PlanetScale vs AWS Lambda: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between PlanetScale and AWS Lambda 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
PlanetScale
MySQL serverless platform
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Serverless MySQL platform
- • Branching for database like Git
AWS Lambda
Run code without managing servers, pay only for compute time
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (9.0/10 vs 8.8/10)
- • You need low-code backend features specifically
- • AWS Lambda lets you run code without provisioning servers—just upload your function and it scales automatically
- • It executes code in response to events from 200+ AWS services, charging only for compute time used
| At a Glance |  PlanetScale |  AWS Lambda |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Low-Code Backend |
Rating | 88/100 | 90/100 |
| Feature | PlanetScale | AWS Lambda |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 90 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentManaged Databases | Low-Code BackendHosting & Deployment |
How PlanetScale and AWS Lambda Compare
PlanetScale
MySQL serverless platform
Free tier available · 88/100 score
AWS Lambda
Run code without managing servers, pay only for compute time
Paid · 90/100 score
PlanetScale is a hosting & deployment tool. AWS Lambda is in low-code backend.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
PlanetScale has a free tier. AWS Lambda is paid only.
Go with: PlanetScale
Want the highest-rated option?
PlanetScale: 88/100. AWS Lambda: 90/100.
Go with: AWS Lambda
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: AWS Lambda
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
PlanetScale is freemium. AWS Lambda is paid. PlanetScale lets you start free.
What's your use case?
PlanetScale is a hosting & deployment tool. AWS Lambda is in low-code backend. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
AWS Lambda scores higher: 90/100 vs 88/100.
Key Takeaways
AWS Lambda
- Higher score: 90/100 vs 88
- Our pick for this comparison
PlanetScale
- Has a free tier
- Better fit for hosting & deployment
The Bottom Line
AWS Lambda (90/100) is our pick. PlanetScale has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PlanetScale or AWS Lambda better?
AWS Lambda scores 90/100 in our evaluation. PlanetScale is freemium and AWS Lambda is paid.
What are PlanetScale and AWS Lambda used for?
PlanetScale: MySQL serverless platform. AWS Lambda: Run code without managing servers, pay only for compute time.
What does PlanetScale cost vs AWS Lambda?
PlanetScale is freemium (free tier + paid plans). AWS Lambda is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.