PlanetScale vs FaunaDB: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between PlanetScale and FaunaDB 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 the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.2/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Serverless MySQL platform
- • Branching for database like Git
FaunaDB
Serverless document database with GraphQL
Best for you if:
- • You need api tools features specifically
- • FaunaDB is a serverless document database with native GraphQL support
- • It provides globally distributed data with ACID transactions and no capacity planning
| At a Glance |  PlanetScale |  FaunaDB |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Paid |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | API Tools |
Rating | 88/100 | 82/100 |
| Feature | PlanetScale | FaunaDB |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 82 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentManaged Databases | API ToolsGraphQL Tools |
How PlanetScale and FaunaDB Compare
PlanetScale
MySQL serverless platform
Free tier available · 88/100 score
FaunaDB
Serverless document database with GraphQL
Paid · 82/100 score
PlanetScale is a hosting & deployment tool. FaunaDB is in api tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
PlanetScale has a free tier. FaunaDB is paid only.
Go with: PlanetScale
Want the highest-rated option?
PlanetScale: 88/100. FaunaDB: 82/100.
Go with: PlanetScale
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: PlanetScale
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
PlanetScale is freemium. FaunaDB is paid. PlanetScale lets you start free.
What's your use case?
PlanetScale is a hosting & deployment tool. FaunaDB is in api tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
PlanetScale scores higher: 88/100 vs 82/100.
Key Takeaways
PlanetScale
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 82
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
FaunaDB
- Better fit for api tools
The Bottom Line
PlanetScale (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PlanetScale or FaunaDB better?
PlanetScale scores 88/100 in our evaluation. PlanetScale is freemium and FaunaDB is paid.
What are PlanetScale and FaunaDB used for?
PlanetScale: MySQL serverless platform. FaunaDB: Serverless document database with GraphQL.
What does PlanetScale cost vs FaunaDB?
PlanetScale is freemium (free tier + paid plans). FaunaDB is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.