Convex vs EdgeDB
Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage, while EdgeDB is modern database with a powerful query language, built-in auth, and schema-first design. EdgeDB is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Convex is built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend, whereas EdgeDB targets developers wanting a modern relational database with better dx.
| Feature | Convex | EdgeDB |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | ✓ |
| Built-In Auth | — | ✓ |
| EdgeQL | — | ✓ |
| File Storage | ✓ | — |
| Migrations | — | ✓ |
| Real-Time Sync | ✓ | — |
| Scheduling | ✓ | — |
| Schema-First | — | ✓ |
| Server Functions | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. Convex's free plan: Free for small projects. EdgeDB's free plan: Free 1 GB.
Feature gaps: Convex offers File Storage, Real-Time Sync and Scheduling that EdgeDB lacks. EdgeDB brings Built-In Auth, EdgeQL and Migrations that Convex does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target small teams teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Open source: EdgeDB 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: 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. EdgeDB's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes edgeql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows.
Watch out for: With Convex, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With EdgeDB, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
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
- The free tier works for you: free for small projects
choose EdgeDB if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a modern relational database with better dx
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Built-In Auth and EdgeQL
- You care about includes edgeql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
- The free tier works for you: free 1 gb
frequently asked
What is the difference between Convex and EdgeDB?
Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage, while EdgeDB is modern database with a powerful query language, built-in auth, and schema-first design. EdgeDB is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Convex is built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend, whereas EdgeDB targets developers wanting a modern relational database with better dx.
Should I use Convex or EdgeDB?
EdgeDB gives you open source and self-hosting; Convex is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Convex over EdgeDB?
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; The free tier works for you: free for small projects.
When should I choose EdgeDB over Convex?
Choose EdgeDB if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a modern relational database with better dx; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Built-In Auth and EdgeQL; You care about includes edgeql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows; The free tier works for you: free 1 gb.
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