Convex vs PlanetScale for Solo Developers

Picking a database as a solo developer is one of those decisions that can either save you months of headaches or create them. Convex and PlanetScale both promise to take server management off your plate, but they approach the problem from completely different angles.

I have used both on side projects and production apps. Here is what actually matters when you are a one-person team trying to ship fast.

Convex Overview

Convex is a reactive backend platform that bundles your database, server functions, and real-time sync into one package. You define your schema in TypeScript, write queries and mutations as functions, and Convex handles the rest. There is no SQL involved. Everything is document-based and automatically reactive, meaning your frontend updates in real time without any extra WebSocket plumbing.

For solo developers, the appeal is clear. You skip writing API routes, setting up a database server, and wiring up real-time subscriptions. Your entire backend lives in a convex/ folder alongside your frontend code.

The free tier gives you 1M function calls and 1GB of storage, which covers most side projects comfortably.

PlanetScale Overview

PlanetScale is a serverless MySQL platform built on Vitess, the same technology that powers YouTube's database layer. It gives you a fully managed MySQL-compatible database with branching workflows similar to Git. You create branches to test schema changes, then merge them into production without downtime.

For solo developers, PlanetScale means you get a serious relational database without managing replication, backups, or connection pooling. The branching workflow is particularly nice when you want to experiment with schema changes safely.

PlanetScale's free tier was discontinued in 2024, so the entry point is their Scaler plan starting at $39/month. This is a meaningful consideration for solo developers on a budget.

Comparison Table

When to Pick Convex

Choose Convex if you are building something that benefits from real-time updates. Chat apps, collaborative tools, dashboards, or anything where multiple users need to see changes instantly. The developer experience is genuinely excellent. You define a function, call it from your React component, and the data stays in sync automatically.

It also makes sense if you want the fastest path from idea to deployed app. There is no separate API layer to build. No REST endpoints. No GraphQL schema. Just functions and a client.

Solo developers building SaaS products with Next.js or React will feel right at home. The TypeScript-first approach means your database queries are type-safe from end to end.

When to Pick PlanetScale

Choose PlanetScale if your data is inherently relational and you need the power of SQL. If you have complex joins, transactions across multiple tables, or reporting queries, a proper relational database is the right tool. PlanetScale gives you that without the operational burden of running MySQL yourself.

It is also the better choice if you want to avoid vendor lock-in. Your data model, queries, and migration history are all standard MySQL. If you ever need to move to self-hosted MySQL, Amazon RDS, or another provider, the migration is straightforward.

The branching workflow is a real differentiator for solo developers who iterate quickly on their schema. Instead of writing risky migration scripts, you test changes on a branch first.

Verdict

For most solo developers starting a new project in 2025, Convex gets you shipping faster. The integrated backend, real-time sync, and generous free tier mean you can validate ideas without spending anything. The trade-off is vendor lock-in and a non-standard data model.

PlanetScale is the stronger choice when your project demands relational data modeling or you need the flexibility to change providers later. The lack of a free tier makes it harder to justify for experiments, but for a serious product with revenue, $39/month is reasonable for a database you never have to manage.

If your app needs real-time features, start with Convex. If your app needs complex relational queries, go with PlanetScale. Both are solid choices that let you focus on building instead of managing infrastructure.