Convex vs SpacetimeDB
Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. SpacetimeDB: In-memory relational database that runs your server logic as WASM modules and streams changes to clients.
key differences
- Convex is primarily a document database; SpacetimeDB is relational.
- Convex is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than SpacetimeDB (≤ 100 GB).
- Only Convex has full-text search, vector search, json, change data capture.
- Only SpacetimeDB has joins, in-memory, runs in webassembly.
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 spacetimedb for
- +Multiplayer and MMO game backends
- +Realtime collaborative apps
- +Chat and presence systems
best at · OLTP, Pub/Sub, Real-time analytics
Convex vs SpacetimeDB: FAQ
What is the difference between Convex and SpacetimeDB?
Convex: Reactive TypeScript backend with a transactional document database, server functions and live queries. SpacetimeDB: In-memory relational database that runs your server logic as WASM modules and streams changes to clients. Convex is primarily a document database; SpacetimeDB is relational. Convex is built for larger datasets (≤ 10 TB) than SpacetimeDB (≤ 100 GB). Only Convex has full-text search, vector search, json, change data capture.
When should I choose Convex over SpacetimeDB?
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 SpacetimeDB for multiplayer and MMO game backends; realtime collaborative apps; and chat and presence systems.
Is Convex or SpacetimeDB more popular?
SpacetimeDB ranks #105 on the WhichDB Score (27.3/100) and Convex ranks #114 (26.0/100). Popularity is not fit: check the requirements that matter for your project.
Are Convex and SpacetimeDB 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. Not in the OSI sense. SpacetimeDB is source-available: you can read the code, but the license restricts some uses, typically offering it as a competing managed service. License: Business Source License 1.1.