CockroachDB vs PlanetScale: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between CockroachDB 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: CockroachDB wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick. Pick PlanetScale if you need its specific feature set.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
CockroachDB
Distributed SQL database built for cloud
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want distributed SQL
- • You want postgreSQL compatible
PlanetScale
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
Best for you if:
- • You want database branching
- • You want non-blocking migrations
| At a Glance | CockroachDB | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $5/monthPostgres (Single Node) |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose CockroachDB or PlanetScale?
Choose CockroachDB if
Distributed SQL database built for cloud
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want distributed SQL
- You want postgreSQL compatible
- Budget matters (Free vs $5/month)
Choose PlanetScale if
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
- You want database branching
- You want non-blocking migrations
| Feature | CockroachDB | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.3/5 29 reviews | ★4.2/5 6 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
CockroachDB
Distributed SQL database built for cloud
CockroachDB offers one of the most compelling free tiers in the database market, 50M Request Units and 10 GiB storage per month with scale-to-zero is enough to run a real production app at low traffic for free.
Watch out
Request Unit consumption varies dramatically by query complexity. A simple key lookup costs ~1 RU, but a full table scan or complex JOIN can consume thousands of RUs. The 50M free RUs can evaporate quickly with unoptimized queries.
Strengths
- +Distributed SQL
- +PostgreSQL compatible
- +Multi-region
- +Strong consistency
- +Good scaling
Weaknesses
- -Complex operations
- -Expensive at scale
- -Learning curve
- -Latency vs single-node
- -Specific use cases
Key features
PlanetScale
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
PlanetScale removed its free tier in 2024, making it a harder sell for hobbyists.
Watch out
No free tier, even development databases cost $5/mo minimum
Strengths
- +Database branching
- +Non-blocking migrations
- +Excellent DX
Weaknesses
- -MySQL only
- -No free tier anymore
Key features
Pricing: CockroachDB vs PlanetScale
| Plan | CockroachDB | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Basic | $5 month Postgres (Single Node) |
| Tier 2 | $0.18 /hour (2 vCPUs) Standard | $39 month Vitess PS-10 (Base) |
| Tier 3 | $0.6 /hour (4 vCPUs) Advanced | $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 CockroachDB pricing and PlanetScale pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
CockroachDB has a free tier. PlanetScale is paid only.
Go with: CockroachDB
Want the highest-rated option?
CockroachDB: 4.3/5 (29 reviews). PlanetScale: 4.2/5 (6 reviews).
Go with: CockroachDB
Value user reviews?
CockroachDB: 29 reviews (4.3/5). PlanetScale: 6 reviews (4.2/5).
Go with: CockroachDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
CockroachDB is freemium. PlanetScale is paid. CockroachDB lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
CockroachDB is rated higher: 4.3/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
CockroachDB
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (29 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
PlanetScale
- Choose if you want serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
The Bottom Line
CockroachDB wins this matchup. PostgreSQL is our overall Data & Databases pick. PostgreSQL is our free Data & Databases pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CockroachDB or PlanetScale better?
CockroachDB is rated in our evaluation. CockroachDB is freemium and PlanetScale is paid.
What are CockroachDB and PlanetScale used for?
CockroachDB: Distributed SQL database built for cloud. PlanetScale: Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching.
What does CockroachDB cost vs PlanetScale?
CockroachDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). PlanetScale is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.