PocketBase
Open SourceSelf-hostableYour backend in a single file.
4.745K starsAlternative to Firebase
Overview
PocketBase is an open-source backend in one portable file: an embedded database, auth, file storage, and a realtime API with an admin dashboard. It's the simplest way to self-host a Firebase-like backend.
Why pick PocketBase over Firebase
- Own your data instead of trusting Firebase's servers
- No per-seat pricing — grow without ballooning costs
- PocketBase is open source: audit it, fork it, extend it
- Self-host for full privacy and compliance control
Key features
- Single executable, no dependencies
- Embedded SQLite database
- Built-in auth and file storage
- Realtime subscriptions
- Admin dashboard and JS/Go SDKs
Pros & cons
Screenshots
Installation
Download and run
- Download the binary for your OS from pocketbase.io
- Run ./pocketbase serve
- Open the admin dashboard to define collections
Frequently asked questions
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