PlanetScale vs Supabase: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between PlanetScale and Supabase 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: Supabase wins this matchup. Our overall Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Our free Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. 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:
PlanetScale
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
Best for you if:
- • Serverless MySQL platform
- • Branching for database like Git
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Open-source Firebase alternative
- • PostgreSQL with real-time subscriptions
| At a Glance |  PlanetScale |  Supabase |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | $5/monthPostgres (Single Node) | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.6/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose PlanetScale or Supabase?
Choose PlanetScale if
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
- Database branching
- Non-blocking migrations
- Excellent DX
Choose Supabase if
Open source Firebase alternative
- Full PostgreSQL access
- Generous free tier
- Open-source and self-hostable
| Feature | PlanetScale | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 5 reviews | ★4.6/5 218 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure | Data & DatabasesAPI Tools |
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
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Supabase is the open-source Firebase alternative that developers actually want to use, Postgres database, authentication, storage, edge functions, and real-time subscriptions in one platform.
Watch out
Free projects pause after 7 days of inactivity: your app goes offline until someone visits it again. Not suitable for any production use, only for development and demos
Strengths
- +Full PostgreSQL access
- +Generous free tier
- +Open-source and self-hostable
- +Great developer experience
Weaknesses
- -Projects pause on free tier
- -Smaller ecosystem than Firebase
- -Less mature than alternatives
Key features
Pricing: PlanetScale vs Supabase
| Plan | PlanetScale | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $5 month Postgres (Single Node) | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $39 month Vitess PS-10 (Base) | $25 Pro |
| Tier 3 | $39 month starting Vitess HA (3-zone) | $599 Team |
| Tier 4 | $50 month starting Metal | Custom Enterprise |
| Tier 5 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on PlanetScale pricing and Supabase pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Supabase has a free tier. PlanetScale is paid only.
Go with: Supabase
Want the highest-rated option?
PlanetScale: 4.2/5 (5 reviews). Supabase: 4.6/5 (218 reviews).
Go with: Supabase
Value user reviews?
PlanetScale: 5 reviews (4.2/5). Supabase: 218 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: Supabase
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
PlanetScale is paid. Supabase is freemium. Supabase lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are data & databases tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Supabase is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Supabase
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (218 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
PlanetScale
- Choose if you want serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
The Bottom Line
Supabase wins this matchup. Our overall Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL. Our free Data & Databases pick is PostgreSQL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PlanetScale or Supabase better?
Supabase is rated in our evaluation. PlanetScale is paid and Supabase is freemium.
What are PlanetScale and Supabase used for?
PlanetScale: Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching. Supabase: Open source Firebase alternative.
What does PlanetScale cost vs Supabase?
PlanetScale is a paid tool. Supabase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.