Database Review

PlanetScale Review: Serverless MySQL database with branching, non-blocking schema changes, and unlimited scalability.

PlanetScale makes database branching feel like Git branching — create a branch, apply schema changes, review, and deploy. For teams doing frequent schema migrations, this is transformative. The recent removal of the free tier hurt, but it was reinstated with limits.

Best for

Teams wanting MySQL-compatible serverless database with database branching workflows.

Pricing

Free (1 DB, 1B rows read/mo) + Scaler $39/mo

Rating

4.3/5

Pros

  • Database branching is game-changing

  • Non-blocking schema migrations

  • Excellent dashboard and CLI

  • Built on Vitess (battle-tested at YouTube scale)

Cons

  • Free tier is limited

  • No foreign key support (by design)

  • MySQL only, no PostgreSQL

Verdict

PlanetScale is worth considering if your priority is: Teams wanting MySQL-compatible serverless database with database branching workflows.

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