Turso vs Convex
Turso is edge-hosted distributed database built on libSQL (SQLite fork) for ultra-low latency reads, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. Turso is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Turso is built for developers wanting sqlite at the edge, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
| Feature | Turso | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | ✓ | — |
| Branching | ✓ | — |
| Edge SQLite | ✓ | — |
| Embedded Replicas | ✓ | — |
| File Storage | — | ✓ |
| Multi-Region | ✓ | — |
| Real-Time Sync | — | ✓ |
| Scheduling | — | ✓ |
| Server Functions | — | ✓ |
Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. Turso's free plan: Free 9 GB total storage. Convex's free plan: Free for small projects.
Feature gaps: Turso offers Branching, Edge SQLite and Embedded Replicas that Convex lacks. Convex brings File Storage, Real-Time Sync and Scheduling that Turso 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: Turso 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: Turso's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes edge sqlite 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 Turso, 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 Turso if
- Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting sqlite at the edge
- You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
- You specifically need Branching and Edge SQLite
- You care about includes edge sqlite as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
- The free tier works for you: free 9 gb total storage
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
frequently asked
What is the difference between Turso and Convex?
Turso is edge-hosted distributed database built on libSQL (SQLite fork) for ultra-low latency reads, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. Turso is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Turso is built for developers wanting sqlite at the edge, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
Should I use Turso or Convex?
Turso gives you open source and self-hosting; Convex is a managed service. Which trade-off works for you?
When should I choose Turso over Convex?
Choose Turso if Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting sqlite at the edge; You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code; You specifically need Branching and Edge SQLite; You care about includes edge sqlite as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows; The free tier works for you: free 9 gb total storage.
When should I choose Convex over Turso?
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.
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