Database
An honest comparison to help you pick the right database tool in 2026.
| Feature | PlanetScale | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Database | Database |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Paid Plan | $39/mo | $25/mo |
| Enterprise | Custom | Custom |
| Best For | Teams who need production MySQL with git-like branching and zero-downtime schema migrations | Full-stack developers who want a Postgres-based backend with Firebase-like convenience |
| Feature 1 | MySQL compatible | Postgres database |
| Feature 2 | Database branching | Built-in auth |
| Feature 3 | Non-blocking schema changes | Real-time subscriptions |
| Feature 4 | Vitess scaling | Storage |
| Feature 5 | Query insights | Edge functions |
| Website | PlanetScale | Supabase |
PlanetScale and Supabase are both popular choices in the database category, but they serve different types of developers. PlanetScale is serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and Vitess-powered horizontal scaling. Meanwhile, Supabase is open-source Firebase alternative with Postgres database, auth, real-time subscriptions, storage, and edge functions.
From a cost perspective, Supabase has the edge with a free tier available, whereas PlanetScale starts at $39/mo. However, PlanetScale's paid offering may deliver more value depending on your specific needs.
PlanetScale stands out with MySQL compatible and Database branching, while Supabase differentiates itself through Postgres database and Built-in auth. The right choice depends on which capabilities matter most for your workflow. Ultimately, teams who need production MySQL with git-like branching and zero-downtime schema migrations, while Supabase is best for full-stack developers who want a Postgres-based backend with Firebase-like convenience.
PlanetScale: No free tier. Paid plans start at $39/mo. Enterprise pricing: Custom.
Supabase: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $25/mo. Enterprise pricing: Custom.
Choose PlanetScale if you value mysql compatible and database branching. Go with Supabase if full-stack developers who want a Postgres-based backend with Firebase-like convenience. Both are solid database options in 2026 — the best pick depends on your team size, budget, and technical requirements. We recommend trying both (especially if they have free tiers) before committing to one.
Not sold on either PlanetScale or Supabase? Check out these other database tools:
See all PlanetScale alternatives or Supabase alternatives.
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