Nhost vs PocketBase: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
Nhost
Open Source Backend Platform with GraphQL
PocketBase
Free Open-Source Backend in One File
Nhost
Open Source Backend Platform with GraphQL
PocketBase
Free Open-Source Backend in One File
What are Nhost and PocketBase?
Nhost is a complete backend service that provides everything needed to build modern applications. You get a PostgreSQL database, a real-time GraphQL API, user authentication with multiple sign-in options, file storage for images and documents, and the ability to run custom code.
Unlike traditional backend setup that requires technical expertise in servers and security, Nhost handles all of this automatically. The platform is fully open-source, meaning you own your data and can move it anywhere without being locked into one provider.
It runs on cloud servers with automatic backups and updates. You can develop your project locally on your computer, then deploy it with a simple push to GitHub. Everything scales automatically as your user base grows.
PocketBase is a backend solution that puts all essential backend features into one small file. Unlike traditional backends that need multiple services and databases, PocketBase includes an embedded SQLite database with real-time updates, built-in user authentication, file storage system, and a web-based admin panel.
The tool is designed to be simple. You download one file, run it, and your backend is ready. It supports over 15 login methods including email, password, and social logins like Google, Facebook, and GitHub. Developers can interact with it through easy REST APIs or use the official JavaScript and Dart libraries.
PocketBase is self-hosted, meaning you control your data and can run it on your own server or computer.
Features of Nhost and PocketBase
PostgreSQL database with automatic backups
Real-time GraphQL API with subscriptions
User authentication with social logins
File storage with CDN and image optimization
Serverless functions in JavaScript/TypeScript
Custom Docker container support
GitHub automatic deployments
Local development CLI
Role-based permissions
AI toolkit with embeddings and assistants
Point-in-time database recovery
SOC 2 Type II compliance
Single executable file with complete backend
SQLite database with real-time subscriptions
Email and OAuth2 authentication (15+ providers)
Local and S3 file storage support
Built-in admin dashboard
REST API with auto-generated documentation
JavaScript and Dart SDK libraries
Extendable with Go and JavaScript
Self-hosted and open source
Free MIT license
Use Cases of Nhost and PocketBase
Pricing of Nhost and PocketBase
Nhost offers flexible pricing to match different needs. The Starter plan is completely free and includes 1 GB database, 1 GB storage, and 5 GB bandwidth. This plan is perfect for testing ideas, personal projects, or learning. Your project pauses after one week of inactivity but can be reactivated instantly.
The Pro plan starts at $25 per month and includes $15 in compute credits. You get 10 GB database, 50 GB storage, 50 GB bandwidth, automated backups, point-in-time recovery, and email support. You can scale resources and only pay for what you use.
For teams, the Team plan costs $599 per month with everything in Pro plus SOC 2 compliance, email support with SLA, dedicated Discord channel, and advanced features.
Enterprise plans offer custom pricing with dedicated infrastructure, technical account managers, and service level agreements tailored to your business needs.
PocketBase is completely free and open source under the MIT License. There are no subscription fees, usage limits, or hidden costs. You can download it, use it for any project, and even offer it as a paid service to your clients.
Since it is self-hosted, your only costs are server expenses if you deploy it online. You can run it on a small VPS server for just a few dollars per month, or even on free hosting platforms. For development and testing, it runs perfectly on your local computer at no cost.
The free license also means you can modify the source code to fit your specific needs. There are no enterprise plans or paid tiers because everything is included in the free version.
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Open-Source TypeScript Backend Platform
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Build Full-Stack Apps Fast with Cloud Backend
Parse Platform
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