SurrealDB vs PocketBase
A detailed comparison to help you choose between SurrealDB and PocketBase.
SurrealDB Multi-model database — SQL, document, graph in one | PocketBase Open source backend in a single file | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Rating | 3.9 (10 reviews) | 4.5 (188 reviews)✓ |
| Pricing model | freemium | free |
| Starting price | Free tier available | Free |
| Best for | Developers wanting to reduce database complexity by using one database for relational, document, and graph data | Developers who want the simplest possible backend for small apps and prototypes in a single binary |
| Tags | ||
| Tags | free tieropen sourceself hostableapi access | free tieropen sourceself hostable |
| Visit SurrealDB → | Visit PocketBase → | |
SurrealDB
Pros
- + Multi-model: SQL + document + graph in one
- + Built-in authentication and permissions
- + Real-time subscriptions native
Cons
- - Early stage — production readiness concerns
- - New query language SurrealQL to learn
PocketBase
Pros
- + Single binary — extremely simple to deploy
- + Embedded SQLite — no separate database
- + Real-time subscriptions built-in
Cons
- - SQLite — not suitable for multi-writer high-concurrency
- - Single file limits horizontal scaling
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