PlanetScale vs Neon
PlanetScale is Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability, while Neon is Serverless Postgres with autoscaling, branching, and a generous free tier for modern applications. Neon comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. PlanetScale is built for teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations, whereas Neon targets developers who want serverless postgres with branching and scale-to-zero.
| Feature | PlanetScale | Neon |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | — | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Auto-scaling | ✓ | — |
| Autoscaling | — | ✓ |
| Branching | — | ✓ |
| Database Branching | ✓ | — |
| Query Insights | ✓ | — |
| Scale-to-Zero | — | ✓ |
| Schema Migrations | ✓ | — |
| Serverless Postgres | — | ✓ |
Pricing: PlanetScale starts at $39/mo. Neon starts at $19/mo. Neon is the more affordable option.
Feature gaps: PlanetScale offers Auto-scaling, Database Branching and Query Insights that Neon lacks. Neon brings Autoscaling, Branching and Scale-to-Zero that PlanetScale does not have.
Team fit: PlanetScale is geared toward small teams teams, while Neon is aimed at any size teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: Neon 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. Neon's biggest strengths are: scale-to-zero means no cost when database is idle. database branching for development and preview environments.
Watch out for: With PlanetScale, users commonly note that no free tier — minimum $39/month commitment. With Neon, the main complaint is that cold starts when scaling from zero can add latency.
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 Neon if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers who want serverless postgres with branching and scale-to-zero
- You want to save on per-user costs — Neon is $20.00/user/mo cheaper
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Autoscaling and Branching
- You care about database branching for development and preview environments
frequently asked
What is the difference between PlanetScale and Neon?
PlanetScale is Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability, while Neon is Serverless Postgres with autoscaling, branching, and a generous free tier for modern applications. Neon comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. PlanetScale is built for teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations, whereas Neon targets developers who want serverless postgres with branching and scale-to-zero.
Should I use PlanetScale or Neon?
Neon gives you open source and self-hosting; PlanetScale is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose PlanetScale over Neon?
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 Neon over PlanetScale?
Choose Neon if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers who want serverless postgres with branching and scale-to-zero; You want to save on per-user costs — Neon is $20.00/user/mo cheaper; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Autoscaling and Branching; You care about database branching for development and preview environments.
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