PlanetScale vs CockroachDB: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

PlanetScale is the better pick for high-scale MySQL workloads. CockroachDB is the better pick for globally distributed transactional workloads.

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At a Glance

Feature	PlanetScale	CockroachDB
Best For	High-scale MySQL workloads	Globally distributed transactional workloads
Pricing	Paid plans; free trial available	Free tier with paid plans
Free to Start	No	Yes
License	Proprietary	Source-available
Deployment	Managed cloud	Self-hosted or managed cloud
Link	Visit PlanetScale	Visit CockroachDB

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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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CockroachDB

Distributed SQL database with Postgres compatibility

Pros:

• Strong consistency across regions
• Survives node and region failures
• Postgres wire compatibility

Cons:

• Not fully Postgres compatible
• Higher latency for simple single-region workloads

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Key Differences

• Positioning: PlanetScale — database platform built on Vitess, now offering Postgres too. CockroachDB — distributed SQL database with Postgres compatibility.
• Licensing differs: PlanetScale is proprietary while CockroachDB is source-available.
• Deployment: PlanetScale — managed cloud. CockroachDB — self-hosted or managed cloud.
• CockroachDB 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. CockroachDB — strong consistency across regions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is PlanetScale better than CockroachDB?

It depends on your requirements. PlanetScale is a strong fit for high-scale MySQL workloads, while CockroachDB suits globally distributed transactional workloads.

Is PlanetScale free to use?

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

Is CockroachDB free to use?

Yes, you can start with CockroachDB for free. Pricing model: Free tier with paid plans.

Can I self-host PlanetScale or CockroachDB?

PlanetScale is offered as a managed service: managed cloud. CockroachDB can be self-hosted. Deployment options: self-hosted or managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of PlanetScale and CockroachDB?

PlanetScale: free Hobby tier was removed in 2024; premium pricing. CockroachDB: not fully Postgres compatible; higher latency for simple single-region workloads.