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PlanetScale
Serverless MySQL with Git-like schema branching — safe migrations without downtime, used by GitHub.
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About PlanetScale
PlanetScale is a serverless MySQL-compatible database platform built on Vitess (the technology that powers YouTube''s database). Its signature feature: Git-like database branching for safe schema migrations.
Deploy requests (schema migrations): create a branch, make schema changes, open a deploy request, review the changes, then merge — exactly like a GitHub pull request for database schema. Non-blocking schema changes: ALTER TABLE runs online without locking the table.
PlanetScale vs managed MySQL (RDS): RDS MySQL requires downtime for some ALTER TABLE operations. PlanetScale''s schema migrations are always non-blocking — the table stays fully available during any migration.
PlanetScale free tier: 5 GB storage, 1 billion row reads per month — one of the most generous database free tiers. Handles a moderately active SaaS indefinitely on the free tier.
Vitess: PlanetScale runs on Vitess, which powers YouTube (4 billion+ rows), Slack, and Square. Automatic sharding and read/write splitting are built-in.
Key Features
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Database branching: create branch, modify schema, open deploy request, merge without downtime
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Non-blocking DDL: all schema changes (ADD COLUMN, ADD INDEX) run online without table locks
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Connection pooler: built-in PlanetScale proxy handles connection management for serverless
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Insights: query analytics showing slow queries, row reads, and connection patterns
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Deploy requests: review schema changes with diff view before applying to production
Pros
- ✓Git-like schema branching: create a branch, change schema, open deploy request, merge safely
- ✓Non-blocking schema migrations: ALTER TABLE never locks the table or causes downtime
- ✓Free tier: 5 GB storage and 1 billion reads per month — handles a real SaaS indefinitely
- ✓Vitess foundation: the technology powering YouTube''s database, battle-tested at massive scale
- ✓Built-in connection pooling: handles serverless connection spikes without connection exhaustion
Cons
- ✗No foreign keys supported (Vitess limitation) — referential integrity must be enforced in application
- ✗PlanetScale''s 2024 free tier changes removed the Hobby plan — free tier is now more limited
- ✗MySQL-only: PostgreSQL users must use a different serverless option (Neon)
Who is using PlanetScale?
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SaaS products on MySQL who have experienced downtime from schema migrations
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Teams who want Git-like review workflows for database schema changes
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Applications with unpredictable traffic that need serverless connection pooling
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Startups who want a generous free tier for a MySQL database with room to scale
Use Cases
- →Branching database schema: create a branch, add an index, deploy without downtime via deploy request
- →Using PlanetScale''s connection pooler to handle serverless function connection spikes
- →Setting up a review workflow for database migrations that requires team approval before deploy
- →Running a Laravel or Rails application on PlanetScale with MySQL-compatible drivers
Pricing
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Free : $0/mo — 5 GB storage, 1B reads/month, Community support
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Scaler Pro : $39/mo — 10 GB storage, 10B reads/month, Priority support, Branches
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Enterprise : Custom — Unlimited storage, Custom read limits, SLA, Dedicated support
Pricing details may not be up to date. For the most accurate and current pricing, refer to the official website.
What Makes PlanetScale Unique?
The serverless MySQL platform with Git-like schema branching — non-blocking schema migrations that never lock tables, a generous free tier, and Vitess''s connection pooling for serverless environments.
How We Rated It
Free tier limits from PlanetScale pricing page July 2025. Non-blocking DDL behavior from PlanetScale documentation.
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Accuracy and Reliability 4.5/5
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Ease of Use 4.6/5
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Functionality and Features 4.5/5
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Performance and Speed 4.6/5
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Customer Support 4.3/5
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Value for Money 4.6/5
AI summary
Serverless MySQL with Git-like schema branching — safe migrations without downtime, used by GitHub.