What is the difference between Prisma and Convex?

Prisma is best for Node.js/TypeScript developers wanting a modern ORM, while Convex is best for Full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend. Prisma starts at Free and Convex starts at Free.

Is Prisma or Convex cheaper?

Prisma starts at Free and is free. Convex starts at Free with a free tier.

Is there a free alternative to Convex?

Both Prisma and Convex offer free tiers.

Prisma vs Convex

Prisma is Next-generation ORM for Node.js and TypeScript with type safety and migrations, while Convex is reactive backend-as-a-service with real-time sync, scheduled functions, and file storage. Prisma is open source and can be self-hosted, giving you full control over your data. Prisma is built for node.js/typescript developers wanting a modern orm, whereas Convex targets full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend.

At a glance

	Prisma	Convex
Best for	Node.js/TypeScript developers wanting a modern ORM	Full-stack developers wanting a reactive backend
Starting price	Free	Free
Free tier	✓	✓
Open source	✓	—
Free tier available	✓	✓
Open source	✓	—
File Storage	—	✓
Migrations	✓	—
Multi-DB	✓	—
Prisma Studio	✓	—
Real-Time Sync	—	✓
Scheduling	—	✓
Server Functions	—	✓
Type-Safe ORM	✓	—

Prisma

Strengths

Open source and transparent
Includes Type-Safe ORM as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows
Fully open-source — you can self-host, audit the code, and avoid vendor lock-in
The core product is free with no paywalled essentials

Weaknesses

May lack some advanced features
Self-hosting is free but requires server maintenance and DevOps knowledge
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

Try Prisma → 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 Prisma and Convex are free. You can try both without spending a dollar.

Feature gaps: Prisma offers Migrations, Multi-DB and Prisma Studio that Convex lacks. Convex brings File Storage, Real-Time Sync and Scheduling that Prisma 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: Prisma 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: Prisma's biggest strengths are: open source and transparent. includes type-safe orm 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 Prisma, users commonly note that may lack some advanced features. With Convex, the main complaint is that free plan exists but key features are locked behind the paid upgrade.

Choose Prisma if...

You need a tool built for node.js/typescript developers wanting a modern orm
You need self-hosting, data sovereignty, or the ability to audit source code
You specifically need Migrations and Multi-DB
You care about includes type-safe orm as a core feature, purpose-built for database workflows

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