Skip to content
Toolradar
PlanetScale MCP logo

PlanetScale MCP

Claim this toolEditor reviewed

Manage databases and AI agents from the command line with branching and MCP support.

From $5/mo
PaidData & Databases
Visit Website
Tracked since2026

The Bottom Line

Price
From $5/mo. Compare plans

Key facts

  • CLI for managing PlanetScale databases with branching, deploy requests, and SQL execution.
  • Integrates with AI agents via MCP (Model Context Protocol) for automated database operations.
  • Free tier includes development branch hours; paid plans for production clusters and advanced features.

Pros

  • Free tier with generous development branch hours
  • Supports both Vitess (MySQL-compatible) and Postgres
  • Rich CLI commands for full database lifecycle management

Cons

  • Postgres does not support Data Branching
  • Development branch overage charges apply after free hours

What is PlanetScale MCP?

Editorial review
PlanetScale MCP is a command-line tool that provides full control over PlanetScale databases, including Vitess (MySQL-compatible) and Postgres engines. It allows developers to create, manage, and branch databases, run SQL queries for automation, and deploy schema changes via deploy requests. The MCP (Model Context Protocol) integration enables AI agents to interact with the database environment, making it ideal for agentic workflows and scripted automation. Designed for teams and individual developers, PlanetScale MCP offers a self-serve Base plan with network-attached or Metal storage, horizontal and vertical sharding, and development branches with free monthly hours. The CLI supports authentication, backup, webhook management, and traffic control, with a JSON output format for seamless scripting. It works across macOS, Linux, and Windows, requiring pscale 0.292.0 or later for agent automation.
how we evaluateSourceplanetscale.com ↗

Key Features

  • Database branching and deploy request management
  • Secure SQL shell and interactive connections
  • MCP server and agent-guide for AI agent bootstrapping
  • Automated backups, webhooks, and traffic control
  • JSON output for scripting and automation

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Sep 24, 2026

PlanetScale MCP plans and prices, checked September 2026
PlanPriceDetails
PlanetScale Postgres - Single node

$5 / month

  • Development and low-traffic production workloads
PlanetScale Postgres - Metal

$50 / month

  • High-performance local NVMe storage
PlanetScale Postgres - High Availability

Contact us

  • 1 primary + 2 replicas across 3 availability zones
Enterprise

Contact us

  • Upgraded support
  • Additional deployment options
  • Bring your own cloud (PlanetScale Managed)
+3 more
  • Business support
  • Enterprise support option
  • PCI DSS certified service provider
Calculate your costView full pricing

Is PlanetScale MCP worth the price?

Good value

PlanetScale's pricing is fair and competitive for managed Postgres, with a $5/month entry point that's very accessible for development.

The $50/month Metal tier offers good value for performance needs, though high availability requiring sales contact may deter smaller teams. Best for developers and startups needing branch-based workflows with MCP integration.

How PlanetScale MCP's pricing compares

At $5/mo, billing unit not specified, PlanetScale MCP is the most affordable of its 2 comparable direct competitors.

PlanetScale MCP
$5
Redis
$5
dbt
$100

Entry paid plan, monthly. Pricing checked Sep 24, 2026.

Reviews

Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT cover
$99Free with your review

Review PlanetScale MCP, get a free AI guide

Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.

Write a review

Best PlanetScale MCP Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

View full list →
BigQuery logo
BigQueryPaid

Google's serverless data warehouse for analytics

4.5
dbt logo
dbtFreemium

Transform data in your warehouse with SQL

4.7
Apache Kafka logo
Apache KafkaPaid

Distributed event streaming for real-time data pipelines

4.5
Redis logo
RedisFreemium

Managed in-memory database for real-time data across clouds

4.5
Atlan logo
AtlanPaid

Modern data workspace for discovery, understanding, and collaboration

4.5
Lexalytics logo
LexalyticsPaid

Transform complex text documents into data, insights, and value with world-leading NLP.

4.3
See all data & databases tools →

Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

All PlanetScale MCP alternatives6+ tools ranked, pricing + verdict per pickPlanetScale MCP vs BigQueryHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsPlanetScale MCP vs dbtHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsPlanetScale MCP vs Apache KafkaHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

Explore More

Best Data & Databases Tools

PlanetScale MCP FAQ

How does the MCP integration work with AI agents?

PlanetScale MCP uses the Model Context Protocol to allow AI agents to interact with databases. The pscale mcp install command sets up the hosted MCP configuration, and pscale mcp server runs the server. Agents can then use the agent-guide command with --format json to get a bootstrap JSON that embeds CLI conventions, skills, and MCP hints.

Can I use the CLI to manage both Vitess and Postgres databases?

Yes, the CLI supports both Vitess (MySQL-compatible) and Postgres databases. Many commands work with both engines, but some features like Data Branching are only available for Vitess, and Database Traffic Control is only available for Postgres.

What is the minimum CLI version required for agent automation?

Agent automation commands require pscale version 0.292.0 or later. If you encounter an error like 'agent-guide is unknown', run brew upgrade pscale to update to the latest version.

How do I run non-interactive SQL queries for scripts?

Use the pscale sql <database> <branch> command with the --query flag to execute a SQL query without an interactive shell. Add --format json to output results in a structured format suitable for automation and agents.

Is there a way to connect to a database branch from a remote server?

Yes, the pscale connect command supports a --remote-addr flag to specify the address of the remote machine. Combined with --execute and --execute-env-url, you can set up secure connections for CI/CD or remote agents.

What are the storage options for the Base plan?

The Base plan offers two storage types: network-attached storage (Amazon EBS or Google Persistent Disk) which autoscales, and Metal storage with locally-attached NVMe drives for high performance. Network-attached storage includes 10 GB free per instance, with additional storage billed per GB.

How are development branches billed for Vitess?

Vitess development branches (PS-DEV) are billed per millisecond while running, but the plan includes a free allocation of 2× the current month's hours (e.g., ~1,440 hours for a 30-day month). Any usage beyond that is billed at the standard rate.

Can I use the CLI to manage database traffic control for Postgres?

Yes, the pscale traffic-control command lets you manage budgets and rules for Postgres database branches. This feature is available on the Base plan for Postgres databases and helps control query costs.

Source: planetscale.com

Guides & Articles

Best Synthetic Data Tools 2026

Expert guide

Best Open Source Databases in 2026

Expert guide

Best Reverse ETL Tools in 2026

Expert guide