
Convex
A reactive backend where queries and mutations are TypeScript functions and clients update live.
- Verified facts
- 4 of 4
- Alternatives ranked
- 5
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- 0
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About Convex
Convex is a backend platform built around a transactional document database and server functions written in TypeScript. Instead of writing SQL or REST endpoints, you write query and mutation functions that run next to the data; client libraries for React and other frameworks subscribe to queries, so the interface updates automatically when data changes. File storage, scheduled jobs, text and vector search, auth integrations and a growing library of reusable components are included. Because everything is code with end-to-end types, it works well with AI coding tools, and Convex leans into that. The backend is open source and can be self-hosted, though most teams use the managed cloud. Pricing has a free tier and a pay-as-you-go Starter option for small projects, then a Professional plan charged per developer with higher limits and team features. The trade-off is a programming model specific to Convex, so moving away means rewriting your data layer.
Best for: TypeScript teams building realtime apps who want the backend to be just functions.
Pros and cons
What works
- Live-updating queries without writing websocket code
- End-to-end TypeScript types from database to UI
- Free tier plus pay-as-you-go for small projects
Why people leave
- Proprietary programming model makes migrating away costly
- Per-developer pricing on the Professional plan
- Self-hosting is possible but less documented than the cloud
Top Convex alternatives
See all 5- 1
Firebase66.5Realtime sync with a far bigger ecosystem and mobile tooling.
- 2
Supabase62.6SQL and Postgres if you prefer a standard database you can take elsewhere.
- 3
InstantDB59.6Similar realtime, client-first model with an open-source engine you can self-host.
- 4
Appwrite57.2Open-source backend with conventional REST and SDK APIs instead of a custom model.
- 5
Gadget55.3Another TypeScript-centric hosted backend with built-in hosting and integrations.
Why people left Convex
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Convex: common questions
Is Convex free?
Convex has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: Free or $0/month plus pay as you go (checked on Convex's own site).
Is Convex open source?
Yes. The source code is on GitHub at get-convex/convex-backend. You can also run it on your own server.
What platforms does Convex run on?
Convex is available for Web and Self-hosted.
What are the best alternatives to Convex?
The highest-ranked Convex alternatives right now are Firebase, Supabase and InstantDB. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.