Best for | Production scale, AI app stacks | Solo dev, embedded apps, simplest self-host |
Verdict
Supabase is the right pick when you want a hosted Postgres BaaS with edge functions and the AI-stack default. PocketBase is the right pick for solo developers and embedded apps that want a single binary delivering auth + realtime + storage + SQLite without any infrastructure. For production scale and AI app workflows, Supabase. For simplest self-host and smaller apps, PocketBase.
When to pick which
Pick Supabase
Production scale, AI app stacks, Postgres familiarity.
Pick PocketBase
Solo dev, embedded apps, simplest single-binary self-host.
FAQ
Supabase or PocketBase in 2026?
Supabase for production scale; PocketBase for solo / embedded use.
Cheapest?
Both have free tiers; PocketBase is essentially free since it's a single binary you run.
Best for AI app building?
Supabase — pgvector + edge functions + auth integrate cleanly with AI builders.
Last updated: 2026-06-01.