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PocketBase vs Turso
Side-by-side comparison of PocketBase and Turso.
Quick summary
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.
Turso — SQLite for production. Turso is a distributed SQLite database built on libSQL, offering edge replicas and a generous free tier.
Feature comparison
| Feature | PocketBase | Turso |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Freemium |
| Starting price | Free | $29/mo |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Auth | Yes | — |
| Storage | Yes | — |
| Database | SQLite | — |
| Realtime | Yes | — |
| Free Tier | Unlimited (self-host) | 500 databases, 9GB |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Edge Functions | No | — |
| Row Level Security | Yes | — |
| Engine | — | SQLite (libSQL) |
| Branching | — | No |
| Serverless | — | Yes |
| Scale-to-zero | — | Yes |
| Point-in-time Recovery | — | Yes |
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
Turso
SQLite for production
Pros
- Edge replicas close to users
- Very generous free tier
- Low latency reads
Cons
- SQLite limits write scale
- Newer tool, less tooling
Which should you choose?
Choose PocketBase if you value open source and want the option to self-host, and a free tier is important for your stage. Choose Turso 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, PocketBase or Turso?
There is no universal “better.” For most teams, Turso is the safer default because Turso 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 PocketBase cheaper than Turso?
PocketBase starts at Free, while Turso starts at $29/mo. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.
Can I migrate from PocketBase to Turso?
Migration difficulty depends on how deeply PocketBase-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 PocketBase or Turso open source?
Yes, both PocketBase and Turso are open source and can be self-hosted.
Does PocketBase or Turso have a free tier?
Both PocketBase and Turso 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 Turso. For production workloads, revisit the trade-offs in the feature table above.