Neon vs Convex
Updated . Stats refresh daily.
Short answer: Choose based on whether you want pure database or full backend.
At a glance
| Attribute | Neon | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Main job | Serverless Postgres | Reactive Backend |
| GitHub stars | 23,133 | 12,615 |
| npm downloads a week | 4.4M | 1.6M |
| Latest release | release-proxy-8853, 1 year ago | None on GitHub |
| Founded | 2021 | 2021 |
| Database Model | PostgreSQL (SQL) | Document (NoSQL with types) |
| TypeScript Support | Client libraries | End-to-end type safety |
| Server Functions | No (BYO API) | Yes (TypeScript functions) |
| Built-in Auth | No | Yes (Convex Auth) |
| File Storage | No | Yes (Convex File Storage) |
| Realtime/Reactivity | No (use extension) | Yes (automatic) |
| Branching | Yes (database branches) | No |
| Scale-to-Zero | Yes | Yes |
| Free Tier | 0.5GB storage | Unlimited (hobby) |
| Pricing | $19/mo (Launch) | $25/mo (Professional) |
Key differences
Product Scope
Neon is pure serverless database (PostgreSQL only, no backend features). Convex is complete backend (database + server functions + auth + file storage + realtime). Neon is database-focused; Convex is full backend.
Database Model
Neon uses PostgreSQL (relational SQL with schemas and joins). Convex uses document database (NoSQL with TypeScript types and optional relations). Neon is SQL; Convex is NoSQL + types.
Developer Experience
Neon requires you to build backend separately (API routes, auth, etc.). Convex provides TypeScript server functions and automatic reactivity. Neon is BYO backend; Convex is batteries-included.
Pricing
Neon
Free: 0.5GB storage, shared compute. Launch: $19/mo for 10GB, always-on. Database-only pricing—add auth/backend separately.
Convex
Free (Starter): Unlimited for hobby projects. Professional: $25/mo for production. Complete backend included (DB + functions + auth + storage).
Prices change often. Check each vendor's pricing page before you commit.
Strengths and weaknesses
Neon
Strengths
- Full PostgreSQL power (SQL, joins, advanced features)
- Database branching (git-like workflow)
- Flexibility to use any backend framework
- Lower entry price ($19 vs $25/mo)
Weaknesses
- Database only (no auth, functions, storage)
- Requires building backend separately
- No automatic reactivity
- More setup complexity
Convex
Strengths
- Complete backend (DB + functions + auth + storage)
- TypeScript end-to-end type safety
- Automatic reactivity (no manual subscriptions)
- Modern, unified developer experience
Weaknesses
- NoSQL (no SQL joins)
- No database branching
- Less database features than Postgres
- Platform lock-in (proprietary)
Which should you choose?
Choose Neon if
- You need PostgreSQL specifically (SQL, joins, Postgres features).
- You want to build backend with your preferred framework.
- Database branching is important for your workflow.
- You prefer flexibility over integrated solution.
Choose Convex if
- You want a complete backend solution (database + functions + auth).
- TypeScript end-to-end type safety is critical.
- Automatic reactivity saves development time.
- You prefer batteries-included over DIY.
Questions
Can Convex do everything Neon can?
No—Convex uses NoSQL (no SQL joins). Neon is full PostgreSQL. If you need SQL/relational data, use Neon. If TypeScript backend matters more, use Convex.
Which is easier to get started?
Convex is easier—complete backend out of the box. Neon requires building auth, API routes, and backend separately. Neon gives more control; Convex gives faster setup.
Can I use Neon with a TypeScript backend?
Yes! Use Neon with Next.js API routes, tRPC, or any TypeScript backend framework. You get PostgreSQL + TypeScript but build the backend yourself.
Which is more affordable?
Similar pricing ($19 vs $25/mo). Neon is cheaper if you already have auth/backend. Convex is cheaper if you value not building backend infrastructure.
Does Neon have realtime?
Not built-in, but you can use Postgres extensions or build your own with WebSockets. Convex has automatic realtime/reactivity built-in.