PlanetScale vs Cloudflare D1: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

PlanetScale is the better pick for high-scale MySQL workloads. Cloudflare D1 is the better pick for Cloudflare Workers apps that need a SQL database.

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At a Glance

Feature	PlanetScale	Cloudflare D1
Best For	High-scale MySQL workloads	Cloudflare Workers apps that need a SQL database
Pricing	Paid plans; free trial available	Free tier, then usage-based pricing
Free to Start	No	Yes
License	Proprietary	Proprietary
Deployment	Managed cloud	Managed cloud
Link	Visit PlanetScale	Visit Cloudflare D1

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Detailed Breakdown

PlanetScale

Database platform built on Vitess, now offering Postgres too

Pros:

• Vitess-powered horizontal scaling
• Non-blocking schema changes
• Database branching

Cons:

• Free Hobby tier was removed in 2024
• Premium pricing

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Cloudflare D1

Serverless SQLite database on Cloudflare

Pros:

• Native Workers bindings
• Free tier included
• Global read replication

Cons:

• Per-database size limits
• Tied to the Cloudflare platform

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Key Differences

• Positioning: PlanetScale — database platform built on Vitess, now offering Postgres too. Cloudflare D1 — serverless SQLite database on Cloudflare.
• Both share the same licensing model (proprietary), so the decision comes down to features and workflow fit.
• Cloudflare D1 can be started for free, while PlanetScale requires a paid plan. PlanetScale pricing: paid plans; free trial available.
• Signature strength: PlanetScale — vitess-powered horizontal scaling. Cloudflare D1 — native Workers bindings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is PlanetScale better than Cloudflare D1?

It depends on your requirements. PlanetScale is a strong fit for high-scale MySQL workloads, while Cloudflare D1 suits Cloudflare Workers apps that need a SQL database.

Is PlanetScale free to use?

PlanetScale does not have a permanent free plan. Pricing model: Paid plans; free trial available.

Is Cloudflare D1 free to use?

Yes, you can start with Cloudflare D1 for free. Pricing model: Free tier, then usage-based pricing.

Can I self-host PlanetScale or Cloudflare D1?

PlanetScale is offered as a managed service: managed cloud. Cloudflare D1 is offered as a managed service: managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of PlanetScale and Cloudflare D1?

PlanetScale: free Hobby tier was removed in 2024; premium pricing. Cloudflare D1: per-database size limits; tied to the Cloudflare platform.