Convex
Database/BaaS
A serverless TypeScript backend platform with realtime data, functions, database, file storage, and app logic.
Starter cost
$0 entry
Card required
No
Always-on
Supported
Billing risk
low
Category
Database/BaaS
Cost range
Free developer tier plus paid usage-based plans for production scale
Free tier details
Convex has a free developer entry point, but production workloads need current plan and usage-limit checks.
Database fit
Convex fits Backend database workloads, with the exact storage, compute, and quota story depending on the current plan.
- Best database use
- Realtime apps, TypeScript backend logic, serverless database-backed apps
- Check before launch
- Verify backups, storage quotas, connection limits, regions, and whether a separate database provider is needed.
Stress-test Convex before you pick it
Answer a short provider-specific form, then run the full bill-risk simulator with your scenario prefilled.
Fit summary
Convex is strongest as the data/backend layer for an app, not necessarily as the only place your app runs. Pair it with an app host when you need general web services.
Best fit
Realtime apps, TypeScript backend logic, serverless database-backed apps
Deployment model
Managed backend/data service that pairs with a separate frontend or app host.
Operations owner
The provider operates the data layer; you still own app integration, quotas, and access control.
Billing model
Free entry is possible, but production cost depends on quotas, usage, and upgrade path; it has a no-card starter path.
Runtime fit
Node.js API, Worker, Database
Data fit
Backend database
Budget fit
Free, Under $25, Custom
Region strategy
Best suited to US and Europe workloads.
Choose this if
- Realtime apps
- Integrated backend and database
- You want a beginner path that can start without adding a card.
Think twice if
- Different data model than Postgres-first apps
- Verify free tier quotas, team/project limits, and production usage pricing.
- You need long-running processes or infrastructure behavior outside this provider's runtime model.
Decision checks
Use these notes as a launch checklist, not a final pricing promise. Verify live provider limits before moving real users.
Strengths
- Integrated backend and database
- realtime-first
- strong TypeScript workflow
Watch outs
- Different data model than Postgres-first apps
- vendor-specific backend runtime
- Verify free tier quotas, team/project limits, and production usage pricing.
Before launch
- Confirm the no-card starter path still exists before relying on it.
- Check the current free-tier quotas, sleep behavior, and upgrade trigger.
- Verify database storage, backups, connection limits, and whether the database is bundled or external.
- Confirm always-on services, workers, and cron jobs are included in the plan you choose.