What is the difference between CockroachDB and Convex?

CockroachDB is best for Teams wanting distributed SQL that survives anything, while Convex is best for Full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend. CockroachDB starts at Free and Convex starts at Free.

Is CockroachDB or Convex cheaper?

CockroachDB starts at Free with a free tier. Convex starts at Free with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to Convex?

Both CockroachDB and Convex offer free tiers.

CockroachDB vs Convex

CockroachDB is Distributed SQL database designed for global scale, resilience, and strong consistency, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. CockroachDB is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. CockroachDB is built for teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.

At a glance

	CockroachDB	Convex
Best for	Teams wanting distributed SQL that survives anything	Full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	—
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	—
Distributed SQL	✓	—
File Storage	—	✓
Multi-Region	✓	—
PostgreSQL Compatible	✓	—
Real-Time Sync	—	✓
Scheduling	—	✓
Server Functions	—	✓
Serverless	✓	—

CockroachDB

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Distributed SQL as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
Free 10 GiB — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Enterprise-focused design means the interface can feel heavy for smaller teams
Ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller than the market leaders in database
Community support can be slower than the dedicated support teams at commercial alternatives

Try CockroachDB → Full review

Convex

Strengths

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
Free for small projects — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done
Includes file storage alongside the core feature set — fewer separate tools needed

Weaknesses

Free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade
Fewer built-in features means you may need additional tools to cover gaps
Ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller than the market leaders in database
Limited team/admin features if your organization eventually scales up

Try Convex → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. CockroachDB's free plan: Free 10 GiB. Convex's free plan: Free for small projects.

Feature gaps: CockroachDB offers Distributed SQL, Multi-Region and PostgreSQL Compatible that Convex lacks. Convex brings File Storage, Real-Time Sync and Scheduling that CockroachDB does not have.

Team fit: CockroachDB is geared toward enterprise 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: CockroachDB 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: CockroachDB's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes distributed sql 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 CockroachDB, 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 CockroachDB if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: teams wanting distributed sql that survives anything
You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
You specifically need Distributed SQL and Multi-Region
You care about includes distributed sql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
Your team size fits the enterprise profile CockroachDB is designed for

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
Your team size fits the small teams profile Convex is designed for
The free tier works for you: free for small projects