PlanetScale vs Supabase
Detailed side-by-side comparison
PlanetScale
FreePlanetScale is a serverless MySQL database platform built on Vitess that revolutionizes database development with Git-like branching workflows. It specializes in horizontal scaling and non-blocking schema changes, making it ideal for teams that need MySQL at scale without downtime.
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FreeSupabase is an open-source backend-as-a-service platform built on PostgreSQL that serves as a Firebase alternative. It provides a complete backend solution including auto-generated APIs, authentication, real-time subscriptions, and storage, all without vendor lock-in.
Visit SupabaseFeature Comparison
| Feature | PlanetScale | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Database Engine | MySQL-compatible database built on Vitess with horizontal sharding capabilities | Full PostgreSQL database with support for advanced SQL features, extensions, and foreign keys |
| Schema Management | Git-like database branching with deploy requests and non-blocking schema migrations for zero-downtime changes | Traditional SQL migrations with standard PostgreSQL schema management tools |
| APIs and Backend Services | Database-only platform requiring separate solutions for APIs, auth, and storage | Auto-generated REST and GraphQL APIs, built-in authentication with multiple providers, file storage, and Edge Functions |
| Real-time Capabilities | Not included; requires separate implementation for real-time features | Built-in real-time subscriptions for live data synchronization across clients |
| Scaling Approach | Automatic horizontal scaling powered by Vitess without application code changes, optimized for massive scale | Vertical scaling with PostgreSQL read replicas; horizontal scaling requires more manual configuration |
| Vendor Lock-in | Proprietary platform with some vendor lock-in due to Vitess-specific limitations like no foreign keys | Open-source with self-hosting option, standard PostgreSQL compatibility enables easy migration |
Pricing Comparison
Both platforms offer generous free tiers starting at $0/month suitable for small projects and development. PlanetScale may become more expensive at higher scales but offers unmatched horizontal scaling, while Supabase provides more complete backend functionality for the price.
Verdict
Choose PlanetScale if...
Choose PlanetScale if you need a MySQL database at scale with Git-like branching workflows, require zero-downtime schema migrations, or anticipate massive horizontal scaling needs. It's ideal for teams already invested in the MySQL ecosystem who prioritize database reliability and performance.
Choose Supabase if...
Choose Supabase if you need a complete backend solution beyond just a database, want PostgreSQL's advanced features and extensions, require built-in authentication and real-time capabilities, or value open-source flexibility and avoiding vendor lock-in. It's perfect for full-stack developers building modern applications quickly.
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Pros & Cons
PlanetScale
Pros
- + Eliminates downtime during schema changes with online DDL
- + Git-like branching workflow makes database development safer and more collaborative
- + Scales horizontally without application code changes
- + Generous free tier suitable for hobby projects and small applications
Cons
- - Limited to MySQL compatibility only, no PostgreSQL or other database support
- - Foreign key constraints are not supported due to Vitess architecture
- - Can be more expensive than traditional managed databases at higher scales
Supabase
Pros
- + Open-source with self-hosting option avoiding vendor lock-in
- + Full power of PostgreSQL with advanced SQL features and extensions
- + Generous free tier suitable for small projects and prototypes
- + Excellent developer experience with comprehensive documentation and client libraries
Cons
- - Steeper learning curve compared to simpler backends if unfamiliar with SQL
- - Smaller ecosystem and community compared to established competitors like Firebase
- - Some advanced features still in beta or actively being developed