
Open-source backend in a single file — embedded database, auth, file storage, and admin dashboard
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.
Entire backend packaged as one Go executable — download, run, and you have a production-ready server with zero dependencies
Built-in database with schema builder, CRUD API, filtering, sorting, and full-text search — no external database needed
WebSocket-based real-time data streaming broadcasts every database change instantly to connected clients
Built-in email/password and OAuth2 authentication supporting Google, GitHub, Facebook, GitLab, and more
Attach files to database records with automatic thumbnail generation — store locally or on any S3-compatible service
Beautiful web-based admin UI for managing collections, records, users, files, and application settings
Auto-generated RESTful API for all collections with filtering, pagination, and record-level access rules
Spin up a complete backend in seconds for rapid prototyping without provisioning databases or auth services
Run a full-featured backend on a cheap VPS with zero ongoing costs beyond hosting
Build internal apps with the admin dashboard for data management and built-in auth for access control
Leverage WebSocket subscriptions for chat, live dashboards, and collaborative editing features
Best for solo developers and small teams who want the simplest possible backend for side projects, MVPs, and internal tools without cloud vendor complexity.
The single best self-hosted tool for a $5 VPS — a complete backend that idles at 15MB and handles millions of requests without breaking a sweat.
Add custom business logic via Go or JavaScript hooks that intercept application events and API requests
Use official Dart SDK for Flutter apps or JS SDK for React Native with auth, storage, and real-time sync

Open-source, AI-first business automation