Convex vs PocketBase
Pricing
Convex: Free tier, paid from $25/mo per member
PocketBase: Free and open source
Description
Convex: Reactive backend platform with real-time database, serverless functions, and automatic caching
PocketBase: Open source backend in a single file
Pros
- Real-time data sync out of the box with no extra config
- TypeScript-first with end-to-end type safety
- Generous free tier that scales to zero
- 100% free
- Single binary deployment
- Auth, DB, storage included
Cons
- Vendor lock-in with no self-hosting option
- Relatively new platform with a smaller community
- Not production-proven at scale
- Still pre-1.0
Details
Convex is a reactive backend platform where the database, server functions, and caching work together as one system. It handles real-time subscriptions, ACID transactions, and file storage without requiring separate infrastructure. The free Starter plan is pay-as-you-go with no base cost, making it practical for solo founders to prototype and launch without upfront commitment.
PocketBase is a complete backend in one executable file. SQLite database, auth, file storage, real-time subscriptions, admin dashboard: all included. Perfect for indie hackers who want to ship fast without managing infrastructure. Open source (MIT license).
Verified
