Databases and backend · ranked 03
Convex
A reactive backend: queries, mutations, and functions in TypeScript.
Best for A TypeScript backend with realtime built in
Convex is a backend platform where your database queries and server functions are TypeScript and the client updates reactively. Use it when you want end-to-end TypeScript and realtime without wiring Postgres and a websocket yourself. Pricing: check site.
Best use cases
- Collaborative or realtime web apps
- A backend that lives in the same language as the UI
- Skipping a separate API layer
Pros
- + Types run from the database functions to the client
- + Realtime is the default, not a feature you add
- + Less infrastructure to assemble
Cons
- − It is not Postgres, so the exit is a rewrite of the data layer
- − Pricing: check site
Pricing
Free developer allowance and paid plans have been offered. Current prices: check site.
Alternatives
Databases and backend
8.5
Supabase
Postgres, auth, storage, and realtime in one project.
Best for Postgres plus auth for an indie app
Databases and backend
7.4
Firebase
Google's backend platform: Auth, Firestore, storage, and hosting.
Best for A document backend with Google's SDKs
Databases and backend
8.0
Neon
Serverless Postgres that branches like a git repo.
Best for Serverless Postgres, including a database per preview