PlanetScale vs Turso: Head-to-Head Comparison

Quick Verdict

PlanetScale is the better pick for high-scale MySQL workloads. Turso is the better pick for apps that want SQLite close to users or per-tenant databases.

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At a Glance

Feature	PlanetScale	Turso
Best For	High-scale MySQL workloads	Apps that want SQLite close to users or per-tenant databases
Pricing	Paid plans; free trial available	Free tier with paid plans
Free to Start	No	Yes
License	Proprietary	Open-core
Deployment	Managed cloud	Managed cloud
Link	Visit PlanetScale	Visit Turso

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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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Turso

Hosted SQLite built on libSQL

Pros:

• SQLite compatibility
• Embedded replicas for low-latency reads
• Many databases per account

Cons:

• SQLite limits on heavy concurrent writes
• Younger platform

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Key Differences

• Positioning: PlanetScale — database platform built on Vitess, now offering Postgres too. Turso — hosted SQLite built on libSQL.
• Licensing differs: PlanetScale is proprietary while Turso is open-core.
• Turso 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. Turso — SQLite compatibility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is PlanetScale better than Turso?

It depends on your requirements. PlanetScale is a strong fit for high-scale MySQL workloads, while Turso suits apps that want SQLite close to users or per-tenant databases.

Is PlanetScale free to use?

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

Is Turso free to use?

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

Can I self-host PlanetScale or Turso?

PlanetScale is offered as a managed service: managed cloud. Turso is offered as a managed service: managed cloud.

What are the main drawbacks of PlanetScale and Turso?

PlanetScale: free Hobby tier was removed in 2024; premium pricing. Turso: SQLite limits on heavy concurrent writes; younger platform.