Appwrite vs Convex
Appwrite: Open-source backend platform with databases, auth, storage, functions and realtime, self-hosted or cloud. Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries.
key differences
- Appwrite is primarily a relational database; Convex is document.
- Licensing: Appwrite is open source (permissive) (BSD 3-Clause License); Convex is source-available (FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client).
- Horizontal scaling is manual in Appwrite and none in Convex.
- Transactions: Appwrite offers limited ACID; Convex offers full.
- Only Appwrite has triggers, role-based access.
- Only Convex has transactions, change data capture, stored procedures.
- Convex has a serverless option; Appwrite does not.
choose appwrite for
- +Self-hosted backend for mobile and web apps
- +Firebase replacement with data sovereignty requirements
- +Internal tools needing auth, storage and functions quickly
best at · OLTP, Content, Vector search
choose convex for
- +Realtime collaborative SaaS apps
- +AI chat and agent apps with vector search
- +Startups replacing a hand-built API plus cache
- +Apps scaffolded by AI coding tools
best at · OLTP, Vector search, RAG
Appwrite vs Convex: FAQ
What is the difference between Appwrite and Convex?
Appwrite: Open-source backend platform with databases, auth, storage, functions and realtime, self-hosted or cloud. Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. Appwrite is primarily a relational database; Convex is document. Licensing: Appwrite is open source (permissive) (BSD 3-Clause License); Convex is source-available (FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client). Horizontal scaling is manual in Appwrite and none in Convex.
When should I choose Appwrite over Convex?
Choose Appwrite for self-hosted backend for mobile and web apps; firebase replacement with data sovereignty requirements; and internal tools needing auth, storage and functions quickly. Choose Convex for realtime collaborative SaaS apps; AI chat and agent apps with vector search; and startups replacing a hand-built API plus cache.
Is Appwrite or Convex more popular?
Appwrite ranks #106 on the WhichDB Score (27.2/100) and Convex ranks #114 (26.0/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are Appwrite and Convex open source?
Yes. Appwrite is open source. License: BSD 3-Clause License. Not in the OSI sense. Convex is source-available: you can read the code, but the license restricts some uses, typically offering it as a competing managed service. License: FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client.