Convex
Stripe
| Feature | Convex | Stripe |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free / from $25/mo | From $2.9/mo |
| Free Plan | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Rating | 4.5 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Best For | full-stack-developers, real-time-apps, startups, rapid-prototyping | saas-companies, developers, startups, e-commerce, marketplaces |
| Founded | 2021 | 2010 |
| Real Time Database | ✓ | ✗ |
| Serverless Functions | ✓ | ✗ |
| File Storage | ✓ | ✗ |
| Authentication | ✓ | ✗ |
| Scheduling | ✓ | ✗ |
| Vector Search | ✓ | ✗ |
| Payments | ✗ | ✓ |
| Subscriptions | ✗ | ✓ |
| Invoicing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Connect Marketplace | ✗ | ✓ |
| Radar Fraud | ✗ | ✓ |
| Checkout | ✗ | ✓ |
| Billing Portal | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ 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
✓ Stripe Pros
- Best-in-class developer documentation
- Supports 135+ currencies and payment methods
- Powerful subscription and billing management
- Radar fraud prevention included
✗ Stripe Cons
- 2.9% + 30c per transaction adds up
- Account freezes can happen without warning
- Complex pricing for international payments
The Verdict
Convex is built for full stack developers and real time apps, with a focus on real-time-database and serverless-functions. Stripe targets saas companies and developers and leads with payments and subscriptions.
On pricing, Stripe is the clear winner for budget-conscious users — starting at $2.9/mo compared to $25/mo for Convex. That $22.1/mo difference adds up quickly for growing teams.
Convex has a free plan, which gives it a meaningful edge for individuals and small teams exploring their options. Stripe requires a paid subscription from day one.
Feature-wise, Stripe offers broader built-in capabilities (7 features vs 6), while Convex takes a more focused approach — which can mean a simpler, faster onboarding experience.
Both tools are a solid fit for startups — in those cases, the decision often comes down to workflow style and how your team prefers to organize work.
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.