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PocketBase vs WorkOS
Side-by-side comparison of PocketBase and WorkOS.
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.
WorkOS — Enterprise-ready features with just a few lines of code. WorkOS provides SSO, SCIM, audit logs, and directory sync — the B2B enterprise features SaaS apps need.
Feature comparison
| Feature | PocketBase | WorkOS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Free | Paid |
| Starting price | Free | $125/connection |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | No |
| Auth | Yes | — |
| Storage | Yes | — |
| Database | SQLite | — |
| Realtime | Yes | — |
| Free Tier | Unlimited (self-host) | 1M MAU |
| Self-hosted | Yes | No |
| Edge Functions | No | — |
| Row Level Security | Yes | — |
| MFA | — | Yes |
| SAML/SSO | — | Yes |
| Pre-built UI | — | No |
| Social Login | — | Yes |
| Organizations | — | 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
WorkOS
Enterprise-ready features with just a few lines of code
Pros
- Best-in-class SSO/SCIM
- Generous free tier for startups
- Enterprise-focused
Cons
- Per-connection pricing adds up
- Overkill for B2C apps
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 WorkOS if a free tier is important for your stage, and you need production-grade features and are ready to pay.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, PocketBase or WorkOS?
There is no universal “better.” For most teams, PocketBase is the safer default because PocketBase is open source, which means you can self-host and avoid vendor lock-in. WorkOS is proprietary. For edge cases, the comparison table above highlights where each tool wins.
Is PocketBase cheaper than WorkOS?
PocketBase starts at Free, while WorkOS starts at $125/connection. Exact costs depend on usage — check both vendors' calculators before committing.
Can I migrate from PocketBase to WorkOS?
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 WorkOS open source?
PocketBase is open source; WorkOS is a proprietary managed service.
Does PocketBase or WorkOS have a free tier?
Both PocketBase and WorkOS 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.