Supabase vs PlanetScale
Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative providing a Postgres database, authentication, storage, and edge functions, while PlanetScale is Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability. Supabase comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Supabase is built for developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core, whereas PlanetScale targets teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations.
| Feature | Supabase | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | — |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| Auth | ✓ | — |
| Auto-scaling | — | ✓ |
| Database Branching | — | ✓ |
| Edge Functions | ✓ | — |
| Postgres | ✓ | — |
| Query Insights | — | ✓ |
| Realtime | ✓ | — |
| Schema Migrations | — | ✓ |
| Storage | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Supabase starts at $25/mo. PlanetScale starts at $39/mo. Supabase is the more affordable option.
Feature gaps: Supabase offers Auth, Edge Functions and Postgres that PlanetScale lacks. PlanetScale brings Auto-scaling, Database Branching and Query Insights that Supabase does not have.
Team fit: Supabase is geared toward any size teams, while PlanetScale is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: Supabase 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: Supabase's biggest strengths are: full postgres database with sql access and extensions. open source with self-hosting option for full control. PlanetScale's biggest strengths are: git-like branching for safe schema changes. non-blocking schema migrations with zero downtime.
Watch out for: With Supabase, users commonly note that free tier pauses inactive projects after one week. With PlanetScale, the main complaint is that no free tier — minimum $39/month commitment.
choose Supabase if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core
- You want to save on per-user costs — Supabase is $14.00/user/mo cheaper
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Auth and Edge Functions
- You care about open source with self-hosting option for full control
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
frequently asked
What is the difference between Supabase and PlanetScale?
Supabase is Open-source Firebase alternative providing a Postgres database, authentication, storage, and edge functions, while PlanetScale is Serverless MySQL platform with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability. Supabase comes in cheaper, but price alone does not tell the full story. Supabase is built for developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core, whereas PlanetScale targets teams running mysql at scale who need safe schema migrations.
Should I use Supabase or PlanetScale?
Supabase gives you open source and self-hosting; PlanetScale is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Supabase over PlanetScale?
Choose Supabase if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers who want a full backend with postgres at the core; You want to save on per-user costs — Supabase is $14.00/user/mo cheaper; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Auth and Edge Functions; You care about open source with self-hosting option for full control.
When should I choose PlanetScale over Supabase?
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.
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