FaunaDB vs PlanetScale: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between FaunaDB 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 wins this matchup. AWS is our overall Serverless pick. AWS Lambda is our free Serverless pick. Pick FaunaDB 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:
FaunaDB
Serverless document database with GraphQL
Best for you if:
- • You want serverless database
- • You want global distribution
PlanetScale
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
Best for you if:
- • You want database branching
- • You want non-blocking migrations
| At a Glance | FaunaDB | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | $5/monthPostgres (Single Node) |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.2/5 |
Free plan | No | No |
Choose FaunaDB or PlanetScale?
Choose FaunaDB if
Serverless document database with GraphQL
- You want serverless database
- You want global distribution
Choose PlanetScale if
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
- You want database branching
- You want non-blocking migrations
| Feature | FaunaDB | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 93 reviews | ★4.2/5 6 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesServerless | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
FaunaDB
Serverless document database with GraphQL
FaunaDB's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust Free tier offering 100K reads, 50K writes, and 500K compute ops, which is substantial for many small projects.
Watch out
Data storage costs not explicitly detailed
Strengths
- +Serverless database
- +Global distribution
- +ACID transactions
- +GraphQL support
- +Good for serverless
Weaknesses
- -Expensive at scale
- -Learning curve
- -FQL unique
- -Debugging harder
- -Vendor lock-in
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: FaunaDB vs PlanetScale
| Plan | FaunaDB | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free | $5 month Postgres (Single Node) |
| Tier 2 | Free Pay as you go | $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 FaunaDB pricing and PlanetScale pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are paid. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: PlanetScale
Want the highest-rated option?
FaunaDB: 4.4/5 (93 reviews). PlanetScale: 4.2/5 (6 reviews).
Go with: FaunaDB
Value user reviews?
FaunaDB: 93 reviews (4.4/5). PlanetScale: 6 reviews (4.2/5).
Go with: FaunaDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are paid. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
FaunaDB is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
PlanetScale
- Our pick for this comparison
FaunaDB
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (93 reviews)
The Bottom Line
PlanetScale wins this matchup. AWS is our overall Serverless pick. AWS Lambda is our free Serverless pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FaunaDB or PlanetScale better?
PlanetScale is rated in our evaluation. Both are paid.
What are FaunaDB and PlanetScale used for?
FaunaDB: Serverless document database with GraphQL. PlanetScale: Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching.
What does FaunaDB cost vs PlanetScale?
FaunaDB is a paid tool. PlanetScale is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.