What is the difference between Convex and EdgeDB?

Convex is best for Full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend, while EdgeDB is best for Developers wanting a modern relational database with better DX. Convex starts at Free and EdgeDB starts at Free.

Is Convex or EdgeDB cheaper?

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

Is there a free alternative to EdgeDB?

Both Convex and EdgeDB offer free tiers.

Convex vs EdgeDB

Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage, while EdgeDB is modern database with a powerful query language, built-in auth, and schema-first design. EdgeDB is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Convex is built for full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend, whereas EdgeDB targets developers wanting a modern relational database with better dx.

At a glance

	Convex	EdgeDB
Best for	Full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend	Developers wanting a modern relational database with better DX
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	—	✓
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	—	✓
Built-In Auth	—	✓
EdgeQL	—	✓
File Storage	✓	—
Migrations	—	✓
Real-Time Sync	✓	—
Scheduling	✓	—
Schema-First	—	✓
Server Functions	✓	—

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

EdgeDB

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes EdgeQL 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 1 GB — generous enough for most small teams to get real work done

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
Community support can be slower than the dedicated support teams at commercial alternatives

Try EdgeDB → Full review

The bottom line

Pricing: Both tools offer free tiers, so you can test each before committing. Convex's free plan: Free for small projects. EdgeDB's free plan: Free 1 GB.

Feature gaps: Convex offers File Storage, Real-Time Sync and Scheduling that EdgeDB lacks. EdgeDB brings Built-In Auth, EdgeQL and Migrations that Convex 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: EdgeDB 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: 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. EdgeDB's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes edgeql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows.

Watch out for: With Convex, users commonly note that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade. With EdgeDB, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

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

Choose EdgeDB if...

Your profile matches its sweet spot: developers wanting a modern relational database with better dx
You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
You specifically need Built-In Auth and EdgeQL
You care about includes edgeql as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
The free tier works for you: free 1 gb