Cloudflare D1 vs PlanetScale: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Cloudflare D1 and PlanetScale comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: PlanetScale is our overall pick for data & databases workflows. Pick Cloudflare D1 if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Cloudflare D1
Serverless SQL database at the edge
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Serverless SQLite database running on Cloudflare's global edge network
- • Scale-to-zero pricing with no egress fees and 30-day Time Travel recovery
PlanetScale
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
Best for you if:
- • Serverless MySQL platform
- • Branching for database like Git
| At a Glance |  Cloudflare D1 |  PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $5/monthPostgres (Single Node) |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.2/5 |
Choose Cloudflare D1 or PlanetScale?
Choose Cloudflare D1 if
Serverless SQL database at the edge
- Generous free tier with 5 million reads/day and 5 GB storage
- No egress charges unlike most cloud databases
- Scale-to-zero means no cost when inactive
- You want a free tier before you commit
Choose PlanetScale if
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
- Database branching
- Non-blocking migrations
- Excellent DX
| Feature | Cloudflare D1 | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 1,208 reviews | ★4.2/5 5 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesServerless | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
Cloudflare D1
Serverless SQL database at the edge
Strengths
- +Generous free tier with 5 million reads/day and 5 GB storage
- +No egress charges unlike most cloud databases
- +Scale-to-zero means no cost when inactive
- +Time Travel provides built-in disaster recovery
- +Seamless integration with Cloudflare Workers ecosystem
Weaknesses
- -10 GB maximum per individual database
- -SQLite compatibility means no full PostgreSQL/MySQL feature set
- -Tightly coupled to Cloudflare Workers ecosystem
- -Not suited for single large monolithic databases
- -Relatively new product with evolving feature set
Key features
PlanetScale
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
Strengths
- +Database branching
- +Non-blocking migrations
- +Excellent DX
Weaknesses
- -MySQL only
- -No free tier anymore
Key features
Pricing: Cloudflare D1 vs PlanetScale
| Plan | Cloudflare D1 | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | $5 month Postgres (Single Node) |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $39 month Vitess PS-10 (Base) |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $39 month starting Vitess HA (3-zone) |
| Tier 4 | N/A | $50 month starting Metal |
| Tier 5 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Cloudflare D1 pricing and PlanetScale pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Cloudflare D1 has a free tier. PlanetScale is paid only.
Go with: Cloudflare D1
Want the highest-rated option?
Cloudflare D1: 4.6/5 (1,208 reviews). PlanetScale: 4.2/5 (5 reviews).
Go with: Cloudflare D1
Value user reviews?
Cloudflare D1: 1,208 reviews (4.6/5). PlanetScale: 5 reviews (4.2/5).
Go with: Cloudflare D1
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Cloudflare D1 is freemium. PlanetScale is paid. Cloudflare D1 lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Cloudflare D1 is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
PlanetScale
- Our pick for this comparison
Cloudflare D1
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (1,208 reviews)
The Bottom Line
PlanetScale is our pick. Cloudflare D1 has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cloudflare D1 or PlanetScale better?
PlanetScale is rated in our evaluation. Cloudflare D1 is freemium and PlanetScale is paid.
What are Cloudflare D1 and PlanetScale used for?
Cloudflare D1: Serverless SQL database at the edge. PlanetScale: Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching.
What does Cloudflare D1 cost vs PlanetScale?
Cloudflare D1 is freemium (free tier + paid plans). PlanetScale is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.