Which is cheaper, PlanetScale or PocketBase?

Pricing varies by tier and usage. Check both tools for current rates.

Does PlanetScale have a free tier?

No, PlanetScale does not have a free tier.

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

Database

PlanetScale

Managed MySQL-compatible and Postgres database platform with horizontal sharding via Vitess

Switching Cost: moderate

PocketBase

Open-source backend in a single Go binary with SQLite, auth, and realtime subscriptions

Switching Cost: drop-in

The free tier advantage goes to PocketBase, which offers a no-cost entry point that PlanetScale lacks.

For early-stage teams or experimental projects, PocketBase's free tier provides valuable runway without commitment.

For early-stage teams or experimental projects, PocketBase's free tier provides valuable runway without commitment.

Free Tier

PocketBase

Has a free tier option

Switching Costs

PocketBase

Lower switching costs for easier migration