Stack
Convex
A backend platform where database queries are TypeScript functions that push updates to the UI in real time.
What it actually does
Convex is a backend where you write your database queries and mutations as TypeScript functions, and any query automatically re-runs and pushes fresh data to subscribed clients. That gives you realtime UI updates without writing websocket or cache-invalidation code yourself.
The whole stack is TypeScript end to end, including server functions and schema, which lets a solo developer move fast on a collaborative or realtime app. The free Starter tier converts to pay-as-you-go past its included limits instead of hard-stopping, so growth does not knock the app offline.
The trade-offs are pricing and portability. The Professional plan is $25 per developer per month, so adding a co-founder or contractor doubles it to $50 before any usage. The database and query model are proprietary, so migrating off Convex means rewriting your data layer.
Convex vs its main rivals
The tools people actually weigh against Convex: Firebase, Supabase, InstantDB. Same criteria for every column, including where Convex loses.
| Convex |  Firebase |  Supabase | IInstantDB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pricing & access | ||||
| Free tier | Unknown1M calls, 0.5 GB | Unknown1 GiB, no pause | Unknown500 MB | UnknownGenerous |
| Starting price | $25/dev/mo | $0 PAYG | $25/mo | $0 / $30 |
| Charges per developer seat | YesPer dev | NoNo | NoFlat | NoNo |
Database & model | ||||
| Relational SQL / Postgres | NoProprietary | NoNoSQL | YesPostgres | UnknownTriple store |
| TypeScript end-to-end | YesYes | UnknownSDK | UnknownClient | YesYes |
| ACID transactions | YesYes | UnknownLimited | YesYes | UnknownPartial |
Realtime & sync | ||||
| Reactive queries | YesYes | YesYes | YesRealtime | YesYes |
| Optimistic / offline updates | YesYes | YesYes | UnknownManual | YesYes |
Bundled services | ||||
| Built-in auth | YesYes | YesYes | YesYes | YesYes |
Portability | ||||
| Self-host / open source | UnknownOSS beta | NoNo | YesYes | UnknownOSS |
- Reactive queries give realtime UI updates with no websocket or cache-invalidation code to write
- TypeScript end to end, including server functions and schema, so a solo developer moves fast
- Free tier converts to pay-as-you-go instead of hard-stopping, so growth does not take the app down
- Per-developer pricing: adding a co-founder or contractor doubles Pro to $50/mo before any usage
- Proprietary database and query model, so migrating off means rewriting the entire data layer
- No relational SQL, so apps that need ad-hoc joins fit the model awkwardly
Pay less for it
5 ways foundFree Starter bills usage past its limits rather than pausing, so you may never need Pro while small
Pro is $25 per developer; keeping to one seat keeps it at $25 instead of $50 at two
Convex is open source and can be self-hosted, removing the managed per-seat fee
Overages are $2 per million calls, so trimming redundant query subscriptions cuts the bill
InstantDB — InstantDB offers a similar realtime, client-first model without per-seat pricing, so a two-person team avoids the seat doubling
StackTracker tracks what you actually pay for Convex and every other tool, flags overpayment, and shows the dollars you would save by switching.
Is it the right tool for you
- You are a solo TypeScript developer building a realtime or collaborative app
- You want to skip writing websocket and cache-invalidation code
- You value development speed over data portability
- You will add teammates soon and want to avoid per-seat pricing → use Supabase
- You need standard SQL and an easy exit path → use Supabase
Track what Convex and the rest of your stack cost
StackTracker adds up every subscription, plus your hours, so you see the real number.
Prices and limits last verified 2026-07-20.