PlanetScale vs Supabase — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of PlanetScale and Supabase to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
Supabase takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for developers who want a firebase-like experience with real postgresql and open-source flexibility.. PlanetScale (4.3) is the better pick if you need teams needing mysql at scale with safe schema migrations and database branching..
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | PlanetScale | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.3(145) | ★★★★★ 4.5(234) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starter Price | $39/mo (Scaler) | $25/mo (Pro) |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | web | web |
| Learning Curve | medium | medium |
| API Available | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Teams needing MySQL at scale with safe schema migrations and database branching. | Developers who want a Firebase-like experience with real PostgreSQL and open-source flexibility. |
| Verdict | situational | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | PlanetScale | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Database branching | — | |
| Non-blocking schema changes | — | |
| Serverless scaling | — | |
| Connection pooling | — | |
| Query insights | — | |
| Automatic backups | — | |
| PostgreSQL database with dashboard | — | |
| Authentication (email, social, magic links) | — | |
| File storage with CDN | — | |
| Real-time subscriptions | — | |
| Edge functions | — | |
| Row Level Security | — |
PlanetScale
Pros
- ✓Database branching enables safe schema development
- ✓Non-blocking schema changes mean zero-downtime migrations
- ✓Serverless scaling handles traffic spikes automatically
Cons
- ✕No free tier — $39/mo minimum
- ✕MySQL only — no PostgreSQL support
- ✕Row-based pricing requires monitoring to avoid bill surprises
Supabase
Pros
- ✓Real PostgreSQL — no proprietary database lock-in
- ✓Auth, storage, and real-time included out of the box
- ✓Open source with self-hosting option
Cons
- ✕Complex queries can be challenging through the client library
- ✕Free tier projects pause after inactivity
- ✕Edge functions are newer and less mature than Firebase functions
The Bottom Line
Both PlanetScale and Supabase are solid tools in the Developer Tools space. Supabase edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.3) and is the better choice for developers who want a firebase-like experience with real postgresql and open-source flexibility.. However, if you prioritize teams needing mysql at scale with safe schema migrations and database branching., PlanetScale is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.