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KeystoneJS vs PocketBase

KeystoneJS logo

KeystoneJS

Software

Powerful Node.js headless CMS framework and API platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PocketBase logo

PocketBase

Software

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 not recommended for production critical applications until reaching v1.0.0
  • They diverge on capability: KeystoneJS covers GraphQL API, PocketBase covers Real-time subscriptions.

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 (Unknown).

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

  • Building a headless CMS with a GraphQL API from a TypeScript schemanot PocketBase
  • Generating a configurable Admin UI for editorsnot PocketBase
  • Adding structured rich text content with the document fieldnot 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

  • Not recommended for production critical applications until reaching v1.0.0
  • Full backward compatibility not guaranteed before v1.0.0 (breaking changes possible with version updates)
  • Pull requests for new features are disabled due to spam concerns (feature contributions limited)

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 building a headless cms with a graphql api from a typescript schema, generating a configurable admin ui for editors, adding structured rich text content with the document field. Of those, building a headless cms with a graphql api from a typescript schema and generating a configurable admin ui for editors 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.
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