Bvs
Better Auth vs PocketBase
Side-by-side comparison of Better Auth and PocketBase.
Quick summary
Better Auth — The most comprehensive authentication library. Better Auth is a framework-agnostic, open-source authentication library for TypeScript with built-in plugins.
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 | Better Auth | PocketBase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| MFA | Yes | — |
| SAML/SSO | Yes | — |
| Free Tier | Self-hosted | Unlimited (self-host) |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-built UI | No | — |
| Social Login | Yes | — |
| Organizations | Yes | — |
| Auth | — | Yes |
| Storage | — | Yes |
| Database | — | SQLite |
| Realtime | — | Yes |
| Edge Functions | — | No |
| Row Level Security | — | Yes |
B
Better Auth
The most comprehensive authentication library
Pros
- Fully open source
- No vendor lock-in
- TypeScript-first
Cons
- You manage the infrastructure
- No hosted option
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
Which should you choose?
Choose Better Auth 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, Better Auth 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 Better Auth cheaper than PocketBase?
Better Auth starts at Free, while PocketBase starts at Free. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.
Can I migrate from Better Auth to PocketBase?
Migration difficulty depends on how deeply Better Auth-specific features (APIs, SDK conventions, data schemas) are baked into your app. Most authentication migrations take days to weeks. Both vendors typically publish migration guides — check their docs.
Is Better Auth or PocketBase open source?
Yes, both Better Auth and PocketBase are open source and can be self-hosted.
Does Better Auth or PocketBase have a free tier?
Both Better Auth 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.