AWS Amplify vs PocketBase
AWS Amplify is full-stack hosting and CI/CD for web apps built on AWS infrastructure, while PocketBase is open-source backend in a single Go file with real-time DB, auth, and file storage. PocketBase is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. AWS Amplify is built for aws developers wanting fast frontend hosting, whereas PocketBase targets developers wanting a single-file go backend.
| Feature | AWS Amplify | PocketBase |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| API | ✓ | — |
| Auth | ✓ | ✓ |
| CI/CD | ✓ | — |
| Hosting | ✓ | — |
| Real-Time | — | ✓ |
| S3 Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single File | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both AWS Amplify and PocketBase are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.
Feature gaps: AWS Amplify offers API, CI/CD and Hosting that PocketBase lacks. PocketBase brings Real-Time, S3 Storage and Single File that AWS Amplify does not have. Both share Auth.
Team fit: AWS Amplify is geared toward any size teams, while PocketBase is aimed at individual users and small setups. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: PocketBase is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. AWS Amplify is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: AWS Amplify's biggest strengths are: built-in ci/cd pipelines automate testing and deployment on every push. includes auth as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows. PocketBase's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes single file as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows.
Watch out for: With AWS Amplify, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With PocketBase, the main complaint is that may lack some advanced features.
choose AWS Amplify if
- You need a tool built for aws developers wanting fast frontend hosting
- You specifically need API and CI/CD
- You care about includes auth as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
- Your team size fits the any size profile AWS Amplify is designed for
- The free tier works for you: generous free tier
choose PocketBase if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a single-file go backend
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Real-Time and S3 Storage
- You care about includes single file as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows
- Your team size fits the individuals profile PocketBase is designed for
frequently asked
What is the difference between AWS Amplify and PocketBase?
AWS Amplify is full-stack hosting and CI/CD for web apps built on AWS infrastructure, while PocketBase is open-source backend in a single Go file with real-time DB, auth, and file storage. PocketBase is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. AWS Amplify is built for aws developers wanting fast frontend hosting, whereas PocketBase targets developers wanting a single-file go backend.
Should I use AWS Amplify or PocketBase?
PocketBase gives you open source and self-hosting; AWS Amplify is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose AWS Amplify over PocketBase?
Choose AWS Amplify if You need a tool built for aws developers wanting fast frontend hosting; You specifically need API and CI/CD; You care about includes auth as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows; Your team size fits the any size profile AWS Amplify is designed for; The free tier works for you: generous free tier.
When should I choose PocketBase over AWS Amplify?
Choose PocketBase if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a single-file go backend; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Real-Time and S3 Storage; You care about includes single file as a core feature, purpose-built for cloud hosting workflows; Your team size fits the individuals profile PocketBase is designed for.
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