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PocketBase
Developer ToolsFreeOpen source realtime backend in 1 file with database, auth, and storage
88/100
4 min readScreenshots
PocketBase is a free, open-source backend that includes a realtime SQLite database, user authentication, file storage, and an admin dashboard—all in a single executable file. Perfect for developers who want complete control without the complexity.
PocketBase is our pick for the best self-hosted, lightweight backend for indie developers and small teams. We rate it 88/100 — a standout choice for anyone who wants a complete backend solution without hosting complexity, vendor lock-in, or monthly bills.
PocketBase, launched in , is an open-source backend written in Go that runs as a single executable file. Created by Gani Georgiev, it combines SQLite database, real-time subscriptions, user authentication, file storage, and an admin dashboard—everything indie developers typically need, packaged as one 30MB binary.
With 57,247 GitHub stars and growing adoption across the indie hacker community, PocketBase has proven its value to developers tired of Firebase's pricing, Supabase's complexity, or building backends from scratch.
On GitHub, PocketBase users consistently praise its simplicity: "Finally, a backend that doesn't require a DevOps PhD," one developer noted. The Hacker News community has given it multiple front-page launches, with users highlighting the ability to deploy in minutes versus the weeks needed for traditional backends.
Indie hackers building on PocketBase report 10-minute deployments, zero DevOps overhead, and the ability to move from prototype to production without refactoring. The self-hosted nature appeals especially to privacy-conscious developers and those in regions with strict data residency laws.
Common feedback: "It's Firebase for developers who actually understand databases" and "The 1-file deployment changed how I ship products."
PocketBase is entirely free and open-source. No tiers, no hidden costs. You get the same feature set whether you deploy on a $5 VPS or your laptop.
| Plan | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Hosted | Free (open source) | Everyone—full source code included |
| Support | Community support (GitHub) | No commercial SLA |
PocketBase earned its 88/100 rating because it solves a real problem for indie developers: you need a backend, but you don't need the bloat, pricing, or complexity of Firebase. PocketBase delivers a realtime database, auth, and file storage in a single executable file that you fully own and control.
It's not right for enterprises needing 24/7 support or billion-row datasets, but for startups, indie makers, and developers who value control and simplicity, PocketBase is hard to beat. The fact that it's free, open-source, and actively maintained makes it the obvious choice.
Recommended for: Indie hackers, privacy-conscious teams, startups avoiding vendor lock-in, and any developer who values owning their infrastructure.
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