PlanetScale vs Supabase: MySQL Platform vs PostgreSQL BaaS
PlanetScale provides serverless MySQL with schema branching. Supabase is a PostgreSQL-based full backend platform. PlanetScale for MySQL at scale; Supabase for a complete backend.
Last updated: 2026-03
In This Comparison
300%+ average ROI from custom software within three years of deployment
Source: Forrester 2024
3-10x faster development speed when using AI coding assistants
Source: McKinsey 2025
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | PlanetScale | Supabase |
|---|---|---|
| Database | MySQL (Vitess) | PostgreSQL |
| Pricing | $39/mo | $25/mo |
| Scope | Database only | Full backend |
| Best For | MySQL at scale | Complete backend needs |
| Branching | Schema branching | Not built-in |
PlanetScale
- Database
- MySQL (Vitess)
- Pricing
- $39/mo
- Scope
- Database only
- Best For
- MySQL at scale
- Branching
- Schema branching
Supabase
- Database
- PostgreSQL
- Pricing
- $25/mo
- Scope
- Full backend
- Best For
- Complete backend needs
- Branching
- Not built-in
Winner by Category
Best for Backend
SupabaseComplete platform with auth, storage, functions
Best for Mysql
PlanetScaleBest serverless MySQL with proven Vitess scaling
Best Value
SupabaseMore value at lower price with full backend included
Our Recommendation
Choose Supabase for a complete backend platform. Pick PlanetScale specifically for serverless MySQL with schema branching.
“The best tool depends on what you are building and how you work. There is no universal winner. Pick the one that fits your workflow and budget, then ship something.”
When to Choose Each Tool
Choose Supabase
Need a complete backend with auth, storage, and database
Choose PlanetScale
Specifically need MySQL with schema branching at scale
Overview
PlanetScale and Supabase are both popular database platforms but differ in scope. PlanetScale provides serverless MySQL powered by Vitess with git-like schema branching. Supabase is a complete backend platform built on PostgreSQL with auth, storage, edge functions, and real-time subscriptions included. PlanetScale is a database; Supabase is a backend.
Choosing Between Them
If you need MySQL specifically or want Vitess-powered horizontal scaling, PlanetScale is the right choice. If you want a complete backend with PostgreSQL, choose Supabase. For most new projects, Supabase provides more value because you get a database plus auth, storage, and functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which scales better?
PlanetScale, powered by Vitess (which scales YouTube), handles extreme MySQL workloads. Supabase scales well but PlanetScale has a stronger story at massive scale.
Can I add auth to PlanetScale?
PlanetScale is database-only. You need a separate auth service. Supabase includes auth as part of the platform.
Which is cheaper to start?
Supabase at $25/month with a full backend is better value than PlanetScale at $39/month for database only.
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