PlanetScale vs EdgeDB
PlanetScale is Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability, while EdgeDB is modern database with a powerful query language, built-in auth, and schema-first design. The biggest difference up front: EdgeDB is free, while PlanetScale starts at $39/mo. PlanetScale is built for teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations, whereas EdgeDB targets developers wanting a modern relational database with better dx.
| Feature | PlanetScale | EdgeDB |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | — | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Auto-scaling | ✓ | — |
| Built-In Auth | — | ✓ |
| Database Branching | ✓ | — |
| EdgeQL | — | ✓ |
| Migrations | — | ✓ |
| Query Insights | ✓ | — |
| Schema Migrations | ✓ | — |
| Schema-First | — | ✓ |
Pricing: EdgeDB is completely free (Free 1 GB), 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 EdgeDB lacks. EdgeDB brings Built-In Auth, EdgeQL and Migrations 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.
Open source: EdgeDB 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. EdgeDB's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes edgeql 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 EdgeDB, 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 EdgeDB if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a modern relational database with better dx
- Budget is a hard constraint — EdgeDB is free, PlanetScale is not
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Built-In Auth and EdgeQL
- You care about includes edgeql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
frequently asked
What is the difference between PlanetScale and EdgeDB?
PlanetScale is Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability, while EdgeDB is modern database with a powerful query language, built-in auth, and schema-first design. The biggest difference up front: EdgeDB is free, while PlanetScale starts at $39/mo. PlanetScale is built for teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations, whereas EdgeDB targets developers wanting a modern relational database with better dx.
Should I use PlanetScale or EdgeDB?
EdgeDB is the free option; PlanetScale charges $39/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose PlanetScale over EdgeDB?
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 EdgeDB over PlanetScale?
Choose EdgeDB if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a modern relational database with better dx; Budget is a hard constraint — EdgeDB is free, PlanetScale is not; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Built-In Auth and EdgeQL; You care about includes edgeql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows.
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