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RustaBase vs PocketBase
PocketBase is a single-file open-source backend using SQLite. RustaBase is a managed full-stack platform on PostgreSQL with hosting, edge, and operations included.
In one sentence
Choose PocketBase for a tiny, self-hosted backend you run on one server; choose RustaBase when you need PostgreSQL, managed operations, backups, and hosted applications that grow with your users.
Side by side
| RustaBase | PocketBase | |
|---|---|---|
Data model | PostgreSQL | SQLite embedded in one binary |
Scaling | Isolated Projects sized by plan, moved between plans with verification | Single server; scale by upgrading the machine |
Operations | Managed provisioning, TLS, health checks, backups, logs, alerts | You run, back up, and monitor the server yourself |
Authentication | Email, OAuth, OTP, and MFA | Email, OAuth, OTP, and MFA |
Server code | Functions and webhooks | JavaScript hooks or extend in Go |
Application hosting | GitHub deploys, previews, rollback | Can serve static files from the same server |
Pricing model | Free and paid plans | Free software; you pay for your own server |
Open source | RustaBase OSS (Rust) | MIT-licensed (Go) |
Competing products change often. Check their current documentation for exact features, limits, regions, and pricing before deciding.
Where RustaBase is stronger
- PostgreSQL handles concurrent writes, larger datasets, and complex queries better than SQLite.
- No servers to patch, back up, or monitor.
- Pull-request previews and rollback for your application.
- Plan moves copy and verify data before switching, keeping the original on failure.
Honest trade-offs
- PocketBase is simpler: one file, no account, runs anywhere.
- Self-hosting PocketBase can be cheaper for small projects.
- PocketBase is a mature, focused project with a large community.
When PocketBase may be the better choice
- You want a backend you fully own on a single small server.
- Your project is a prototype, internal tool, or side project with low traffic.
- You need to run fully offline or on-premise without any managed service.
Moving from PocketBase
- Export PocketBase collections and recreate them as PostgreSQL tables.
- Import records through the RustaBase API.
- Translate collection API rules into RustaBase access rules.
- Move hooks to RustaBase functions and connect your frontend to Application Hosting.
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