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Pricing, plan names, free plan availability, and trial details are checked against official provider pages before being used in ProPicked scores. Vendor relationships do not change rankings, scores, or recommendations.
Provider Pricing Facts
Provider pricing facts: PlanetScale offers a free plan; Cloudways starts at $14/mo.
Source and Freshness Note
Source and freshness note: pricing, free-plan, and feature signals are compared from public provider data and updated comparison records. Last checked March 2026.
PlanetScale vs Cloudways: Honest Comparison (2026)
PlanetScale
Serverless MySQL-compatible database platform with branching
Cloudways
Managed cloud hosting platform that simplifies server management
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Quick Verdict:
PlanetScale wins with 8.6/10 vs 8.5/10. Choose PlanetScale for ease of use. Choose Cloudways for its unique strengths.
PlanetScale wins this comparison with a score of 8.6/10 vs 8.5/10. PlanetScale offers a free plan. PlanetScale stands out for database branching makes schema changes safe, while Cloudways excels at clear category fit:Cloudways is positioned for buyers comparing cloud hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.. This is confirmed by our feature analysis where PlanetScale also scores higher (7.3/10).
| Feature | PlanetScale | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.6/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 8.4/10 | 8.3/10 |
| Features | 8.5/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Value for Money | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
| Customer Support | 8.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Free Plan | Yes ✓ | No |
| Starting Price | $5/mo | $14/mo |
| Feature Score | 7.3/10 | 6.3/10 |
| Top Strength | Database branching makes schema changes safe | Clear category fit:Cloudways is positioned for buyers comparing cloud hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. |
| Biggest Weakness | Free tier was recently removed (now Hobby tier) | Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing. |
| Best For | Teams needing safe, non-blocking schema migrations | Is Cloudways free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. |
| Winner | PlanetScale (8.6/10) | |
What is PlanetScale?
Serverless MySQL-compatible database platform with branchingPlanetScale is a serverless database platform built on Vitess, the MySQL-compatible database system that powers YouTube. It offers database branching for schema migrations, non-blocking schema changes, read replicas, connection pooling, and automatic scaling, designed for teams that need a production-ready MySQL database without operational overhead.
- +Database branching makes schema changes safe
- +Non-blocking migrations avoid production downtime
- +Built on Vitess, proven at YouTube scale
- •Teams needing safe, non-blocking schema migrations
- •Applications requiring serverless database scaling
- •Developers who want Git-like workflow for databases
What is Cloudways?
Managed cloud hosting platform that simplifies server managementCloudways is a Hosting tool for teams evaluating cloud hosting software in 2026. Managed cloud hosting platform that simplifies server management ProPicked's review is based on provider-published pricing, plan limits, feature availability, and customer review signals rather than sponsorship placement. Provider data highlights regions, edge Locations, auto Scaling, load Balancing, cdn as tracked capabilities. The current rating is 8.5/10, with value, feature coverage, ease of use, and support considered separately so buyers can compare it against alternatives in the same category. Use this page to verify what Cloudways offers, where it is strongest, what trade-offs to check, and which competing tools may fit better before committing.
- +Clear category fit:Cloudways is positioned for buyers comparing cloud hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. A 3-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights regions, edge Locations, auto Scaling, load Balancing, cdn as tracked capabilities.
- •Is Cloudways free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score Cloudways?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
PlanetScale vs Cloudways: Key Differences
PlanetScale vs Cloudways: Quick Verdict
Decision Summary
Who wins in each scenario? A quick look at how PlanetScale and Cloudways compare across different buyer needs.
Both score 8.6/10 overall
Both score 8.2/10 on value
Both score 8.4/10 for ease of use
Both score 8.4/10 avg on features + support
Free plan available + 8.2/10 value
Free plan available vs $14/mo
Choose PlanetScale if you need...
- ✓Database branching makes schema changes safe
- ✓Non-blocking migrations avoid production downtime
- ✓Built on Vitess, proven at YouTube scale
- ✓A free plan to get started
- ✓Lower starting price ($5/mo vs $14/mo)
- !Free tier was recently removed (now Hobby tier)
- !No foreign key constraint support by default
Choose Cloudways if you need...
- ✓Clear category fit:Cloudways is positioned for buyers comparing cloud hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. A 3-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights regions, edge Locations, auto Scaling, load Balancing, cdn as tracked capabilities.
- !Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- !Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Cloudways against at least two alternatives.
Our Take: PlanetScale vs Cloudways
This is one of the closer matchups we've reviewed. PlanetScale (8.6/10) and Cloudways (8.5/10) are separated by just 0.1 points — practically a statistical tie. Your decision should come down to workflow fit, not scores.
Where they differ: PlanetScale's biggest strengths are database branching makes schema changes safe and non-blocking migrations avoid production downtime. Cloudways, on the other hand, shines with clear category fit:Cloudways is positioned for buyers comparing cloud hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives. and provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. A 3-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.. These reflect fundamentally different product priorities.
PlanetScale has a free plan, giving it a lower barrier to entry. If you're not sure yet, start there.
PlanetScale vs Cloudways Score Comparison
| Category | PlanetScale | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
🏆Overall Score | 8.6▲ | 8.5 |
💫Ease of Use | 8.4▲ | 8.3 |
⚙Features | 8.5▲ | 8.4 |
💰Value for Money | 8.2 | 8.2 |
💬Customer Support | 8.4 | ▲8.6 |
Why These Scores? Our Reasoning
- +Database branching makes schema changes safe
- +Non-blocking migrations avoid production downtime
- +Built on Vitess, proven at YouTube scale
- -Free tier was recently removed (now Hobby tier)
- -No foreign key constraint support by default
- +Clear category fit:Cloudways is positioned for buyers comparing cloud hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- +Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. A 3-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- +Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights regions, edge Locations, auto Scaling, load Balancing, cdn as tracked capabilities.
- -Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- -Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Cloudways against at least two alternatives.
PlanetScale vs Cloudways Pros & Cons
+Strengths
- ✓Database branching makes schema changes safe
- ✓Non-blocking migrations avoid production downtime
- ✓Built on Vitess, proven at YouTube scale
- ✓Serverless scaling handles traffic spikes automatically
-Weaknesses
- ✗Free tier was recently removed (now Hobby tier)
- ✗No foreign key constraint support by default
- ✗MySQL-only, no PostgreSQL option
+Strengths
- ✓Clear category fit:Cloudways is positioned for buyers comparing cloud hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
- ✓Provider-checked pricing context:No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data. A 3-day trial is listed for evaluation before purchase.
- ✓Feature coverage is documented:Provider data highlights regions, edge Locations, auto Scaling, load Balancing, cdn as tracked capabilities.
-Weaknesses
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Cloudways against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
Who Should Use PlanetScale vs Cloudways?
PlanetScale is ideal for
- •Teams needing safe, non-blocking schema migrations
- •Applications requiring serverless database scaling
- •Developers who want Git-like workflow for databases
Cloudways is ideal for
- •Is Cloudways free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data.
- •What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- •How does ProPicked score Cloudways?Ratings combine provider data, pricing checks, feature coverage, and public review signals across four dimensions.
- •Match the provider's published plan limits against your expected seats, projects, contacts, storage, or usage volume.
- •Check whether the features you need are included in the entry plan or require an upgrade.
When NOT to Choose PlanetScale or Cloudways
Knowing when a tool is the wrong fit is just as important as knowing its strengths
Skip PlanetScale if...
- ✗Free tier was recently removed (now Hobby tier)
- ✗No foreign key constraint support by default
- ✗MySQL-only, no PostgreSQL option
Skip Cloudways if...
- ✗Plan limits still need buyer verification:Always confirm usage caps, seat limits, and renewal pricing on the official provider site before purchasing.
- ✗Fit depends on workflow:Teams with complex integrations or strict compliance requirements should compare Cloudways against at least two alternatives.
- ✗Review signals can lag product changes:New feature launches and pricing updates may not be reflected in public user feedback immediately.
- ✗You need a free plan — PlanetScale has one, Cloudways doesn't
PlanetScale vs Cloudways Decision Framework
Choose based on what matters most to you
PlanetScale vs Cloudways Pricing
| Pricing Feature | PlanetScale | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Starting Price | $5/mo | $14/mo |
| Free Trial | Not available | 3 days |
| Number of Plans | 4 | 4 |
| Value Rating | 8.2/10 | 8.2/10 |
PlanetScale Plans
- ✓Non-HA database
- ✓Query Insights
- ✓Schema recommendations
- ✓3-node multi-AZ cluster
- ✓High availability
- ✓Automatic failover
- ✓Horizontal read scaling
- ✓Advanced branching
- ✓Production-ready
- ✓Custom pricing
- ✓Dedicated support
- ✓Volume discounts
Cloudways Plans
- ✓1GB RAM
- ✓1 vCPU
- ✓25GB SSD
- ✓1TB bandwidth
- ✓2GB RAM
- ✓1 vCPU
- ✓50GB SSD
- ✓2TB bandwidth
- ✓2GB RAM
- ✓2 vCPU
- ✓20GB SSD
- ✓Unlimited bandwidth
- ✓1.7GB RAM
- ✓1 vCPU
- ✓20GB SSD
- ✓Unlimited bandwidth
What You Get: Plan Feature Comparison
Comparing PlanetScale's Base HA ($30/mo) vs Cloudways's DigitalOcean 1GB ($14/mo)
| Feature | PlanetScale | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| 3-node multi-AZ cluster | ✓ | ✗ |
| High availability | ✓ | ✗ |
| Automatic failover | ✓ | ✗ |
| 1GB RAM | ✗ | ✓ |
| 1 vCPU | ✗ | ✓ |
| 25GB SSD | ✗ | ✓ |
| 1TB bandwidth | ✗ | ✓ |
Which Should You Choose?
PlanetScale
Cloudways
Quick Buyer's Guide
Based on our analysis, here's who each tool is best suited for
- ✓Teams needing safe, non-blocking schema migrations
- ✓Applications requiring serverless database scaling
- ✓Users who need database branching makes schema changes safe
- ✓Users who want a free plan to start with
- ✓Is Cloudways free?No permanent free plan is listed in the current provider data.
- ✓What should I verify before buying?Confirm current pricing, plan limits, cancellation terms, integrations, and support response expectations.
- ✓Users who need clear category fit:Cloudways is positioned for buyers comparing cloud hosting options, making it easier to benchmark against direct alternatives.
PlanetScale vs Cloudways: The Bottom Line
PlanetScale and Cloudways are dead even — this one comes down to personal preference.
Use PlanetScale if you need a scalable, branchable MySQL database with zero-downtime schema migrations. Choose Cloudways if you want managed cloud server hosting with easy setup across multiple infrastructure providers. With virtually identical scores, the best choice depends entirely on your workflow, budget, and which specific features you'll use daily.