Scores
About
Convex is a full-stack backend platform that combines a document database, backend functions, and real-time synchronisation into a single hosted system. Founded in 2021 by former Facebook engineers, it positions itself as a "backend in a box" — replacing the traditional stack of database + REST API + hosting + realtime layer with a single TypeScript-native service.
Queries, mutations, and actions are the three function types. Queries are read-only and automatically cached and reactive — when underlying data changes, all connected clients re-run their queries and update in real-time. Mutations write data transactionally (ACID-compliant). Actions handle side effects like third-party API calls. All three are written in TypeScript and deployed instantly with npx convex deploy.
The database is document-based with automatic indexing and end-to-end type safety from schema definition through to the React hooks that query it — no separate API layer or type generation step required. Convex also includes file storage with CDN delivery, built-in vector search for AI/RAG workloads, and scheduled functions (cron jobs). Cloud-only; no self-hosting option.
Key Features
- Unified backend: database, functions, and real-time sync
- End-to-end TypeScript with automatic type inference
- Real-time data synchronization without websockets code
- Automatic caching with smart invalidation
- Built-in vector search for AI/ML applications
- File storage with CDN included
- Instant global deployments
- Cron jobs and background tasks
Pros
- Incredible developer experience for frontend developers
- Real-time updates work automatically—no complex websocket code
- TypeScript throughout reduces bugs and improves DX
- Fast to iterate with instant deployments
- Vector search built-in for AI applications
- Generous free tier for hobby projects
- No infrastructure to manage
- Great documentation and examples
Cons
- Vendor lock-in—no self-hosting option
- Not suitable for all workloads
- Newer platform with smaller community
- Cold starts on free tier can be slow
- Limited control over infrastructure
- Pricing can get expensive at scale
- Learning curve for Convex-specific patterns
- Limited ecosystem of third-party integrations
Pricing
Freemium- · 500 MB storage
- · 1M function calls/month
- · Real-time sync
- · For side projects
- · 10 GB storage
- · 10M function calls/month
- · Priority support
- · For production apps
- · 100 GB storage
- · 100M function calls/month
- · SSO
- · For teams
- · Custom limits
- · SLA guarantee
- · Dedicated support
- · Contact for pricing
Possible Stacks
Convex + Next.js
ProjectFull-stack Next.js app with Convex as the reactive backend — real-time database, authentication, and server functions all in one platform.
Convex + React
ProjectReact single-page application with Convex as the reactive backend — real-time data sync and serverless functions without infrastructure management.
Related Tools
Works well with (2)
Alternative to (6)
Learning Resources
No resources yet — check back soon.
