Convex vs Firebase
Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. Firebase: Google's app platform: Firestore, Realtime Database and Data Connect, plus auth, functions and hosting.
key differences
- Licensing: Convex is source-available (FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client); Firebase is proprietary (Proprietary service (client SDKs Apache-2.0)).
- Firebase is built for larger datasets (≤ 1 PB) than Convex (≤ 10 TB).
- Horizontal scaling is none in Convex and native in Firebase.
- Only Convex has full-text search, change data capture, stored procedures.
- Only Firebase has joins, triggers, ttl / expiry, encryption at rest, role-based access.
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
choose firebase for
- +Mobile apps needing realtime sync and offline support
- +MVPs and startups that want auth and database in one
- +Chat, presence and collaborative features
- +Push notifications and remote config alongside app data
best at · Mobile/offline, OLTP, Content
Convex vs Firebase: FAQ
What is the difference between Convex and Firebase?
Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. Firebase: Google's app platform: Firestore, Realtime Database and Data Connect, plus auth, functions and hosting. Licensing: Convex is source-available (FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client); Firebase is proprietary (Proprietary service (client SDKs Apache-2.0)). Firebase is built for larger datasets (≤ 1 PB) than Convex (≤ 10 TB). Horizontal scaling is none in Convex and native in Firebase.
When should I choose Convex over Firebase?
Choose Convex for realtime collaborative SaaS apps; AI chat and agent apps with vector search; and startups replacing a hand-built API plus cache. Choose Firebase for mobile apps needing realtime sync and offline support; MVPs and startups that want auth and database in one; and chat, presence and collaborative features.
Is Convex or Firebase more popular?
Firebase ranks #11 on the WhichDB Score (65.4/100) and Convex ranks #114 (26.0/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are Convex and Firebase open source?
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. No. Firebase is proprietary, closed-source software.