PocketBase vs PlanetScale
In-depth comparison of features, pricing structures, speed benchmarks, and team seat cost differentials for small businesses and SaaS founders.
PocketBase
PocketBase packs an embedded SQLite database, real-time subscriptions, file storage, user authentication, and an admin dashboard into a single portable binary that runs on a $4/mo VPS.
PlanetScale
PlanetScale is a serverless MySQL platform powered by Vitess. Features non-blocking schema branching, automated zero-downtime migrations, read replicas, and horizontal sharding.
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Interactive Team Savings Calculator
Adjust your team size to estimate monthly and annual cost differences.
Note: Pricing calculates base published tiers with per-seat adjustments where applicable.
Estimated Annual Savings: $2,340
You save roughly 100% every year switching to PocketBase.
Direct Feature Comparison
Detailed side-by-side capabilities and infrastructure support.
| Feature Specification | PocketBase | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Click Full Data Export data-ownership | Supported Single SQLite file backup | Not Available |
| Full API & Webhooks developer | Supported Instant REST API & JS/Dart SDKs | Supported Automated non-blocking schema branching |
| No Vendor Lock-In data-ownership | Supported MIT open-source license | Not Available |
| Self-Hostable / Open Source infrastructure | Supported Single standalone executable binary | Not Available |
Verified Pricing Breakdown
Official published tiers for PocketBase and PlanetScale.
PocketBase Plans Verified
100% Free Open Source
monthly
PlanetScale Plans Verified
Hobby Free
monthly
Scaler Tier
monthly
Enterprise Team
monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
Key differences and migration facts small business owners and founders ask about.
What is the main difference between PocketBase and PlanetScale?
PocketBase is an independent, agility-focused tool that emphasizes "Open-source backend in 1 single Go file with SQLite, Auth & Realtime", whereas PlanetScale is a legacy enterprise platform designed around "The world’s most advanced MySQL database platform".
Which is more affordable: PocketBase or PlanetScale?
Pricing depends on your team structure. PocketBase offers pricing starting at $0, while PlanetScale starts at $0. For small businesses and growing teams, agile tools typically reduce total expenditure by 60% to 80%.
Does PocketBase offer a free tier?
Yes, PocketBase provides a free tier or free plan for small businesses, teams, and solo founders.
Why do small businesses and SaaS founders switch from PlanetScale to PocketBase?
Teams switch to PocketBase to eliminate enterprise seat bloat, gain faster workflow speed, benefit from transparent pricing without sales calls, and maintain full data ownership.
Ready to test PocketBase?
Try PocketBase today and experience why modern fast-moving founders and small businesses are leaving bloated legacy suites behind.