Appwrite vs Convex: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Appwrite and Convex? Both are popular database tools. Below we compare them on pricing, free tiers, features, and pros & cons so you can pick the right fit for your stack.
Quick verdict
Both Appwrite and Convex are strong database choices. The right pick comes down to your specific feature needs, existing stack, and team preferences.
Appwrite vs Convex — Side by Side
| Appwrite | Convex | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Database | Database |
| Pricing | Free · paid from $25/mo | Free · paid from $25/mo |
| Starting price | Free tier available | Free tier available |
| Free tier | ||
| Rating | 4.6 | 4.7 |
| Best for | Database — backend, baas | Database — backend, baas |
Pros & Cons
- Fully open-source and self-hostable
- Broad feature set (auth, DB, storage, functions)
- Good real-time and messaging support
- Multi-language SDKs
- Strong community and GitHub activity
- Operational complexity when self-hosted
- Managed offering less mature than competitors
- Some advanced features only in Pro or Enterprise
- Excellent real-time data model
- Very fast developer iteration
- TypeScript-first backend
- Built-in cron, auth, and storage
- AI-assisted app generation
- Pricing is per-developer at scale
- Less control than self-managed databases
- Ecosystem smaller than traditional databases
Key Features Compared
Appwrite
- Unlimited sites
- 5 GB API bandwidth per month
- 2 GB storage
- 750K function executions per month
- 75K monthly active users
- 1 database per project
Convex
- 1–6 developers
- 40 deployments
- Chef AI app generation
- Real-time database with indexes
- Text search and vector search
- File storage
Choose Appwrite if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- Fully open-source and self-hostable
- Broad feature set (auth, DB, storage, functions)
- Good real-time and messaging support
Choose Convex if…
- You want a free tier to validate before paying.
- Excellent real-time data model
- Very fast developer iteration
- TypeScript-first backend
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Appwrite better than Convex?⌄
Both Appwrite and Convex are strong database choices. The right pick comes down to your specific feature needs, existing stack, and team preferences.
What is the difference between Appwrite and Convex?⌄
Appwrite — Open-source backend-as-a-service providing databases, authentication, storage, serverless functions, and real-time APIs. Convex — Reactive backend-as-a-service with a built-in database, real-time queries, serverless functions, and AI-powered app generation. Both are database tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.
Appwrite vs Convex: which is cheaper?⌄
Appwrite pricing: Free · paid from $25/mo. Convex pricing: Free · paid from $25/mo. Confirm current pricing on each tool's official site, as plans change.
Which is rated higher, Appwrite or Convex?⌄
In our catalog, Appwrite rates 4.6 out of 5 and Convex rates 4.7 out of 5, so Convex has a slight edge on reviews.
See more options in our guide to the best database tools for startups.
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