Back4app vs PocketBase
Back4app
back4app.com
PocketBase
pocketbase.ioSide by side
| Figure | Back4app | PocketBase |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $5/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 10 | 1 |
| Spec score · Backend as a Service (BaaS) Software | 8.6 (#2) | 7.7 (#13) |
| Authentication | Authentication supports email and password, Google, GitHub, Apple, and Facebook login, role-based access control, ACLs, password resets, and email verification. | Auth options include password, OTP, OAuth2, and optional multi-factor authentication. |
| Database | Its database features include relational data, geo-queries, full-text search, aggregate functions, automatic indexing, and real-time subscriptions. | PocketBase uses embedded SQLite in WAL mode and says it has no plans to support other databases out of the box. |
| Deployment | The Web Deployment platform deploys from GitHub with automatic CI/CD, custom domains, and automatic SSL certificates. | PocketBase is self-hosted only and can be deployed as a portable executable without external dependencies. |
| Support | The backend pricing comparison lists community and email/ticket support, with priority support and scheduled calls listed for Dedicated. | PocketBase is a volunteer personal open source project with no paid team or promised maintenance or support; users can seek help in public Discussions, open an issue, or email support. |
Plans
Back4app
- AI Agent FreeFree
- Backend Platform FreeFree
- Web Deployment FreeFree
- Web Deployment Shared$5 a month
- AI Agent Starter$9.99 a month
- MVP$15 a month
- Web Deployment Dedicated$50 a month
- Pay As You Go$80 a month
- Dedicated$400 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
PocketBase
PocketBase has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.