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Convex vs PocketBase

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Convex
ConvexRealtime backend-as-a-service with reactive database and serverless functions
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PocketBase
PocketBaseRealtime backend in 1 file
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Overview
Description

Convex provides a fully managed backend platform that includes a reactive, versioned database, serverless functions, and file storage. It syncs data in real time across web and mobile clients, eliminating the need for custom server infrastructure. Developers can write TypeScript functions that run automatically on data changes, query the database with a simple API, and leverage built‑in authentication and scaling. The platform is designed for rapid iteration and production‑grade reliability.

PocketBase is an open-source backend that ships as a single executable file. It bundles an embedded SQLite database, user authentication, file storage and a realtime subscription API behind an admin dashboard, so a small application can run its entire backend from one binary with no external services to set up.

Pricing
Freemium
Free
Category
Cloud Platforms
Databases
Best for
Web and mobile app developers
Developers and startups
Specifications
deployment
Cloud/SaaS
Self-hosted
open source
Yes
Yes
api available
Yes
Yes
support options
Email, Community Slack, Documentation
GitHub Issues, Community Forum
key integrations
Vercel, Netlify, React, Next.js
JavaScript, Dart, Go and Python client SDKs
github stars
—
60,278
primary language
—
Go
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Zero‑ops backend infrastructure
  • Realtime data propagation
  • Strong TypeScript integration
  • Automatic scaling and pay‑as‑you‑go pricing
  • Ships as one self-contained binary with no external services to run
  • Realtime subscriptions and auth built in rather than bolted on
  • Simple and intuitive API generated from your collections
  • Open-source and free to use
Cons
  • Limited to JavaScript/TypeScript runtimes
  • Vendor lock‑in to Convex cloud
  • Advanced query patterns may require workarounds
  • Still pre-v1.0: the README warns backward compatibility is not guaranteed until v1.0.0
  • Embedded SQLite scales up on a single server rather than across a cluster
  • Custom server-side logic requires Go or JavaScript hooks
  • Smaller ecosystem than long-established backend platforms
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

PocketBase is a free, self‑hosted single‑binary backend ideal for simple, controllable projects, while Convex offers a managed, auto‑scaling BaaS with richer realtime and serverless features at a cost.

Key differences

  • •Deployment model: self‑hosted binary (PocketBase) vs. cloud SaaS (Convex).
  • •Scalability: single‑server SQLite limits PocketBase; Convex auto‑scales in the cloud.
  • •Extensibility: PocketBase requires Go/JS hooks; Convex provides TypeScript serverless functions.
  • •Ecosystem: Convex integrates with modern web frameworks (Vercel, Next.js); PocketBase offers SDKs for several languages but fewer platform ties.
DimensionWinner

Pricing & value

PocketBase is completely free and open source; Convex uses a freemium model with paid usage beyond free tier.

PocketBase

Ease of use / learning curve

Convex provides zero‑ops setup, CLI, and managed services, whereas PocketBase requires self‑hosting and managing a Go binary.

Convex

Features & depth

Convex adds a reactive versioned DB, serverless TypeScript functions, CDN file storage, and observability dashboards.

Convex

Integrations & ecosystem

Convex lists direct integrations with Vercel, Netlify, React, and Next.js; PocketBase offers SDKs but fewer out‑of‑the‑box platform ties.

Convex

Scalability

Convex automatically scales in the cloud; PocketBase relies on embedded SQLite on a single server.

Convex

Support

Convex provides email, community Slack, and documentation; PocketBase support is limited to GitHub issues and a forum.

Convex

Security & privacy

PocketBase can be self‑hosted, giving full control over data; Convex stores data in its cloud service.

PocketBase

Migration / lock‑in

PocketBase is open source and portable; Convex creates vendor lock‑in with proprietary cloud functions.

PocketBase

Choose Convex if…

Developers wanting managed realtime backend, auto‑scaling, and TypeScript serverless functions.

Choose PocketBase if…

Teams needing full data control, low cost, and simple backend on a single server.

Common questions

Can I start for free and later scale without rewriting code?

PocketBase stays free but scaling beyond a single server requires architectural changes; Convex’s free tier scales automatically in the cloud.

What languages can I use for custom server logic?

PocketBase supports Go or JavaScript hooks; Convex only supports TypeScript serverless functions.

How does data privacy differ between the two?

PocketBase runs on your own infrastructure, giving you full control; Convex stores data in its managed cloud, implying vendor‑managed privacy.