Side by side
Phinx vs Skeema
Both stand on database migration tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Self-hosted
Phinx provides migration and seeding workflows without requiring an ORM or framework. Its adapter range and command-line integration are useful, but the documented database limitations and credential-handling guidance deserve attention.
Visit Phinx
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Skeema focuses on schema changes and drift management for MySQL and MariaDB environments. Check the plan’s database coverage and the stated limits before choosing an edition.
Visit SkeemaThe facts
| Phinx | Skeema | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Self-hosted | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Skeema Cloud Linter: $649 a year |
| Plans published | 1 | 6 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | phinx.org | skeema.io |
| On database migration tools | #23 of 32 | #19 of 32 |
Phinx: what it does well
- Free and open-source
- Supports PHP and SQL migrations
- Runs migrations up or down
- Includes multiple database environments
- Integrates with deployment and CI tools
What to know first
- Requires PHP 8.1 or later
- Requires a 64-bit PHP version
- MySQL failures may leave partial migrations
- PostgreSQL unique constraints have a listed limitation
Skeema: what it does well
- Diff, lint, push, and pull commands
- Detects unsafe changes and checks generated ALTER statements
- Supports online alteration tools including gh-ost
- Can detect schema drift across shards
- Community plan costs nothing
What to know first
- Does not manage users, grants, roles, or global variables
- MariaDB sequences are not yet supported
- Community lists Linux and macOS only
- Rollback support: no