Convex vs tRPC — Which One Wins?
A detailed, side-by-side comparison of Convex and tRPC to help you pick the right tool for your workflow.
Quick Verdict
tRPC takes the lead with a 4.5 rating and is best for full-stack typescript teams who want zero-config type safety. Convex (4.4) is the better pick if you need developers building real-time apps who want a full backend solution.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Convex | tRPC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★★★★ 4.4(33) | ★★★★★ 4.5(71) |
| Pricing Model | freemium | open-source |
| Starter Price | $25/mo | N/A |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | web, cli | npm |
| Learning Curve | medium | medium |
| API Available | Yes | No |
| Best For | Developers building real-time apps who want a full backend solution | Full-stack TypeScript teams who want zero-config type safety |
| Verdict | recommended | recommended |
Feature Checklist
| Feature | Convex | tRPC |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time sync | — | |
| Server functions | — | |
| File storage | — | |
| Scheduled jobs | — | |
| Full TypeScript | — | |
| End-to-end type safety | — | |
| No code generation | — | |
| Subscriptions | — | |
| React Query integration | — | |
| Next.js support | — |
Convex
Pros
- ✓Real-time sync just works
- ✓Excellent TypeScript DX
- ✓Eliminates backend boilerplate
Cons
- ✕Vendor lock-in is real
- ✕Non-standard data model
- ✕Smaller community than Firebase
tRPC
Pros
- ✓Type safety with zero config
- ✓No code generation needed
- ✓Incredible developer experience
Cons
- ✕TypeScript-only
- ✕Not suitable for public APIs
- ✕Learning curve for advanced patterns
The Bottom Line
Both Convex and tRPC are solid tools in the Developer Tools space. tRPC edges ahead with a stronger overall rating (4.5 vs 4.4) and is the better choice for full-stack typescript teams who want zero-config type safety. However, if you prioritize developers building real-time apps who want a full backend solution, Convex is worth serious consideration. We recommend trying the free tier or trial of each before committing.