Convex is an open-source reactive backend platform for TypeScript developers, combining a transactional database, server functions, realtime sync, search, file storage, and AI agent tooling.
About
Convex is a reactive backend platform that bundles the core pieces of a modern application backend — database, server functions, workflow, realtime synchronization, search, and file storage — into a single TypeScript-based system. It addresses a familiar pain for app developers: stitching together separate services for data storage, APIs, caching, and live updates, then keeping their types and behavior consistent across the stack.
Developers write queries and mutations as TypeScript functions that run next to the data, and clients receive live updates automatically as the database changes, similar to how React components re-render on state changes. Convex provides ACID transactions, end-to-end type safety, and automatic caching and scaling. The company was founded by Jamie Turner and James Cowling, both formerly of Dropbox, where they worked on large-scale storage and database systems. Convex is open source, can be self-hosted, and offers a managed cloud with usage-based pricing.
Key Features
Pricing & Fees
- Pricing: A Free plan is available at $0/month with pay-as-you-go usage; Professional costs $25 per developer per month; Business & Enterprise starts at a $2,500 monthly minimum.
- Open source and self-hostable: The Convex code is open source on GitHub (23,867 stars at the time of this writing), and developers can self-host or develop locally.
- Free tier capabilities: Includes file storage, text and vector search, crons, auth, Node.js actions, preview deployments, and a selectable data region, with up to 40 deployments.
- Enterprise readiness: SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA support, RBAC and SSO, with "Convex in your VPC" listed as coming soon.
- Broad framework support: Quickstarts cover React, Next.js, Remix, Vue, Svelte, React Native, Python, Swift, Kotlin, Rust, and more.
Who It's For
Convex is aimed primarily at full-stack TypeScript developers and startup teams building production web and mobile applications, especially those pairing Next.js or Expo frontends with a managed backend. It also targets developers building AI-powered apps and agents, offering an MCP server, agent skills, and setup prompts for coding agents like Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor. Enterprise teams that need compliance certifications, SSO, and dedicated deployments fall under the Business & Enterprise plan, while hobbyists and indie builders can start on the free tier.
FAQ
What is Convex?Convex is an open-source, reactive backend platform where database queries are TypeScript functions that automatically update clients when data changes.
Is Convex free to use?Yes, Convex offers a free plan at $0/month with pay-as-you-go usage; paid plans start at $25 per developer per month, and Business & Enterprise begins at a $2,500 monthly minimum.
Can Convex be self-hosted?Yes, Convex is open source and supports self-hosting as well as local development.
How does Convex compare to Firebase or Supabase?Convex publishes dedicated comparison pages against Firebase, Supabase, and SQL on its official site; unlike typical BaaS products, its queries are typed TypeScript functions running in the database with reactive updates.
What security and compliance certifications does Convex hold?Convex is SOC 2 Type II certified and supports HIPAA, RBAC, and SSO on eligible plans, with a bring-your-own-cloud (BYOC) option listed as coming soon.
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