MongoDB Atlas vs PlanetScale
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right databases solution for your project.
Quick Verdict
MongoDB Atlas has a feature edge based on documented capabilities, but the best choice depends on your constraints. MongoDB Atlas is best for flexible schemas, while PlanetScale excels at teams with complex schemas. See methodology for how we compare tools.
MongoDB Atlas
Feature edgeCloud-native document database
Best for
PlanetScale
Serverless MySQL platform
Best for
Feature Comparison
| Feature | MongoDB Atlas | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Document database | Yes | No |
| Full-text search | Yes | No |
| Global clusters | Yes | No |
| Serverless option | Yes | No |
| Built-in Auth | No | No |
| Self-hosted option | Yes | No |
| GraphQL API | Yes | No |
| MySQL compatible | No | Yes |
| Branching | No | Yes |
| Non-blocking schema changes | No | Yes |
| Auto-scaling | No | Yes |
| Foreign keys | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
MongoDB Atlas
PlanetScale
MongoDB Atlas Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Flexible document model
- +Great for unstructured data
- +Built-in search
- +Massive ecosystem
Cons
- -Not relational
- -Can be expensive at scale
- -Query language learning curve
PlanetScale Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Incredible branching workflow
- +Non-blocking migrations
- +Scales automatically
- +MySQL compatible
Cons
- -MySQL only (no Postgres)
- -Can get expensive
- -No self-hosting
MongoDB Atlas Verdict
MongoDB Atlas is the go-to for document databases. Best when you need schema flexibility or have unstructured data.
PlanetScale Verdict
PlanetScale is the best MySQL database for teams that need branching and safe migrations. The workflow is game-changing.
More options in Databases
Looking for different tradeoffs? Explore alternatives to each tool.
Frequently Asked Questions: MongoDB Atlas vs PlanetScale
Is MongoDB Atlas or PlanetScale better?
It depends on your use case. MongoDB Atlas is best for flexible schemas and content apps. PlanetScale is best for teams with complex schemas and high-scale apps. MongoDB Atlas is the go-to for document databases. Best when you need schema flexibility or have unstructured data.
Is MongoDB Atlas free?
Yes, MongoDB Atlas offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $9/mo.
Is PlanetScale free?
Yes, PlanetScale offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $39/mo.
Can I migrate from MongoDB Atlas to PlanetScale?
Yes, you can migrate from MongoDB Atlas to PlanetScale, though the complexity depends on how deeply integrated your current solution is. Most developers recommend evaluating both tools in a test environment before committing to a migration.
Which is more popular, MongoDB Atlas or PlanetScale?
Both MongoDB Atlas and PlanetScale are popular choices in their category. The best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and budget rather than popularity alone.