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Spreadsheets · head to head

NocoDB vs PocketBase

NocoDB logo

NocoDB

Spreadsheets

Open-source no-code database platform with REST and GraphQL APIs

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: NocoDB the free cloud tier is capped at 3 editor seats, 1,000 records and 1 GB of storage; PocketBase requires technical expertise to deploy and maintain
  • They diverge on capability: NocoDB 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 NocoDB and PocketBase actually diverge.

Attributes where NocoDB and PocketBase differ
AttributeNocoDBPocketBase
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsCloud, Self-hosted, DockerLinux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD
CategorySpreadsheetsAPIs
Founded20202021

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

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 NocoDB

  • GraphQL API
  • No-code database
  • Multiple SQL databases
  • Automation
  • Cloud support

Only in PocketBase

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

Both cover

  • REST API
  • Webhooks
  • Self-hosted support
  • Docker support

What people use each for

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

NocoDB

  • Self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet databasenot PocketBase
  • Putting a spreadsheet interface over an existing Postgres or MySQL databasenot PocketBase
  • Building internal tools on structured data with an APInot PocketBase
  • Team bases with per-field and per-table permissions on the paid tiersnot PocketBase

PocketBase

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

Where each one falls short

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

NocoDB

  • The free cloud tier is capped at 3 editor seats, 1,000 records and 1 GB of storage
  • Records are the metering unit on cloud, so Plus covers 50K and Business 300K rather than scaling by seat alone
  • Row-level security, audit log retention and team hierarchy require the Scale tier
  • SCIM provisioning and air-gapped deployment are Enterprise only
  • The self-hosted Community edition is unlimited on records and seats but does without workflows, scripts and dashboards, which start at the paid self-hosted tiers

PocketBase

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

Pricing, plan by plan

NocoDB

Free
  • Free (Cloud)Free
    • 3 editor seats
    • 10 commenter seats
    • 1 GB storage
  • Plus$12/month
    • Unlimited seats
    • 50,000 records
    • 20 GB storage
  • Business$24/month
    • Unlimited seats
    • 300,000 records
    • 100 GB storage
  • Scale$45/month
    • Minimum 3 seats required
    • 1,000,000 records
    • 150 GB storage

PocketBase

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PocketBase review.

Which should you pick?

Choose NocoDB if

  • You need graphql api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cloud, Self-hosted, Docker.
  • You also want no-code database.
NocoDB 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 NocoDB or PocketBase better?
Neither clearly leads. NocoDB 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, NocoDB or PocketBase?
NocoDB starts at Free and PocketBase at Free.
Does NocoDB or PocketBase run on more platforms?
NocoDB runs on Cloud, Self-hosted, Docker. PocketBase runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD.
Can I use NocoDB for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is NocoDB best used for?
NocoDB is most often used for self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet database, putting a spreadsheet interface over an existing postgres or mysql database, building internal tools on structured data with an api, team bases with per-field and per-table permissions on the paid tiers. Of those, self-hosting an open source alternative to a spreadsheet database and putting a spreadsheet interface over an existing postgres or mysql database are not what PocketBase is typically brought in for.
What can NocoDB do that PocketBase cannot?
NocoDB covers GraphQL API, No-code database, Multiple SQL databases, Automation. PocketBase covers Real-time subscriptions, Admin UI, SQLite, File storage. Both handle REST API, Webhooks, Self-hosted support, Docker support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

NocoDB: Is NocoDB free?

Yes, NocoDB offers a free cloud plan with 3 editor seats, 1,000 records, 1 GB storage, and 1,000 API calls per month. A free self-hosted Community edition with unlimited records and seats is also available.

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
NocoDB: How much does NocoDB Plus cost?

NocoDB Plus costs $12 per seat per month (billed annually) or $15 per seat per month (monthly). For unlimited seats, it costs $108/month annually or $180/month monthly. Plus includes 50,000 records, 20 GB storage, and 100,000 API calls per month.

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
NocoDB: What is the difference between NocoDB Plus and Business plans?

Plus ($12/seat annual) includes 50,000 records and 100,000 API calls per month. Business ($24/seat annual) includes 300,000 records, 1,000,000 API calls per month, external database connections, SAML SSO, and table/field permissions.

Source
NocoDB: Can I self-host NocoDB for free?

Yes, NocoDB's Community edition is free for self-hosting. It includes unlimited records, storage, and seats, with all core features including webhooks and 6 view types.

Source
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