PlanetScale vs Supabase
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right databases solution for your project.
Quick Verdict
Supabase has a feature edge based on documented capabilities, but the best choice depends on your constraints. PlanetScale is best for teams with complex schemas, while Supabase excels at postgres lovers. See methodology for how we compare tools.
PlanetScale
Serverless MySQL platform
Best for
Supabase
Feature edgeOpen source Firebase alternative
Best for
Feature Comparison
| Feature | PlanetScale | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| MySQL compatible | Yes | No |
| Branching | Yes | Yes Preview branches |
| Non-blocking schema changes | Yes | No |
| Auto-scaling | Yes | No |
| Built-in Auth | No | Yes |
| Self-hosted option | No | Yes |
| Foreign keys | Yes | No |
| PostgreSQL | No | Yes |
| Realtime subscriptions | No | Yes |
| Auto-generated APIs | No | Yes |
| Edge Functions | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
PlanetScale
Supabase
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
Supabase Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Generous free tier
- +Full Postgres with extensions
- +Open source / self-hostable
- +Great developer experience
Cons
- -Smaller ecosystem than Firebase
- -Edge functions less mature
- -Can get expensive at scale
PlanetScale Verdict
PlanetScale is the best MySQL database for teams that need branching and safe migrations. The workflow is game-changing.
Supabase Verdict
Supabase is the best choice for developers who want Postgres power with Firebase convenience. The free tier is unbeatable.
More options in Databases
Looking for different tradeoffs? Explore alternatives to each tool.
Frequently Asked Questions: PlanetScale vs Supabase
Is PlanetScale or Supabase better?
It depends on your use case. PlanetScale is best for teams with complex schemas and high-scale apps. Supabase is best for postgres lovers and startups. PlanetScale is the best MySQL database for teams that need branching and safe migrations. The workflow is game-changing.
Is PlanetScale free?
Yes, PlanetScale offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $39/mo.
Is Supabase free?
Yes, Supabase offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $25/mo.
Can I migrate from PlanetScale to Supabase?
Yes, you can migrate from PlanetScale to Supabase, 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, PlanetScale or Supabase?
Both PlanetScale and Supabase are popular choices in their category. The best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and budget rather than popularity alone.