PlanetScale vs CockroachDB
PlanetScale is Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability, while CockroachDB is Distributed SQL database designed for global scale, resilience, and strong consistency. The biggest difference up front: CockroachDB is free, while PlanetScale starts at $39/mo. PlanetScale is built for teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations, whereas CockroachDB targets teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything.
| Feature | PlanetScale | CockroachDB |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | — | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Auto-scaling | ✓ | — |
| Database Branching | ✓ | — |
| Distributed SQL | — | ✓ |
| Multi-Region | — | ✓ |
| PostgreSQL Compatible | — | ✓ |
| Query Insights | ✓ | — |
| Schema Migrations | ✓ | — |
| Serverless | — | ✓ |
Pricing: CockroachDB is completely free (Free 10 GiB), which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. PlanetScale starts at $39/mo. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.
Feature gaps: PlanetScale offers Auto-scaling, Database Branching and Query Insights that CockroachDB lacks. CockroachDB brings Distributed SQL, Multi-Region and PostgreSQL Compatible that PlanetScale does not have.
Team fit: PlanetScale is geared toward small teams teams, while CockroachDB is aimed at enterprise teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: CockroachDB is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. PlanetScale is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: PlanetScale's biggest strengths are: git-like branching for safe schema changes. non-blocking schema migrations with zero downtime. CockroachDB's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes distributed sql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows.
Watch out for: With PlanetScale, users commonly note that no free tier — minimum $39/month commitment. With CockroachDB, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose PlanetScale if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations
- You specifically need Auto-scaling and Database Branching
- You care about non-blocking schema migrations with zero downtime
- Your team size fits the small teams profile PlanetScale is designed for
choose CockroachDB if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything
- Budget is a hard constraint — CockroachDB is free, PlanetScale is not
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Distributed SQL and Multi-Region
- You care about includes distributed sql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
frequently asked
What is the difference between PlanetScale and CockroachDB?
PlanetScale is Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability, while CockroachDB is Distributed SQL database designed for global scale, resilience, and strong consistency. The biggest difference up front: CockroachDB is free, while PlanetScale starts at $39/mo. PlanetScale is built for teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations, whereas CockroachDB targets teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything.
Should I use PlanetScale or CockroachDB?
CockroachDB is the free option; PlanetScale charges $39/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose PlanetScale over CockroachDB?
Choose PlanetScale if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations; You specifically need Auto-scaling and Database Branching; You care about non-blocking schema migrations with zero downtime; Your team size fits the small teams profile PlanetScale is designed for.
When should I choose CockroachDB over PlanetScale?
Choose CockroachDB if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything; Budget is a hard constraint — CockroachDB is free, PlanetScale is not; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Distributed SQL and Multi-Region; You care about includes distributed sql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows.
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