Neon vs PlanetScale
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right databases solution for your project.
Quick Verdict
Both tools are excellent choices with similar feature sets. Your decision should be based on pricing, ecosystem fit, and specific use case requirements.
PlanetScale
Serverless MySQL platform
Best for
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Neon | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL | Yes | No |
| Branching | Yes | Yes |
| Autoscaling | Yes | No |
| Scale to zero | Yes | No |
| Built-in Auth | No | No |
| Self-hosted option | No | No |
| Read replicas | Yes | No |
| MySQL compatible | No | Yes |
| Non-blocking schema changes | No | Yes |
| Auto-scaling | No | Yes |
| Foreign keys | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
Neon
PlanetScale
Neon Pros & Cons
Pros
- +True serverless (scale to zero)
- +Database branching
- +Great free tier
- +Fast cold starts
Cons
- -Newer platform
- -Smaller community
- -No self-hosting
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
Neon Verdict
Neon is the best serverless Postgres for Vercel/Next.js projects. Scale-to-zero billing is perfect for side projects.
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: Neon vs PlanetScale
Is Neon or PlanetScale better?
It depends on your use case. Neon is best for serverless apps and vercel users. PlanetScale is best for teams with complex schemas and high-scale apps. Neon is the best serverless Postgres for Vercel/Next.js projects. Scale-to-zero billing is perfect for side projects.
Is Neon free?
Yes, Neon offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $19/mo.
Is PlanetScale free?
Yes, PlanetScale offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $39/mo.
Can I migrate from Neon to PlanetScale?
Yes, you can migrate from Neon 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, Neon or PlanetScale?
Both Neon and PlanetScale are popular choices in their category. The best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and budget rather than popularity alone.