PocketBase vs Appwrite: Features, Pricing and User Reviews 2026
PocketBase
Free Open-Source Backend in One File
Appwrite
Open-Source Backend Platform for Apps
PocketBase
Free Open-Source Backend in One File
Appwrite
Open-Source Backend Platform for Apps
What are PocketBase and Appwrite?
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.
Appwrite is a backend platform that handles all the technical work behind your apps. Instead of building everything yourself, you get pre-made systems for common needs like storing user data, managing files, and handling authentication. Think of it as a toolbox filled with everything your app needs to work properly.
The platform works with many programming languages and frameworks, so you can use the tools you already know. You can add features like user sign-up, password recovery, database storage, and file uploads with just a few lines of code.
Appwrite can be installed on your own servers or used through their cloud service. Both options give you the same features, but self-hosting means you keep complete control over your data and how everything runs.
Features of PocketBase and Appwrite
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
User authentication with 30+ providers
NoSQL database with real-time sync
File storage with image processing
Serverless functions in multiple languages
Email, SMS, and push notifications
Built-in security and encryption
Role-based access control
API and webhooks support
Self-hosted or cloud options
Mobile and web SDKs available
Use Cases of PocketBase and Appwrite
Pricing of PocketBase and Appwrite
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.
Appwrite offers flexible pricing plans to match different needs and project sizes.
The Free plan costs nothing and includes 5GB of bandwidth, 2GB storage, 750,000 function executions, and support for 75,000 monthly active users. You get one database, one storage bucket, and five functions per project, with a limit of two projects. This plan never pauses and works great for small apps and learning projects.
The Pro plan starts at $25 per month and provides 2TB bandwidth, 150GB storage, 3.5 million executions, and 200,000 monthly active users. Pro users get unlimited databases, buckets, and functions, plus daily backups, email support, and organization roles.
The Enterprise plan offers custom pricing for larger teams. It includes everything in Pro plus dedicated support, higher limits, custom backup policies, single sign-on, activity logs, and options to bring your own cloud infrastructure. Enterprise customers can also get volume discounts and uptime guarantees.
FAQs: PocketBase vs Appwrite
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