Convex
Pipedream
| Feature | Convex | Pipedream |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $25/mo | Free / from $29/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Best For | full-stack-developers, real-time-apps, startups, rapid-prototyping | developers, devops-engineers, technical-founders, api-integrators |
| Founded | 2021 | 2018 |
| Real Time Database | ✓ | ✗ |
| Serverless Functions | ✓ | ✗ |
| File Storage | ✓ | ✗ |
| Authentication | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scheduling | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vector Search | ✓ | ✗ |
| Code Steps | ✗ | ✓ |
| Pre Built Triggers | ✗ | ✓ |
| Http Requests | ✗ | ✓ |
| Data Stores | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cron Schedules | ✗ | ✓ |
| Event Sources | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ Convex Pros
- Real-time by default
- TypeScript-first
- Built-in auth and file storage
- Automatic caching
✗ Convex Cons
- Vendor lock-in
- Newer platform
- Limited to Convex runtime
✓ Pipedream Pros
- Write real code (Node/Python) in workflows
- Generous free tier
- 1000+ pre-built integrations
- Great for developer-led automation
✗ Pipedream Cons
- Requires coding knowledge for advanced use
- UI less visual than Zapier
- Debugging can be challenging
The Verdict
Convex is built for full stack developers and real time apps, with a focus on real-time-database and serverless-functions. Pipedream targets developers and devops engineers and leads with code-steps and pre-built-triggers.
Pricing is close: Convex starts at $25/mo versus $29/mo for Pipedream — not a deciding factor on its own.
Both offer free plans, so you can test each with your real workflow before committing to a subscription.
This is a genuinely close comparison. If you can, sign up for both free trials (where available) and run a one-week test with your actual team tasks before deciding.