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Software · head to head

PocketBase vs Stoplight

PocketBase logo

PocketBase

Software

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stoplight logo

Stoplight

Software

API design, documentation, and governance platform

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; Stoplight the free plan allows one project and one user
  • They diverge on capability: PocketBase covers REST API, Stoplight covers API Design.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which PocketBase and Stoplight actually diverge.

Attributes where PocketBase and Stoplight differ
AttributePocketBaseStoplight
Pricing modelUnknownfreemium
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSDWeb, Cloud
Founded20212014

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 Stoplight

  • API Design
  • API Documentation
  • Governance
  • GitHub
  • GitLab
  • Jenkins
  • Azure DevOps
  • Web support

What people use each for

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

PocketBase

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

Stoplight

  • Designing and documenting OpenAPI specifications visuallynot PocketBase
  • Serving interactive API docs and instant mock servers from a specnot 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)

Stoplight

  • The free plan allows one project and one user
  • Private projects, multi branch support and custom domains start at the Startup plan, $113 a month billed annually
  • SSO and shared style guides are Pro Team only, at $362 a month billed annually
  • Seats beyond each plan's allowance are $11 to $27 each per month depending on tier and billing period

Pricing, plan by plan

PocketBase

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the PocketBase review.

Stoplight

Free
  • FreeFree
    • API design
    • Documentation
    • Community support
  • Pro$75/monthly
    • Governance
    • Advanced testing
    • Team collaboration
  • Enterprise$undefined/monthly
    • Custom deployment
    • SLA
    • Priority 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 Stoplight if

  • You need api design.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Cloud.
  • You also want api documentation.
Stoplight review

Questions people ask

Is PocketBase or Stoplight better?
Neither clearly leads. PocketBase starts at Free and Stoplight at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, PocketBase or Stoplight?
PocketBase starts at Free and Stoplight at Free.
Does PocketBase or Stoplight run on more platforms?
PocketBase runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD. Stoplight runs on Web, Cloud.
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 Stoplight is typically brought in for.
What can PocketBase do that Stoplight cannot?
PocketBase covers REST API, Real-time subscriptions, Admin UI, SQLite. Stoplight covers API Design, API Documentation, Governance, GitHub.
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Related pages

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