Upstash vs Convex
Upstash is Serverless Redis, Kafka, and QStash with per-request pricing for edge and serverless, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. Upstash is built for serverless developers wanting redis and kafka at the edge, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
| Feature | Upstash | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| Free tier available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open source | — | — |
| Edge | ✓ | — |
| File Storage | — | ✓ |
| Kafka | ✓ | — |
| QStash | ✓ | — |
| Real-Time Sync | — | ✓ |
| Scheduling | — | ✓ |
| Server Functions | — | ✓ |
| Serverless Redis | ✓ | — |
Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. Upstash's free plan: Free 10K commands/day. Convex's free plan: Free for small projects.
Feature gaps: Upstash offers Edge, Kafka and QStash that Convex lacks. Convex brings File Storage, Real-Time Sync and Scheduling that Upstash does not have.
Team fit: Both tools target small teams teams, so the decision hinges on features and workflow fit rather than scale.
Where each tool shines: Upstash's biggest strengths are: includes serverless redis as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows. includes kafka 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 Upstash, 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 Upstash if
- You need a tool built for serverless developers wanting redis and kafka at the edge
- You specifically need Edge and Kafka
- You care about includes kafka as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
- The free tier works for you: free 10k commands/day
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 Upstash and Convex?
Upstash is Serverless Redis, Kafka, and QStash with per-request pricing for edge and serverless, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. Upstash is built for serverless developers wanting redis and kafka at the edge, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.
Should I use Upstash or Convex?
Upstash is built for serverless developers wanting redis and kafka at the edge. Convex is built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend. Pick the one that fits.
When should I choose Upstash over Convex?
Choose Upstash if You need a tool built for serverless developers wanting redis and kafka at the edge; You specifically need Edge and Kafka; You care about includes kafka as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows; The free tier works for you: free 10k commands/day.
When should I choose Convex over Upstash?
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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