Backend platforms · Comparison
Supabase vs Appwrite vs PocketBase
Three open-source backends that bundle a database, sign-in, storage and live updates. They differ mainly in the database underneath and in how much there is to run yourself.
3 options · 8 questions side by side · updated
| Compare | Supabase | Appwrite | PocketBase |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | A platform built on PostgreSQL | A multi-service backend server | A backend in one file |
| Database | PostgreSQL | Its own tables API; PostgreSQL and MySQL on Cloud | SQLite, built in |
| Self-hosting | Possible, with many services to run | Docker containers on your own server | One binary, one command |
| Hosted service | Supabase Cloud | Appwrite Cloud | None official |
| Server code | Edge Functions (TypeScript on Deno) | Functions in many languages | JavaScript hooks or Go |
| Scales to | Large production apps | Large production apps | What one server can handle |
| Cost | Free plan; Pro from $25 a month | Free plan; Pro from about $25 a month | Free; you pay for the server |
| Best for | Relational data and SQL | Firebase-style apps you may self-host | Side projects and small apps |
How to choose between Supabase, Appwrite and PocketBase
- Pick Supabase when you want PostgreSQL, SQL and a managed service that can grow with the product.
- Pick Appwrite for a Firebase-style feature set, including messaging and hosting, that you can also run yourself.
- Pick PocketBase for small apps and tools where one cheap server and one file are enough.
The options
- SupabaseAn open-source backend platform built on PostgreSQL that bundles a database, sign-in, file storage, live updates and server functions, with an API generated from your tables.
- AppwriteAn open-source backend platform with a database, sign-in, file storage, functions, messaging and web hosting, which you can use as a cloud service or run on your own server.
- PocketBaseAn open-source backend in a single file: one small program gives you a database, sign-in, file storage, live updates and an admin dashboard.
More comparisons
- Supabase vs FirebaseThe two backend platforms most often weighed against each other. Both give you a database, sign-in, storage and functions; the difference starts with the database: PostgreSQL tables against Firestore documents.
- Neon vs Turso vs PlanetScale vs MongoDB AtlasFour services that run a database for you rather than a whole backend. The first question is which engine you want: PostgreSQL, SQLite, MySQL or MongoDB.
- SQLite vs PostgreSQLBoth are relational and both speak SQL. The real difference is where they run: SQLite is a file inside your app, PostgreSQL is a server your app connects to.
- PostgreSQL vs MySQLThe two most popular open-source relational databases. Either will run a typical web app well; the differences show up at the edges.
- SQL vs NoSQL: PostgreSQL vs MongoDB vs FirestoreTables or documents is a choice that shapes how you model everything. Here is a SQL database next to the two document databases it is most often weighed against.
- PostgreSQL vs ClickHousePostgreSQL is built for running an app (many small reads and writes); ClickHouse is built for analysing one (a few enormous reads). Plenty of products use both.
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