CockroachDB vs Convex
CockroachDB is Distributed SQL database designed for global scale, resilience, and strong consistency, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. CockroachDB is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. CockroachDB is built for teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
| Feature | CockroachDB | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| Distributed SQL | ✓ | — |
| File Storage | — | ✓ |
| Multi-Region | ✓ | — |
| PostgreSQL Compatible | ✓ | — |
| Real-Time Sync | — | ✓ |
| Scheduling | — | ✓ |
| Server Functions | — | ✓ |
| Serverless | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. CockroachDB's free plan: Free 10 GiB. Convex's free plan: Free for small projects.
Feature gaps: CockroachDB offers Distributed SQL, Multi-Region and PostgreSQL Compatible that Convex lacks. Convex brings File Storage, Real-Time Sync and Scheduling that CockroachDB does not have.
Team fit: CockroachDB is geared toward enterprise teams, while Convex is aimed at small teams teams. Pick the one that matches where your team is today and where it is headed — migrating tools later is always painful.
Open source: CockroachDB is open source, meaning you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in. Convex is proprietary — you are trusting the vendor with your data and uptime.
Where each tool shines: CockroachDB's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes distributed sql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows. Convex's biggest strengths are: includes real-time sync as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows. includes server functions as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows.
Watch out for: With CockroachDB, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With Convex, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose CockroachDB if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Distributed SQL and Multi-Region
- You care about includes distributed sql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
- Your team size fits the enterprise profile CockroachDB is designed for
choose Convex if
- You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend
- You specifically need File Storage and Real-Time Sync
- You care about includes server functions as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
- Your team size fits the small teams profile Convex is designed for
- The free tier works for you: free for small projects
frequently asked
What is the difference between CockroachDB and Convex?
CockroachDB is Distributed SQL database designed for global scale, resilience, and strong consistency, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. CockroachDB is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. CockroachDB is built for teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
Should I use CockroachDB or Convex?
CockroachDB gives you open source and self-hosting; Convex is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose CockroachDB over Convex?
Choose CockroachDB if Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Distributed SQL and Multi-Region; You care about includes distributed sql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows; Your team size fits the enterprise profile CockroachDB is designed for.
When should I choose Convex over CockroachDB?
Choose Convex if You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend; You specifically need File Storage and Real-Time Sync; You care about includes server functions as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows; Your team size fits the small teams profile Convex is designed for; The free tier works for you: free for small projects.
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