PlanetScale vs CockroachDB: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between PlanetScale and CockroachDB 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. Our overall Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Our free Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Pick CockroachDB 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:
PlanetScale
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
Best for you if:
- • You want database branching
- • You want non-blocking migrations
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
| At a Glance | PlanetScale | CockroachDB |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/monthPostgres (Single Node) | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose PlanetScale or CockroachDB?
Choose PlanetScale if
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
- You want database branching
- You want non-blocking migrations
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)
| Feature | PlanetScale | CockroachDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 6 reviews | ★4.3/5 29 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: PlanetScale vs CockroachDB
| Plan | PlanetScale | CockroachDB |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5 month Postgres (Single Node) | Free Basic |
| Tier 2 | $39 month Vitess PS-10 (Base) | $0.18 /hour (2 vCPUs) Standard |
| Tier 3 | $39 month starting Vitess HA (3-zone) | $0.6 /hour (4 vCPUs) Advanced |
| Tier 4 | $50 month starting Metal | N/A |
| Tier 5 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on PlanetScale pricing and CockroachDB 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?
PlanetScale: 4.2/5 (6 reviews). CockroachDB: 4.3/5 (29 reviews).
Go with: CockroachDB
Value user reviews?
PlanetScale: 6 reviews (4.2/5). CockroachDB: 29 reviews (4.3/5).
Go with: CockroachDB
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
PlanetScale is paid. CockroachDB is freemium. 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
PlanetScale
- Our pick for this comparison
CockroachDB
- Has a free tier
- Higher user rating: 4.3/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (29 reviews)
The Bottom Line
PlanetScale wins this matchup. Our overall Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Our free Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. CockroachDB has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PlanetScale or CockroachDB better?
PlanetScale is rated in our evaluation. PlanetScale is paid and CockroachDB is freemium.
What are PlanetScale and CockroachDB used for?
PlanetScale: Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching. CockroachDB: Distributed SQL database built for cloud.
What does PlanetScale cost vs CockroachDB?
PlanetScale is a paid tool. CockroachDB is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.