Supabase vs PlanetScale: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Supabase 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: Supabase is our overall pick for data & databases workflows. 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:
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • Open-source Firebase alternative
- • PostgreSQL with real-time subscriptions
PlanetScale
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
Best for you if:
- • Serverless MySQL platform
- • Branching for database like Git
| At a Glance |  Supabase |  PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $5/monthPostgres (Single Node) |
Best For | Data & Databases | Data & Databases |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.2/5 |
Free plan | Yes | No |
Choose Supabase or PlanetScale?
Choose Supabase if
Open source Firebase alternative
- Full PostgreSQL access
- Generous free tier
- Open-source and self-hostable
Choose PlanetScale if
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
- Database branching
- Non-blocking migrations
- Excellent DX
| Feature | Supabase | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 33 reviews | ★4.2/5 5 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesAPI Tools | Data & DatabasesCloud & Infrastructure |
In-Depth Analysis
Supabase
Open source Firebase alternative
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
PlanetScale
Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching
Strengths
- +Database branching
- +Non-blocking migrations
- +Excellent DX
Weaknesses
- -MySQL only
- -No free tier anymore
Key features
Pricing: Supabase vs PlanetScale
| Plan | Supabase | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | $5 month Postgres (Single Node) |
| Tier 2 | $25 Pro | $39 month Vitess PS-10 (Base) |
| Tier 3 | $599 Team | $39 month starting Vitess HA (3-zone) |
| Tier 4 | Custom Enterprise | $50 month starting Metal |
| Tier 5 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Supabase pricing and PlanetScale 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?
Supabase: 4.7/5 (33 reviews). PlanetScale: 4.2/5 (5 reviews).
Go with: Supabase
Value user reviews?
Supabase: 33 reviews (4.7/5). PlanetScale: 5 reviews (4.2/5).
Go with: Supabase
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Supabase is freemium. PlanetScale is paid. 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: 4.7/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Supabase
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (33 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 is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Supabase or PlanetScale better?
Supabase is rated in our evaluation. Supabase is freemium and PlanetScale is paid.
What are Supabase and PlanetScale used for?
Supabase: Open source Firebase alternative. PlanetScale: Serverless PostgreSQL and MySQL databases with branching.
What does Supabase cost vs PlanetScale?
Supabase is freemium (free tier + paid plans). PlanetScale is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.