Alternatives to PocketBase

Self-hosted alternatives to PocketBase

Open source projects that can replace PocketBase:

Supabase

86,223

Apache-2.0

Supabase is a powerful open-source alternative to Firebase that provides a complete backend-as-a-service platform built on PostgreSQL. It combines the reliability and features of PostgreSQL with modern developer tools, real-time capabilities, and a comprehensive suite of backend services, making it ideal for building full-stack applications.

Key Features

PostgreSQL Database:
- Full PostgreSQL database with all advanced features
- Auto-generated REST APIs from database schema
- GraphQL support through pg_graphql extension
- Row Level Security (RLS) for fine-grained access control
- Database functions and triggers
- Full-text search capabilities
Authentication & Authorization:
- Built-in user management system
- Social OAuth providers (Google, GitHub, Discord, etc.)
- Magic link authentication
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- JWT token-based authentication
- Row Level Security integration
Real-time Capabilities:
- Real-time database change subscriptions
- Presence tracking for collaborative features
- Broadcast messaging between clients
- WebSocket-based connections
- Channel management and filtering
- Conflict-free replicated data types (CRDTs)
File Storage:
- S3-compatible object storage
- Image transformations and optimization
- CDN integration for global delivery
- Access policies and permissions
- Resumable file uploads
- Automatic backup and versioning
Edge Functions:
- Serverless TypeScript/JavaScript functions
- Global edge deployment
- Custom API endpoints
- Database triggers and webhooks
- Third-party integrations
- Scheduled functions
Developer Experience:
- Intuitive web dashboard
- Built-in SQL editor with autocomplete
- Auto-generated API documentation
- Comprehensive CLI tools
- Client libraries for multiple platforms
- Local development environment
Enterprise Features:
- Single sign-on (SSO) integration
- Advanced security features
- Audit logging and compliance
- Custom domains and SSL
- Priority support
- SLA guarantees

Technical Specifications

Database: PostgreSQL with extensions
API Layer: PostgREST for auto-generated APIs
Authentication: GoTrue auth server
Real-time: Custom WebSocket server
Storage: S3-compatible object storage
Functions: Deno runtime for edge functions
Deployment: Docker Compose, Kubernetes

Use Cases

Web Applications: Full-stack web apps with real-time features
Mobile Applications: Backend for iOS and Android apps
SaaS Products: Multi-tenant software-as-a-service platforms
Real-time Apps: Chat applications, collaborative tools
E-commerce: Online stores with inventory management
Content Management: Blogs, portfolios, and media platforms

Unique Advantages

PostgreSQL Power: Full SQL database with advanced features
Open Source: Transparent, customizable, and community-driven
Real-time First: Built-in real-time capabilities across all services
Developer Friendly: Excellent tooling and documentation
Firebase Compatible: Easy migration path from Firebase
Self-Hosted: Complete control over data and infrastructure

Appwrite

52,009

BSD-3-Clause

Appwrite is a comprehensive backend-as-a-service (BaaS) platform that provides developers with all the essential backend services needed to build modern applications. Designed to be self-hosted and open-source, Appwrite offers a complete suite of tools including authentication, databases, file storage, cloud functions, and real-time capabilities.

Key Features

User Authentication & Management:
- Multiple authentication methods (email/password, phone, OAuth)
- 30+ OAuth providers (Google, GitHub, Facebook, etc.)
- Anonymous sessions and guest access
- User preferences and metadata
- Team and organization management
- Session management and security
Database Services:
- Document-based NoSQL database
- Real-time database updates
- Advanced query capabilities
- Relationships and references
- Full-text search functionality
- Data validation and permissions
File Storage & Management:
- Secure file upload and storage
- Image manipulation and optimization
- File encryption and compression
- CDN integration for global delivery
- File preview and thumbnails
- Antivirus scanning
Cloud Functions:
- Serverless function execution
- Multiple runtime support (Node.js, Python, PHP, etc.)
- Event-driven triggers
- Scheduled function execution
- Custom domain support
- Environment variables
Real-time Capabilities:
- WebSocket connections
- Live database updates
- Pub/Sub messaging system
- Presence detection
- Real-time collaboration features
- Event broadcasting
Security & Permissions:
- Role-based access control
- API key management
- JWT token authentication
- Rate limiting and abuse protection
- CORS configuration
- Data encryption at rest and in transit
Developer Experience:
- 15+ client SDKs (JavaScript, Flutter, React Native, etc.)
- REST API with OpenAPI documentation
- GraphQL support
- CLI tools for deployment
- Web console for management
- Comprehensive documentation