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 | ||
| 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
Choose Appwrite if…
you want a free tier to start, and Appwrite Open-source backend-as-a-service providing databases, authentication, storage, serverless functions, and real-time APIs.
Appwrite review & pricingChoose Convex if…
you want a free tier to start, and Convex Reactive backend-as-a-service with a built-in database, real-time queries, serverless functions, and AI-powered app generation.
Convex review & pricingFrequently 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.
See more options in our guide to the best database tools for startups.
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