Which is cheaper, Convex or PlanetScale Vitess?

Convex is 1.6x cheaper than PlanetScale Vitess. Convex starts at $0/mo, PlanetScale Vitess starts at $39/mo.

Does Convex have a free tier?

Yes, Convex offers a free tier with developers: 6, functionCallsPerMonth: 1000000, databaseStorageGb: 0.5, fileStorageGb: 1, databaseIoGbPerMonth: 1, dataEgressGbPerMonth: 1, deployments: 40.

What is the switching cost between Convex and PlanetScale Vitess?

Convex has significant switching cost. PlanetScale Vitess has moderate switching cost. PlanetScale Vitess is easier to switch away from.

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Convex vs PlanetScale Vitess

Database

Convex

← More affordable

Reactive backend platform with real-time sync, server functions, and integrated database

Switching Cost: significant

PlanetScale Vitess

MySQL-compatible distributed database with horizontal sharding via Vitess

Switching Cost: moderate

Analysis

You're paying a premium for PlanetScale Vitess — expect around a 1.6x higher bill compared to Convex.

For experimentation and testing, Convex wins with its free tier option — something PlanetScale Vitess doesn't offer.

You'll notice different pricing structures: per-seat for Convex versus usage-based for PlanetScale Vitess.

Convex stands out for teams needing a free tier — zero upfront costs for prototyping and testing is a genuine advantage.

Bottom Line

Convex stands out for teams needing a free tier — zero upfront costs for prototyping and testing is a genuine advantage.

Price Difference

1.6x

Convex is cheaper by $14/mo

Free Tier

Convex

Has a free tier option

Pricing Model

Different

Tools charge using different pricing philosophies

Switching Costs

PlanetScale Vitess

Lower switching costs for easier migration

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