Database

Convex vs Turso: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between Convex and Turso? 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 are solid database options. Turso is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.

Convex vs Turso — Side by Side

ConvexTurso
CategoryDatabaseDatabase
PricingFree · paid from $25/moFree · paid from $4.99/mo
Starting priceFree tier availableFree tier available
Free tier
Best forDatabase — backend, baasDatabase — sqlite, libsql

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
  • Great for database-per-tenant SaaS
  • Generous free tier
  • Edge/low-latency reads
  • SQLite-compatible (libSQL)
  • SQLite model differs from Postgres
  • Smaller ecosystem than Postgres

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 & pricing

Choose Turso if…

you want a free tier to start, and Turso Edge SQLite (libSQL) database built for the database-per-tenant pattern, with a generous free tier.

Turso review & pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Convex better than Turso?

Both are solid database options. Turso is cheaper to start, but the right choice depends on the specific features and integrations you need.

What is the difference between Convex and Turso?

Convex — Reactive backend-as-a-service with a built-in database, real-time queries, serverless functions, and AI-powered app generation. Turso — Edge SQLite (libSQL) database built for the database-per-tenant pattern, with a generous free tier. Both are database tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.

Convex vs Turso: which is cheaper?

Convex pricing: Free · paid from $25/mo. Turso pricing: Free · paid from $4.99/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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