Nhost vs PocketBase

Comparing two backend as a service platforms on pricing, features, free tier, and trade-offs.

By Bilal Almukhtar Edited by Sofia DraganovLast updated April 20, 2026

Quick summary

Nhost — Open source Firebase alternative with GraphQL. Nhost is an open-source backend platform combining PostgreSQL, Hasura GraphQL, authentication, and storage.

PocketBase — Open source backend in 1 file. PocketBase is an open-source Go backend, bundled as a single executable, with embedded SQLite, auth, realtime, and admin UI.

Feature comparison

Feature	Nhost	PocketBase
Pricing model	Freemium	Free
Starting price	$25/mo	Free
Free tier	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Yes
Auth	Yes	Yes
Storage	Yes	Yes
Database	PostgreSQL	SQLite
Realtime	Yes	Yes
Free Tier	Yes	Unlimited (self-host)
Self-hosted	Yes	Yes
Edge Functions	Yes	No
Row Level Security	Yes	Yes

Nhost

Open source Firebase alternative with GraphQL

Pros

GraphQL-first via Hasura
Postgres + open source
Good developer experience

Cons

Smaller community
GraphQL learning curve

Visit Nhost →

PocketBase

Open source backend in 1 file

Pros

Zero-config single binary
Fast and lightweight
Great for small-to-medium apps

Cons

SQLite limits horizontal scale
Single maintainer
No managed cloud offering

Visit PocketBase →

Which should you choose?

Choose Nhost if you value open source and want the option to self-host, and a free tier is important for your stage. Choose PocketBase if you value open source and want the option to self-host, and a free tier is important for your stage.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, Nhost or PocketBase?

There is no universal “better.” For most teams, PocketBase is the safer default because PocketBase has a larger community and more third-party integrations, which often translates to better long-term support. For edge cases, the comparison table above highlights where each tool wins.

Is Nhost cheaper than PocketBase?

Nhost starts at $25/mo, while PocketBase starts at Free. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.

Can I migrate from Nhost to PocketBase?

Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Nhost-specific features (APIs, SDK conventions, data schemas) are baked into your app. Most backend as a service migrations take days to weeks. Both vendors typically publish migration guides — check their docs.

Is Nhost or PocketBase open source?

Yes, both Nhost and PocketBase are open source and can be self-hosted.

Does Nhost or PocketBase have a free tier?

Both Nhost and PocketBase offer a free tier.

Which is best for startups and indie hackers?

Startups usually optimize for the lowest friction to ship and the cheapest possible free tier. The one with the most generous free tier here is PocketBase. For production workloads, revisit the trade-offs in the feature table above.

More Backend as a Service comparisons

All Nhost alternatives →All PocketBase alternatives →