Convex vs PocketBase
Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. PocketBase: Open-source backend in one Go binary: SQLite database, auth, files, realtime and admin UI.
key differences
- Convex is primarily a document database; PocketBase is relational.
- Licensing: Convex is source-available (FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client); PocketBase is open source (permissive) (MIT License).
- Convex is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than PocketBase (≤ 100 GB).
- Only Convex has full-text search, vector search, change data capture, stored procedures.
- Only PocketBase has joins, geospatial, triggers, role-based access, online schema changes.
- Convex has a serverless option; PocketBase does not.
- PocketBase can run embedded in your application process.
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 pocketbase for
- +MVPs and indie SaaS backends
- +Internal tools and admin panels
- +Mobile app backends with auth and file uploads
- +Self-hosted alternatives to Firebase for small apps
best at · OLTP, Content, Pub/Sub
Convex vs PocketBase: FAQ
What is the difference between Convex and PocketBase?
Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. PocketBase: Open-source backend in one Go binary: SQLite database, auth, files, realtime and admin UI. Convex is primarily a document database; PocketBase is relational. Licensing: Convex is source-available (FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0 (backend); Apache-2.0 client); PocketBase is open source (permissive) (MIT License). Convex is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than PocketBase (≤ 100 GB).
When should I choose Convex over PocketBase?
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 PocketBase for MVPs and indie SaaS backends; internal tools and admin panels; and mobile app backends with auth and file uploads.
Is Convex or PocketBase more popular?
PocketBase ranks #74 on the WhichDB Score (32.0/100) and Convex ranks #114 (26.0/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are Convex and PocketBase 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. Yes. PocketBase is open source. License: MIT License.