Supabase vs PocketBase (2026)
Head-to-head comparison for vibe coders: scores, free tiers, pricing and best-for, using the same evidence-based methodology. Rankings are never for sale.
Open-source Postgres development platform
Open-source backend in one file: SQLite, auth, files and realtime
Side-by-side comparison
| Criterion | Supabase | PocketBase |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 93/100 | 77/100 |
| Free tier | Yes: 2 projects, 500 MB DB, 50K MAU, 1 GB storage (pauses after 1 week idle) | Yes: free to self-host (no hosted plan) |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing | Pro from $25/mo per org (includes $10 compute credit) | Free and open source (MIT); you pay only for your own server. No official hosting. |
| Best for | Default backend for vibe-coded apps (Lovable, Bolt, v0 integrations) | Small and mid-size apps that want a free, portable backend on one cheap VPS |
| Category | Databases & backends | Databases & backends |
Score breakdown
| Criterion | Supabase | PocketBase |
|---|---|---|
| Fit for the use case /25 | 24 | 17 |
| Vibe-coder friendliness /15 | 14 | 7 |
| Output quality & reliability /15 | 13 | 12 |
| Pricing & free tier /15 | 13 | 15 |
| Ecosystem & integrations /10 | 10 | 7 |
| Momentum /10 | 10 | 9 |
| Code ownership & lock-in /10 | 9 | 10 |
Based on desk research of official pricing pages and docs; see methodology.
Who wins: Supabase or PocketBase?
By score, Supabase wins Supabase vs PocketBase at 93/100 vs 77/100. Supabase: The best fit for AI builders: Postgres, auth and storage in one, a generous free tier, open source and deep builder integrations. PocketBase: Unbeatable ownership and cost: one MIT-licensed file you run anywhere, with very strong momentum (~61k stars, regular releases). Fit for vibe coders is lower: self-host only, single-server scaling, no cloud functions, pre-1.0, and the FAQ explicitly warns people who plan to rely only on an AI tool not to use it. Supabase is best for Default backend for vibe-coded apps (Lovable, Bolt, v0 integrations). PocketBase is best for Small and mid-size apps that want a free, portable backend on one cheap VPS.
FAQ
- Which is better, Supabase or PocketBase?
- By our score, Supabase (93/100) ranks above PocketBase (77/100). Supabase is best for Default backend for vibe-coded apps (Lovable, Bolt, v0 integrations). The right pick still depends on your workflow; see the side-by-side table.
- What is the Supabase vs PocketBase score?
- Supabase scores 93/100 and PocketBase scores 77/100 on PromptToProd's evidence-based ranking. Scores are never for sale.