Amazon Web Services (AWS) vs PlanetScale
Updated June 2026 · A structured head-to-head comparison.
The world's most comprehensive cloud.
The database for scale (MySQL/Postgres).
The verdict
Both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and PlanetScale are credible web hosting tools, and the right pick comes down to your priorities.
Choose Amazon Web Services (AWS) if you want a lower starting price (free) and a free plan to start on. The world's most comprehensive cloud.
PlanetScale — The database for scale (MySQL/Postgres).
Amazon Web Services (AWS) vs PlanetScale: side by side
| Dimension | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | PlanetScale |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | FreeWinner | From $39/mo |
| Free plan | YesWinner | No |
| Pricing model | Usage-based | Subscription |
| Best for | Enterprise, Developers | Developers, High Scale Apps |
| Platforms | Web, Api | Web, Api |
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
Amazon Web Services (AWS) key facts
- Vendor
- Amazon
- Pricing
- Usage-based — Free
- Free tier
- Yes
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Enterprise, Developers
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2006
- Headquarters
- Seattle, WA, USA
PlanetScale key facts
- Vendor
- PlanetScale
- Pricing
- Subscription — From $39/mo
- Free tier
- No
- Platforms
- Web, Api
- Best for
- Developers, High Scale Apps
- Editor rating
- 4.5 / 5
- Founded
- 2018
- Headquarters
- Mountain View, CA, USA
Frequently asked questions
Is Amazon Web Services (AWS) better than PlanetScale?
Neither is universally better — Amazon Web Services (AWS) edges ahead on overall rating, but the best choice depends on price, platforms, and your use case. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Amazon Web Services (AWS) or PlanetScale cheaper?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the more affordable of the two to get started, at free. Amazon Web Services (AWS) starts at free; PlanetScale starts at from $39/mo.
Can Amazon Web Services (AWS) replace PlanetScale?
Yes for most teams — both are web hosting tools with heavily overlapping features. The main trade-offs are pricing and platform support, covered in the comparison above.