PlanetScale vs Supabase
A detailed comparison to help you choose the right databases solution for your project.
Quick Verdict
Supabase has a feature edge based on documented capabilities, but the best choice depends on your constraints. PlanetScale is best for teams with complex schemas, while Supabase excels at postgres lovers. See methodology for how we compare tools.
Decision Snapshot
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- •Quick take: Supabase is a full platform with auth, storage, and Postgres. PlanetScale is a MySQL-focused database with exceptional branching and schema change workflows.
- •PlanetScale best for: Teams with complex schema migration needs; MySQL shops or those preferring MySQL.
- •Supabase best for: Teams wanting auth and storage bundled; PostgreSQL preference or need for extensions.
PlanetScale
Serverless MySQL platform
Best for
Supabase
Feature edgeOpen source Firebase alternative
Best for
Decision Guide
Supabase is a full platform with auth, storage, and Postgres. PlanetScale is a MySQL-focused database with exceptional branching and schema change workflows.
Choose PlanetScale if you need
- Teams with complex schema migration needs
- MySQL shops or those preferring MySQL
- Apps with frequent schema changes
- Teams that already have auth covered
Choose Supabase if you need
- Teams wanting auth and storage bundled
- PostgreSQL preference or need for extensions
- Rapid MVP development with fewer vendors
- Projects using RLS for permissions
Decision factors
- MySQL vs PostgreSQL preference
- Need for bundled auth and storage
- Schema change and branching workflows
- Platform vs database-only approach
Pricing notes
- PlanetScale charges based on reads and storage
- Supabase bundles multiple services in one plan
- PlanetScale free tier is generous for development
Migration notes
- Moving between MySQL and PostgreSQL requires schema translation
- Leaving Supabase means replacing auth and storage too
- PlanetScale branching workflow has no direct Supabase equivalent
Feature Comparison
| Feature | PlanetScale | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| MySQL compatible | Yes | No |
| Branching | Yes | Yes Preview branches |
| Non-blocking schema changes | Yes | No |
| Auto-scaling | Yes | No |
| Built-in Auth | No | Yes |
| Self-hosted option | No | Yes |
| Foreign keys | Yes | No |
| PostgreSQL | No | Yes |
| Realtime subscriptions | No | Yes |
| Auto-generated APIs | No | Yes |
| Edge Functions | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
PlanetScale
Supabase
PlanetScale Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Incredible branching workflow
- +Non-blocking migrations
- +Scales automatically
- +MySQL compatible
Cons
- -MySQL only (no Postgres)
- -Can get expensive
- -No self-hosting
Supabase Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Generous free tier
- +Full Postgres with extensions
- +Open source / self-hostable
- +Great developer experience
Cons
- -Smaller ecosystem than Firebase
- -Edge functions less mature
- -Can get expensive at scale
PlanetScale Verdict
PlanetScale is the best MySQL database for teams that need branching and safe migrations. The workflow is game-changing.
Supabase Verdict
Supabase is the best choice for developers who want Postgres power with Firebase convenience. The free tier is unbeatable.
More options in Databases
Looking for different tradeoffs? Explore alternatives to each tool.
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Frequently Asked Questions: PlanetScale vs Supabase
Is PlanetScale or Supabase better?
It depends on your use case. PlanetScale is best for teams with complex schemas and high-scale apps. Supabase is best for postgres lovers and startups. PlanetScale is the best MySQL database for teams that need branching and safe migrations. The workflow is game-changing.
Is PlanetScale free?
Yes, PlanetScale offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $39/mo.
Is Supabase free?
Yes, Supabase offers a free tier. Paid plans start at $25/mo.
Can I migrate from PlanetScale to Supabase?
Yes, you can migrate from PlanetScale to Supabase, though the complexity depends on how deeply integrated your current solution is. Most developers recommend evaluating both tools in a test environment before committing to a migration.
Which is more popular, PlanetScale or Supabase?
Both PlanetScale and Supabase are popular choices in their category. The best choice depends on your specific requirements, team expertise, and budget rather than popularity alone.