Convex vs Neon: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Convex and Neon? 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 Convex and Neon are strong database choices. The right pick comes down to your specific feature needs, existing stack, and team preferences.
Convex vs Neon — Side by Side
| Convex | Neon | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Database | Database |
| Pricing | Free · paid from $25/mo | Free |
| Starting price | Free tier available | Free tier available |
| Free tier | ||
| Best for | Database — backend, baas | Database — postgresql, serverless |
Pros & Cons
- 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
- True serverless PostgreSQL
- Scale-to-zero reduces idle costs
- Instant database branching
- Excellent Vercel integration
- Great for preview environments
- Usage-based pricing can be unpredictable
- Not ideal for always-on heavy workloads
- Enterprise features are limited
Choose 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 & pricingChoose Neon if…
you want a free tier to start, and Neon Serverless PostgreSQL with autoscaling, branching, and usage-based pricing.
Neon review & pricingFrequently Asked Questions
Is Convex better than Neon?⌄
Both Convex and Neon are strong database choices. The right pick comes down to your specific feature needs, existing stack, and team preferences.
What is the difference between Convex and Neon?⌄
Convex — Reactive backend-as-a-service with a built-in database, real-time queries, serverless functions, and AI-powered app generation. Neon — Serverless PostgreSQL with autoscaling, branching, and usage-based pricing. Both are database tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.
Convex vs Neon: which is cheaper?⌄
Convex pricing: Free · paid from $25/mo. Neon pricing: Free. 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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