PlanetScale vs SQL Server

Serverless MySQL with branching meets the corporate database that loves windows and hates your budget. Here's our take.

PlanetScale

Nice Pick

Serverless MySQL with branching. DevOps for databases.

Pros

• Database branching
• Serverless
• No downtime deploys

Cons

• MySQL only
• No foreign keys
• Free tier removed

SQL Server

The corporate database that loves Windows and hates your budget.

Pros

• Excellent integration with Microsoft ecosystem (e.g., .NET, Azure)
• Strong security and compliance features out of the box
• Powerful business intelligence tools like SSRS and SSAS

Cons

• Licensing costs can be eye-watering for enterprise use
• Limited cross-platform support (primarily Windows-focused)

The Verdict

Use PlanetScale if: You want database branching and can live with mysql only.

Use SQL Server if: You prioritize excellent integration with microsoft ecosystem (e.g., .net, azure) over what PlanetScale offers.

The Bottom Line

PlanetScale wins

Serverless MySQL with branching. DevOps for databases.