Convex
SeaTable
| Feature | Convex | SeaTable |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $25/mo | Free / from $7/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Best For | full-stack-developers, real-time-apps, startups, rapid-prototyping | privacy-conscious-teams, european-companies, self-hosters, research-teams |
| Founded | 2021 | 2020 |
| Real Time Database | ✓ | ✗ |
| Serverless Functions | ✓ | ✗ |
| File Storage | ✓ | ✗ |
| Authentication | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scheduling | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vector Search | ✓ | ✗ |
| Spreadsheet Interface | ✗ | ✓ |
| Python Scripting | ✗ | ✓ |
| Forms | ✗ | ✓ |
| Statistics | ✗ | ✓ |
| Plugins | ✗ | ✓ |
| Self Hosting | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ 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
✓ SeaTable Pros
- Self-hostable with Docker
- Python scripting for automation
- GDPR-compliant European hosting
- Flexible column types including files
✗ SeaTable Cons
- Smaller community than Airtable
- Plugin ecosystem still growing
- Mobile experience is basic
The Verdict
Convex is built for full stack developers and real time apps, with a focus on real-time-database and serverless-functions. SeaTable targets privacy conscious teams and european companies and leads with spreadsheet-interface and python-scripting.
On pricing, SeaTable is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $7/mo compared to $25/mo for Convex. That $18/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Both offer free plans, so you can test each with your real workflow before committing to a subscription.
Bottom line: Convex has a slight overall edge — but if self-hostable with docker matters most to you, SeaTable may still be the right call.