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Convex vs PocketBase
PocketBase is a single-file embedded backend; Convex scales serverlessly with automatic caching and enterprise compliance.
Which to pick
Pick Convex if you want…
- Reactive TypeScript backend with built-in AI support
- Integrations with TypeScript, Node.js or Stripe (on Convex's list, not PocketBase's)
Pick PocketBase if you want…
- All-in-one single-file backend
- Lightweight embedded backend
- A free, open-source tool
- Integrations with JavaScript or Dart (on PocketBase's list, not Convex's)
Side by side
- What it is
- Convex:Convex is a reactive, TypeScript-first backend platform offering database, functions, sync, search and AI-ready features.
- PocketBase:PocketBase is an open-source, single-file backend offering realtime database, authentication, file storage and an admin dashboard.
- Best for
- Convex:Reactive TypeScript backend with built-in AI support
- PocketBase:All-in-one single-file backend
- Who it’s for
- Convex:Developers building TypeScript apps, AI agents and real-time applications.
- PocketBase:Developers needing a lightweight backend for web or mobile apps
- Pricing
- Convex:Freemium
- PocketBase:Open source
- Plans
- Convex:Free $0 · Professional $25 per developer/month per month · Enterprise $2,500 monthly minimum per month
- PocketBase:—
- Open source
- Convex:Yes, 12,633 GitHub stars
- PocketBase:Yes, 61,229 GitHub stars
- Works with
- Convex:TypeScript, Node.js, Stripe, Twilio, PostHog, Workpool, Workflow, AI Gateway
- PocketBase:JavaScript, Dart
Convex features
- Reactive database. ACID-compliant, type-safe database that updates clients in real time.
- End-to-end type safety. Ensures TypeScript types are enforced across schema, functions and client code.
- Automatic caching & scaling. Handles caching and scales automatically to support viral workloads.
- Real-time sync. Pushes data changes instantly to all connected users.
- Workpool background jobs. Runs model calls and jobs with retries, backoff and parallelism.
- Workflow engine. Multi-step processes that checkpoint, retry and resume automatically.
PocketBase features
- Single-file deployment. Run the entire backend stack from one executable file.
- Realtime database. Subscribe to live changes on collections without extra setup.
- Built-in authentication. User sign-up, login and session management out of the box.
- File storage. Store and serve files directly through the backend.
- Admin dashboard. Web UI to manage collections, records and settings.
- JavaScript & Dart SDKs. Client libraries for easy integration with popular front-end stacks.
Convex vs PocketBase FAQ
Is Convex or PocketBase free?+
Convex has a free plan and paid plans. PocketBase is free and open source.
Is Convex or PocketBase open source?+
Yes, both are open source: Convex (get-convex/convex-backend on GitHub) and PocketBase (pocketbase/pocketbase on GitHub, MIT license).
Do Convex and PocketBase integrate with the same tools?+
Their integration lists don't overlap: Convex lists TypeScript, Node.js, Stripe, Twilio and 4 more; PocketBase lists JavaScript and Dart.
On DevHunt
Based on each tool's website and DevHunt data. Details may change; check the official sites.