Best Database for Next.js in 2026

Next.js apps often grow from a tiny MVP into a real SaaS. Your database choice should support that path without slowing you down or causing surprise costs.

TL;DR

• •Supabase for the fastest full-stack start
• •Neon for serverless Postgres with scale to zero and branching
• •PlanetScale for MySQL with non-blocking schema changes
• •MongoDB Atlas when a document model is a better fit

How to choose

1. Pick your data model.
2. Decide how much ops you want to handle.
3. Match your database to your hosting region.
4. Make sure the local dev workflow is smooth.

What matters for Next.js apps

• •Connection pooling and serverless compatibility
• •Preview environments and branching
• •Good local development workflow
• •Clear backup and export options
• •Low latency to your hosting region

Provider deep dives

Supabase

Supabase is more than a database. It is a platform with auth, storage, and realtime features. Strengths:

• •All in one platform
• •Strong admin UI and dashboards
• •RLS for permission control

Tradeoffs:

• •Best when you commit to the Supabase stack
• •Less flexible if you already use another auth provider

Best for: Teams that want to move fast with fewer integrations.

Neon

Neon is a database-first product focused on Postgres performance and branching. Strengths:

• •Scale to zero for low traffic apps
• •Database branching for previews
• •Great fit for serverless Next.js

Tradeoffs:

• •You still need auth and storage elsewhere

Best for: Teams that want pure Postgres and modern serverless economics.

PlanetScale

PlanetScale brings MySQL with developer-friendly workflows and safe schema changes. Strengths:

• •Non-blocking schema changes
• •Branching workflows for teams
• •MySQL compatibility

Tradeoffs:

• •MySQL limitations compared to Postgres

Best for: Teams that prefer MySQL and want safe schema migrations.

MongoDB Atlas

MongoDB Atlas is best when your data model is flexible and document oriented. Strengths:

• •Flexible schema and nested data
• •Good tooling for search and analytics
• •Strong managed offering

Tradeoffs:

• •Relational queries are more complex

Best for: Content heavy or event driven applications.

Quick fit guide

Common mistakes

• •Picking a database for price alone
• •Ignoring connection pooling with serverless functions
• •Choosing a document model when you need relational queries
• •Not planning for regional latency

Recommended stacks

• •Lean SaaS stack: Neon + Clerk + Vercel
• •All in one: Supabase + Vercel
• •MySQL workflow: PlanetScale + Vercel

Final recommendation

Pick the database that matches how you build and ship, not just what is trendy. For most Next.js teams, Supabase or Neon will be the fastest path to production without painful migrations later.

Last updated: February 2026