Does PostgreSQL Work With PlanetScale?
PostgreSQL and PlanetScale cannot be used together—PlanetScale is MySQL-only and does not support PostgreSQL connections or dialects.
Quick Facts
How PostgreSQL Works With PlanetScale
PlanetScale is a serverless MySQL-compatible database platform built on Vitess. It exclusively supports the MySQL protocol and wire format, meaning PostgreSQL clients cannot connect to it directly. PostgreSQL uses its own wire protocol (pgwire) which is fundamentally incompatible with MySQL's protocol. While PlanetScale advertises MySQL compatibility for tools and ORMs, this compatibility layer only works for MySQL-speaking clients.
If you need PostgreSQL's advanced features (JSON operators, window functions, CTEs, native UUID support, superior ACID guarantees), you cannot use PlanetScale. Conversely, if you're already invested in PlanetScale's branching, automatic backups, and serverless scaling, you must use MySQL or a MySQL-compatible client library. There is no bridge or adapter that translates between these two fundamentally different database systems at the wire protocol level.
Why This Doesn't Work
npm install pgimport { Client } from 'pg';
// This will FAIL - PostgreSQL client cannot connect to PlanetScale
const client = new Client({
host: 'your-database.psdb.cloud',
port: 3306,
database: 'mydb',
user: 'user',
password: 'password',
ssl: true,
});
await client.connect();
// Error: protocol mismatch - PlanetScale speaks MySQL, not PostgreSQLKnown Issues & Gotchas
Protocol mismatch—PostgreSQL clients cannot authenticate or communicate with PlanetScale servers
Fix: Choose one database system. For serverless MySQL, use PlanetScale. For PostgreSQL serverless, use AWS RDS Aurora PostgreSQL Serverless, Neon, Supabase, or Vercel Postgres.
ORM confusion—some ORMs like Prisma support both PostgreSQL and MySQL, but the datasource must target one or the other, not both simultaneously
Fix: Explicitly configure your ORM's datasource URL to point to either PostgreSQL or MySQL, never try to use PlanetScale with PostgreSQL dialect.
Assuming PlanetScale's MySQL compatibility means it works with PostgreSQL tools
Fix: Verify that any integration you plan uses MySQL protocol, not PostgreSQL. Read PlanetScale's compatibility matrix carefully.
Alternatives
- •PostgreSQL + Neon: Full PostgreSQL support with serverless scaling and branching similar to PlanetScale
- •PostgreSQL + Supabase: PostgreSQL with managed hosting, real-time features, and a PlanetScale-like branching experience
- •MySQL + PlanetScale: Native compatibility with all PlanetScale features including automatic backups and horizontal scaling
Resources
Related Compatibility Guides
Explore more compatibility guides