Neon vs Convex
Neon is Serverless Postgres with autoscaling, branching, and a generous free tier for modern applications, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. The biggest difference up front: Convex is free, while Neon starts at $19/mo. Neon is built for developers who want serverless postgres with branching and scale-to-zero, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
| Feature | Neon | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| Autoscaling | ✓ | — |
| Branching | ✓ | — |
| File Storage | — | ✓ |
| Real-Time Sync | — | ✓ |
| Scale-to-Zero | ✓ | — |
| Scheduling | — | ✓ |
| Server Functions | — | ✓ |
| Serverless Postgres | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Convex is completely free (Free for small projects), which makes it the obvious pick if budget is the top concern. Neon starts at $19/mo, but Free tier with 0.5 GB storage and 190 compute hours. That cost buys you a more polished or feature-rich experience, so it comes down to whether the extras justify the spend.
Feature gaps: Neon offers Autoscaling, Branching and Scale-to-Zero that Convex lacks. Convex brings File Storage, Real-Time Sync and Scheduling that Neon does not have.
Team fit: Neon is geared toward any size 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: Neon 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: Neon's biggest strengths are: scale-to-zero means no cost when database is idle. database branching for development and preview environments. 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 Neon, users commonly note that cold starts when scaling from zero can add latency. With Convex, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.
choose Neon if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers who want serverless postgres with branching and scale-to-zero
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Autoscaling and Branching
- You care about database branching for development and preview environments
- Your team size fits the any size profile Neon is designed for
choose Convex if
- You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend
- Budget is a hard constraint — Convex is free, Neon is not
- 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
frequently asked
What is the difference between Neon and Convex?
Neon is Serverless Postgres with autoscaling, branching, and a generous free tier for modern applications, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. The biggest difference up front: Convex is free, while Neon starts at $19/mo. Neon is built for developers who want serverless postgres with branching and scale-to-zero, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
Should I use Neon or Convex?
Convex is the free option; Neon charges $19/mo but may offer more polish. Here is how they compare.
When should I choose Neon over Convex?
Choose Neon if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers who want serverless postgres with branching and scale-to-zero; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Autoscaling and Branching; You care about database branching for development and preview environments; Your team size fits the any size profile Neon is designed for.
When should I choose Convex over Neon?
Choose Convex if You need a tool built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend; Budget is a hard constraint — Convex is free, Neon is not; 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.
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