Softwr

APIs · head to head

KeystoneJS vs PocketBase

KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

APIs

Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PocketBase logo

PocketBase

APIs

Open-source backend with REST API, real-time subscriptions and Admin UI

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: KeystoneJS database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite; PocketBase requires technical expertise to deploy and maintain
  • They diverge on capability: KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, PocketBase covers Real-time subscriptions.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which KeystoneJS and PocketBase actually diverge.

Attributes where KeystoneJS and PocketBase differ
AttributeKeystoneJSPocketBase
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
PlatformsNode.js, Self-hostedLinux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD
Founded20162021

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (APIs).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in KeystoneJS

  • GraphQL API
  • Admin interface
  • Node.js
  • Next.js
  • React
  • Databases
  • Node.js support

Only in PocketBase

  • Real-time subscriptions
  • Admin UI
  • SQLite
  • Webhooks
  • File storage
  • Go support
  • Docker support

Both cover

  • REST API
  • Self-hosted support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

KeystoneJS

  • Headless CMS implementationnot PocketBase
  • Content management systemsnot PocketBase
  • Customizable API-driven applicationsnot PocketBase

PocketBase

  • Embedded realtime database with REST APInot KeystoneJS
  • Backend-as-a-service for single-file deploymentsnot KeystoneJS
  • Rapid application development with email/OAuth2 authenticationnot KeystoneJS
  • File storage and media attachment managementnot KeystoneJS
  • Lightweight alternative to Firebase or traditional backend infrastructurenot KeystoneJS
  • Go and JavaScript customisable application frameworknot KeystoneJS

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

KeystoneJS

  • Database support is limited to PostgreSQL, MySQL and SQLite
  • Keystone 5 is a separate legacy product documented on a different site and is not covered by the Keystone 6 docs
  • Upgrading requires following a dedicated Migrate to 8.0.0 guide, so major versions are not drop-in
  • Free support is a community Slack; enterprise-grade consulting and support is a separate paid engagement with Thinkmill and no published price

PocketBase

  • Requires technical expertise to deploy and maintain
  • No built-in hosting provided
  • Community support only

Pricing, plan by plan

KeystoneJS

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full KeystoneJS
    • Community support

PocketBase

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PocketBase review.

Which should you pick?

Choose KeystoneJS if

  • You need graphql api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Node.js, Self-hosted.
  • You also want admin interface.
KeystoneJS review

Choose PocketBase if

  • You need real-time subscriptions.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD.
  • You also want admin ui.
PocketBase review

Questions people ask

Is KeystoneJS or PocketBase better?
Neither clearly leads. KeystoneJS starts at Free and PocketBase at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, KeystoneJS or PocketBase?
KeystoneJS starts at Free and PocketBase at Free.
Does KeystoneJS or PocketBase run on more platforms?
KeystoneJS runs on Node.js, Self-hosted. PocketBase runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD.
Can I use KeystoneJS for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is KeystoneJS best used for?
KeystoneJS is most often used for headless cms implementation, content management systems, customizable api-driven applications. Of those, headless cms implementation and content management systems are not what PocketBase is typically brought in for.
What can KeystoneJS do that PocketBase cannot?
KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, Admin interface, Node.js, Next.js. PocketBase covers Real-time subscriptions, Admin UI, SQLite, Webhooks. Both handle REST API, Self-hosted support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

KeystoneJS: Is KeystoneJS free?

Yes, KeystoneJS is free and open source with no licensing fees. Core platform has no lock-in and is contributed to by 250+ developers.

Source
PocketBase: How much does PocketBase cost?

PocketBase is completely free and open-source. It is a self-hosted backend solution with database, authentication, and file storage capabilities at no cost.

Source
KeystoneJS: What are hosting costs for KeystoneJS?

KeystoneJS is self-hosted and deployment-agnostic. Hosting costs depend on your chosen deployment platform (Vercel, AWS, Heroku, etc.) and infrastructure, not KeystoneJS itself.

Source
PocketBase: Is PocketBase open-source?

Yes, PocketBase is open-source software. You can download, modify, and deploy it yourself at no cost with no licensing restrictions.

Source
KeystoneJS: Does KeystoneJS offer paid support?

Enterprise support with tailored options is available from Thinkmill, the company behind KeystoneJS. Pricing details available upon request.

Source
Share

Related pages

More on KeystoneJS

More on PocketBase

Keep looking

Other head to heads