Xata vs PlanetScale: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Xata 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.
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:
Xata
Accelerate development and testing with instant, anonymized Postgres branches from production data.
Best for you if:
- • You need testing & qa features specifically
- • Creates instant, anonymized branches of Postgres databases from production data.
- • Enables faster development and testing by providing isolated environments for each developer/AI agent.
PlanetScale
MySQL serverless platform
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 8.5/10)
- • You want to try before committing
- • You need hosting & deployment features specifically
- • Serverless MySQL platform
- • Branching for database like Git
| At a Glance |  Xata |  PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
Price | Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Testing & QA | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 85/100 | 88/100 |
| Feature | Xata | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 85 | 88 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Testing & QAServerless Databases | Hosting & DeploymentManaged Databases |
How Xata and PlanetScale Compare
Xata
Accelerate development and testing with instant, anonymized Postgres branches from production data.
Paid · 85/100 score
PlanetScale
MySQL serverless platform
Free tier available · 88/100 score
Xata is a testing & qa tool. PlanetScale is in hosting & deployment.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
PlanetScale has a free tier. Xata is paid only.
Go with: PlanetScale
Want the highest-rated option?
Xata: 85/100. PlanetScale: 88/100.
Go with: PlanetScale
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: PlanetScale
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Xata is paid. PlanetScale is freemium. PlanetScale lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Xata is a testing & qa tool. PlanetScale is in hosting & deployment. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
PlanetScale scores higher: 88/100 vs 85/100.
Key Takeaways
PlanetScale
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 85
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Xata
- Better fit for testing & qa
The Bottom Line
PlanetScale (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xata or PlanetScale better?
PlanetScale scores 88/100 in our evaluation. Xata is paid and PlanetScale is freemium.
What are Xata and PlanetScale used for?
Xata: Accelerate development and testing with instant, anonymized Postgres branches from production data.. PlanetScale: MySQL serverless platform.
What does Xata cost vs PlanetScale?
Xata is a paid tool. PlanetScale is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.