Softwr

Software · head to head

n8n vs PocketBase

n8n logo

n8n

Software

The fair-code workflow automation tool

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: n8n starter tier limited to 1 project and 5 concurrent executions; PocketBase not recommended for production critical applications until reaching v1.0.0
  • They diverge on capability: n8n covers Workflow automation, PocketBase covers Real-time subscriptions.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which n8n and PocketBase actually diverge.

Attributes where n8n and PocketBase differ
Attributen8nPocketBase
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWeb, Docker, Self-hostedLinux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD
Founded20192021

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 n8n

  • Workflow automation
  • Visual editor
  • Conditional execution
  • Looping
  • Error handling
  • Scheduling
  • 400+ integrations
  • HTTP requests

Only in PocketBase

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

Both cover

  • Webhooks
  • REST API
  • Webhooks

What people use each for

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

n8n

  • Building AI agents and workflow automation for technical teamsnot PocketBase
  • Visual workflow design with capability to write custom JavaScript or Python codenot PocketBase
  • Enterprise deployments with self-hosted or cloud optionsnot PocketBase
  • Integrating 500+ pre-built applications with custom API connectionsnot PocketBase

PocketBase

  • Embedded realtime database with REST APInot n8n
  • Backend-as-a-service for single-file deploymentsnot n8n
  • Rapid application development with email/OAuth2 authenticationnot n8n
  • File storage and media attachment managementnot n8n
  • Lightweight alternative to Firebase or traditional backend infrastructurenot n8n
  • Go and JavaScript customisable application frameworknot n8n

Where each one falls short

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

n8n

  • Starter tier limited to 1 project and 5 concurrent executions
  • Starter and Pro tiers restricted to Cloud hosting only, not self-hosted
  • Business tier requires 6 months minimum commitment at €667/month
  • SSO/SAML/LDAP authentication requires Business or Enterprise tier
  • Dedicated support with SLA available only on Enterprise plan

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

n8n

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the n8n review.

PocketBase

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PocketBase review.

Which should you pick?

Choose n8n if

  • You need workflow automation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Docker, Self-hosted.
  • You also want visual editor.
n8n 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 n8n or PocketBase better?
Neither clearly leads. n8n 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, n8n or PocketBase?
n8n starts at Free and PocketBase at Free.
Does n8n or PocketBase run on more platforms?
n8n runs on Web, Docker, Self-hosted. PocketBase runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD.
Can I use n8n for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is n8n best used for?
n8n is most often used for building ai agents and workflow automation for technical teams, visual workflow design with capability to write custom javascript or python code, enterprise deployments with self-hosted or cloud options, integrating 500+ pre-built applications with custom api connections. Of those, building ai agents and workflow automation for technical teams and visual workflow design with capability to write custom javascript or python code are not what PocketBase is typically brought in for.
What can n8n do that PocketBase cannot?
n8n covers Workflow automation, Visual editor, Conditional execution, Looping. PocketBase covers Real-time subscriptions, Admin UI, SQLite, File storage. Both handle Webhooks, REST API, Webhooks.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on n8n

More on PocketBase

Keep looking

Other head to heads