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PocketBase vs PostHog

PocketBase logo

PocketBase

Software

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PostHog logo

PostHog

Software

The single platform to analyze, test, observe, and deploy new features

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: PocketBase not recommended for production critical applications until reaching v1.0.0; PostHog the free tier covers 1M events, 5K web session recordings and 2.5K mobile recordings per month before usage-based billing starts
  • They diverge on capability: PocketBase covers REST API, PostHog covers Product analytics.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PocketBase and PostHog actually diverge.

Attributes where PocketBase and PostHog differ
AttributePocketBasePostHog
Pricing modelUnknownusage-based
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSDWeb, Ios, Android, Api
Founded20212020

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 PocketBase

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

Only in PostHog

  • Product analytics
  • Session recording
  • Feature flags
  • A/B testing
  • Heatmaps
  • SQL access
  • Data warehouse
  • Apps platform

What people use each for

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

PocketBase

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

PostHog

  • Product analyticsnot PocketBase
  • Feature experimentationnot PocketBase
  • User behavior trackingnot PocketBase
  • A/B testingnot PocketBase
  • Debug production issuesnot PocketBase

Where each one falls short

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

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)

PostHog

  • The free tier covers 1M events, 5K web session recordings and 2.5K mobile recordings per month before usage-based billing starts
  • Accounts without a card on file are limited to 1 project; adding one raises it to 6
  • Data retention is 1 year until a card is added, which extends it to 7 years
  • Support is community-only until the account is on a paid plan
  • Error tracking is capped at 100K exceptions and surveys at 1500 responses per month on the free tier

Pricing, plan by plan

PocketBase

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PocketBase review.

PostHog

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 1M events/month
    • 5K sessions/month
    • Unlimited users
  • Paid$undefined/month
    • $0.00031/event
    • $0.005/session
    • Advanced permissions
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • SAML SSO
    • Advanced security
    • Dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose PocketBase if

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

Choose PostHog if

  • You need product analytics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
  • You also want session recording.
PostHog review

Questions people ask

Is PocketBase or PostHog better?
Neither clearly leads. PocketBase starts at Free and PostHog at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PocketBase or PostHog?
PocketBase starts at Free and PostHog at Free.
Does PocketBase or PostHog run on more platforms?
PocketBase runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD. PostHog runs on Web, Ios, Android, Api.
Can I use PocketBase for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is PocketBase best used for?
PocketBase is most often used for embedded realtime database with rest api, backend-as-a-service for single-file deployments, rapid application development with email/oauth2 authentication, file storage and media attachment management. Of those, embedded realtime database with rest api and backend-as-a-service for single-file deployments are not what PostHog is typically brought in for.
What can PocketBase do that PostHog cannot?
PocketBase covers REST API, Real-time subscriptions, Admin UI, SQLite. PostHog covers Product analytics, Session recording, Feature flags, A/B testing.
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