Which is cheaper, PlanetScale or SurrealDB?

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. SurrealDB has significant switching cost. PlanetScale is easier to switch away from.

Database

PlanetScale

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

Switching Cost: moderate

SurrealDB

Multi-model database with SQL-like query language, graph relations, and real-time subscriptions

Switching Cost: significant

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

You'll notice different pricing structures: flat-rate for PlanetScale versus usage-based for SurrealDB.

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

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

Free Tier

SurrealDB

Has a free tier option

Pricing Model

Different

Tools charge using different pricing philosophies

Switching Costs

PlanetScale

Lower switching costs for easier migration