Which is cheaper, Appwrite or PlanetScale Postgres?

PlanetScale Postgres is 5.0x cheaper than Appwrite. Appwrite starts at $0/mo, PlanetScale Postgres starts at $5/mo.

Does Appwrite have a free tier?

Yes, Appwrite offers a free tier with monthlyActiveUsers: 75000, projects: 2, bandwidthGB: 5, storageGB: 2, executionsPerMonth: 750000.

Appwrite has moderate switching cost. PlanetScale Postgres has drop-in switching cost. PlanetScale Postgres is easier to switch away from.

Database

Appwrite

Open-source backend-as-a-service platform with auth, databases, storage, and serverless functions

Switching Cost: moderate

← More affordable

Managed PostgreSQL with single-node or HA clustering options

Switching Cost: drop-in

The cost difference is substantial — Appwrite runs about 5.0x what PlanetScale Postgres charges.

Startups take note: Appwrite provides a free tier, while PlanetScale Postgres requires payment from day one.

Cost modeling varies: hybrid drives Appwrite pricing, while PlanetScale Postgres uses usage-based.

If budget is your primary constraint, PlanetScale Postgres is the clear winner with its more wallet-friendly pricing structure.

If budget is your primary constraint, PlanetScale Postgres is the clear winner with its more wallet-friendly pricing structure.

Price Difference

5.0x

PlanetScale Postgres is cheaper by $20/mo

Free Tier

Appwrite

Has a free tier option

Pricing Model

Different

Tools charge using different pricing philosophies

Switching Costs

PlanetScale Postgres

Lower switching costs for easier migration