Convex vs Firebase Realtime Database
Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. Firebase Realtime Database: Firebase's original JSON-tree database that syncs every change to connected clients in milliseconds.
key differences
- Licensing: Convex is source-available (FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client); Firebase Realtime Database is proprietary (Proprietary Firebase service).
- Convex is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than Firebase Realtime Database (≤ 100 GB).
- Horizontal scaling is none in Convex and manual in Firebase Realtime Database.
- Transactions: Convex offers full ACID; Firebase Realtime Database offers limited.
- Only Convex has full-text search, vector search, change data capture, stored procedures.
- Only Firebase Realtime Database has triggers, encryption at rest, role-based access, online schema changes, offline sync.
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-realtime-database for
- +Presence, typing indicators and live cursors
- +Multiplayer game state and lobbies
- +Small realtime dashboards and chat
best at · Mobile/offline, Pub/Sub, Sessions
Convex vs Firebase Realtime Database: FAQ
What is the difference between Convex and Firebase Realtime Database?
Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. Firebase Realtime Database: Firebase's original JSON-tree database that syncs every change to connected clients in milliseconds. Licensing: Convex is source-available (FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client); Firebase Realtime Database is proprietary (Proprietary Firebase service). Convex is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than Firebase Realtime Database (≤ 100 GB). Horizontal scaling is none in Convex and manual in Firebase Realtime Database.
When should I choose Convex over Firebase Realtime Database?
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 Realtime Database for presence, typing indicators and live cursors; multiplayer game state and lobbies; and small realtime dashboards and chat.
Is Convex or Firebase Realtime Database more popular?
Firebase Realtime Database ranks #113 on the WhichDB Score (26.4/100) and Convex ranks #114 (26.0/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are Convex and Firebase Realtime Database 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 Realtime Database is proprietary, closed-source software.