PlanetScale vs Supabase Comparison
Comparing PlanetScale (serverless MySQL) and Supabase (Postgres backend). We analyze database engines, scaling models, schema management, pricing, and stack preferences.
PlanetScale
The world's most advanced serverless MySQL platform.
Primary Task
Serverless MySQL
Pricing
PaidKey Features
- Horizontal Sharding
- Non-blocking Schema Changes
- Branching
Supabase
The open source Firebase alternative.
Primary Task
Backend DB
Pricing
FreemiumKey Features
- Postgres Database
- Realtime Subscriptions
- Auth & Storage
At a Glance
| Feature | PlanetScale | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Database Engine | MySQL (Vitess) | PostgreSQL |
| Horizontal Sharding | Built-in (automatic) | No (vertical scaling) |
| Foreign Keys | No (Vitess limitation) | Yes (full support) |
| Schema Branching | Yes (non-blocking migrations) | No (standard migrations) |
| Authentication | No | Built-in (GoTrue) |
| File Storage | No | Built-in |
| Edge Functions | No | Yes (Deno) |
| Realtime | No | Yes (Postgres Changes) |
| Self-Hostable | No | Yes (open source) |
| Pricing | Resource-based ($39/mo+) | Instance-based ($25/mo+) |
Pros & Cons
PlanetScale
Strengths
- Proven at YouTube scale (Vitess)
- Non-blocking schema migrations
- Horizontal sharding built-in
- MySQL ecosystem and tools
Limitations
- No foreign keys (Vitess trade-off)
- Database-only (no auth, storage, functions)
- More expensive ($39/mo minimum)
- Cannot self-host
Supabase
Strengths
- Complete backend platform (DB + Auth + Storage + more)
- PostgreSQL power (foreign keys, extensions)
- Open source and self-hostable
- Better value ($25/mo for everything)
Limitations
- No horizontal sharding built-in
- Schema migrations more traditional
- Realtime has WAL limits at scale
- Postgres learning curve for MySQL users
The Verdict
Choose based on database preference and whether you need a complete backend.
Choose PlanetScale
Best for
- You need or prefer MySQL specifically.
- You're building for massive scale (millions of users).
- Non-blocking schema migrations are critical.
- Horizontal sharding is required from day one.
Choose Supabase
Best for
- You prefer PostgreSQL and its ecosystem.
- You want an all-in-one backend (not just database).
- Open source and self-hosting are important.
- You need auth, storage, and functions included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I migrate from PlanetScale to Supabase (or vice versa)?
Yes, but MySQL and Postgres have different SQL dialects. You'll need to export data, adjust queries (different string functions, JSON handling), and modify schemas. Not trivial but doable.
Which is better for a startup?
Supabase is often better for startups due to: (1) lower cost ($25 vs $39/mo), (2) complete backend included, (3) faster time to market. Use PlanetScale if you specifically need MySQL or plan YouTube-scale growth.
Why doesn't PlanetScale support foreign keys?
Vitess (PlanetScale's sharding layer) doesn't support foreign keys because they require cross-shard coordination, breaking horizontal scaling. This is a trade-off for massive scale.
Which has better developer experience?
Supabase has better DX for most developers - one platform for everything. PlanetScale has excellent DX for database management (branching, deployments) but requires separate services for auth, storage, etc.
Can I self-host either?
Only Supabase. It's fully open source. PlanetScale is managed-only. If self-hosting is critical, Supabase is the only option.