Database

Convex vs Xata: Which is Better in 2026?

Choosing between Convex and Xata? 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

Convex is the safer pick if budget matters — it has a free tier, while Xata does not. Choose Xata when its specific features justify the cost.

Convex vs Xata — Side by Side

ConvexXata
CategoryDatabaseDatabase
PricingFree · paid from $25/moFrom $0.012/mo
Starting priceFree tier availableFrom $0.012/mo
Free tier
Best forDatabase — backend, baasDatabase — postgres, 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
  • Postgres-compatible with modern DX
  • Instant branching is great for preview environments
  • Scale-to-zero keeps costs low
  • Built-in search without extra infra
  • Smaller ecosystem than Supabase
  • Less control than self-managed Postgres
  • Pricing can be hard to estimate initially

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 Xata if…

Xata Serverless relational database with branching, scale-to-zero compute, and built-in search.

Xata review & pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Convex better than Xata?

Convex is the safer pick if budget matters — it has a free tier, while Xata does not. Choose Xata when its specific features justify the cost.

What is the difference between Convex and Xata?

Convex — Reactive backend-as-a-service with a built-in database, real-time queries, serverless functions, and AI-powered app generation. Xata — Serverless relational database with branching, scale-to-zero compute, and built-in search. Both are database tools; the comparison table above breaks down pricing, free tiers, and what each is best for.

Convex vs Xata: which is cheaper?

Convex pricing: Free · paid from $25/mo. Xata pricing: From $0.012/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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