PocketBase
Open-source backend in a single file — embedded database, auth, file storage, and admin dashboard
Founded
2022
Starting Price
$0
Category
Developer Tools
Last updated April 27, 2026
About PocketBase
PocketBase is an open-source backend built as a single Go executable that bundles an embedded SQLite database with real-time subscriptions, user authentication (email/password and OAuth2), file storage (local or S3-compatible), and a polished admin dashboard. With 40,000+ GitHub stars, it lets developers spin up a complete backend on any server in seconds — no external dependencies, no Docker, no database setup. Extend it with Go or JavaScript hooks for custom business logic.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Entire backend in a single executable — zero external dependencies, runs on any \u00245/month VPS
- Completely free and open-source under MIT License with 40K+ GitHub stars
- Built-in auth, real-time database, file storage, and admin dashboard eliminates need for multiple services
- Setup takes seconds — download the binary, run it, and your backend is live
- Extensible via Go or JavaScript hooks for custom business logic without forking the project
Key Features
Single-Binary Deployment
Entire backend packaged as one Go executable — download, run, and you have a production-ready server with zero dependencies
Embedded SQLite Database
Built-in database with schema builder, CRUD API, filtering, sorting, and full-text search — no external database needed
Real-Time Subscriptions
WebSocket-based real-time data streaming broadcasts every database change instantly to connected clients
Authentication System
Built-in email/password and OAuth2 authentication supporting Google, GitHub, Facebook, GitLab, and more
File Storage
Attach files to database records with automatic thumbnail generation — store locally or on any S3-compatible service
Admin Dashboard
Beautiful web-based admin UI for managing collections, records, users, files, and application settings
REST API
Auto-generated RESTful API for all collections with filtering, pagination, and record-level access rules
Pricing
Free (Self-Hosted)
$0
- Full backend in one binary
- Embedded SQLite database
- Real-time subscriptions
- Auth (email + OAuth2)
- File storage (local or S3)
Best For
MVP and Prototype Backend
Spin up a complete backend in seconds for rapid prototyping without provisioning databases or auth services
Side Projects and Hobby Apps
Run a full-featured backend on a cheap VPS with zero ongoing costs beyond hosting
Internal Tools and Dashboards
Build internal apps with the admin dashboard for data management and built-in auth for access control
Real-Time Collaboration Apps
Leverage WebSocket subscriptions for chat, live dashboards, and collaborative editing features
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