2026 Buyer's Guide
Best Database Hosting Services
We compared six leading database hosting services options on features, ease of use, integrations, support quality, and pricing for SMB buyers.
#1 Pick
PlanetScale
Serverless MySQL
Best developer UX for branching and scaling MySQL.
Free tier available
See pricing & plans →All providers in this guide
Full rankings
| # | Provider | Category | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PlanetScale | DB hosting | Free tier available | 9.0 | Visit → |
| 2 | PlanetScale Alternative A | Alternative | From $29/mo | 7.8 | Visit → |
| 3 | PlanetScale Alternative B | Budget | From $19/mo | 8.1 | Visit → |
| 4 | PlanetScale Alternative C | Enterprise | From $49/mo | 7.2 | Visit → |
| 5 | PlanetScale Alternative D | Free tier | Free tier available | 7.5 | Visit → |
| 6 | PlanetScale Alternative E | Specialized | From $99/mo | 7.8 | Visit → |
Score breakdown — top 4
PlanetScale
Free tier available
- Scaling
- Branching
- Backups
- Observability
- Value
PlanetScale Alternative A
From $29/mo
- Scaling
- Branching
- Backups
- Observability
- Value
PlanetScale Alternative B
From $19/mo
- Scaling
- Branching
- Backups
- Observability
- Value
PlanetScale Alternative C
From $49/mo
- Scaling
- Branching
- Backups
- Observability
- Value
How we tested
- We evaluated 6 leading products using hands-on trials and published pricing.
- Scores are weighted across the criteria in each guide.
- Affiliate links may appear; rankings are not pay-to-play.
Providers are listed with outbound links for reader convenience. Rankings reflect our weighted scoring rubric. Some links are affiliate or sponsored where noted. We also publish extended reviews on partner properties when noted.
In-depth reviews
PlanetScale
Serverless MySQL
PlanetScale performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Best developer UX for branching and scaling MySQL.
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Best developer UX for branching and scaling MySQL.
See pricing & plans →PlanetScale Alternative A
Strong competitor
PlanetScale Alternative A performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Strong competitor
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Strong competitor
Visit PlanetScale →PlanetScale Alternative B
Budget option
PlanetScale Alternative B performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Budget option
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Budget option
Visit PlanetScale →PlanetScale Alternative C
Enterprise option
PlanetScale Alternative C performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Enterprise option
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Enterprise option
Visit PlanetScale →PlanetScale Alternative D
Free tier option
PlanetScale Alternative D performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Free tier option
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Free tier option
Visit PlanetScale →PlanetScale Alternative E
Specialized option
PlanetScale Alternative E performed well in our 2026-07-04 test cycle. Specialized option
Pros
- Strong feature set
- Good documentation
- Reliable uptime
Cons
- Learning curve
- Price increases at scale
Best for: Specialized option
Visit PlanetScale →FAQ
- How often is this guide updated?
- Quarterly. This edition: 2026-07-04.
- Do you accept payment for placement?
- No. Rankings reflect our scoring rubric.
The verdict
For most buyers in this category, PlanetScale offers the best balance of features, value, and ease of use.
Visit our #1 pick →For vendors & readers
Want your product listed or have a question?
Vendors can request consideration for future guide updates. Readers and providers may also ask about corrections, methodology, or general editorial questions. Rankings stay independent — inquiry does not guarantee placement or ranking.