PlanetScale vs Convex
PlanetScale is Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. The biggest difference up front: Convex is free, while PlanetScale starts at $39/mo. PlanetScale is built for teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
| Feature | PlanetScale | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | — | ✓ |
| Open source | — | — |
| Auto-scaling | ✓ | — |
| Database Branching | ✓ | — |
| File Storage | — | ✓ |
| Query Insights | ✓ | — |
| Real-Time Sync | — | ✓ |
| Scheduling | — | ✓ |
| Schema Migrations | ✓ | — |
| Server Functions | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Convex is completely free (Free for small projects), 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 Convex lacks. Convex brings File Storage, Real-Time Sync and Scheduling that PlanetScale does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target small teams teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Where each tool shines: PlanetScale's biggest strengths are: git-like branching for safe schema changes. non-blocking schema migrations with zero downtime. Convex's biggest strengths are: includes real-time sync as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows. includes server functions 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 Convex, 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
choose Convex if
- You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend
- Budget is a hard constraint — Convex is free, PlanetScale is not
- You specifically need File Storage and Real-Time Sync
- You care about includes server functions as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
- The free tier works for you: free for small projects
frequently asked
What is the difference between PlanetScale and Convex?
PlanetScale is Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. The biggest difference up front: Convex is free, while PlanetScale starts at $39/mo. PlanetScale is built for teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
Should I use PlanetScale or Convex?
Convex is the free option; PlanetScale charges $39/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose PlanetScale over Convex?
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.
When should I choose Convex over PlanetScale?
Choose Convex if You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend; Budget is a hard constraint — Convex is free, PlanetScale is not; You specifically need File Storage and Real-Time Sync; You care about includes server functions as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows; The free tier works for you: free for small projects.
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