# Convex: Free Open Source Alternative to AppWrite, Fauna, Firebase

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/convex
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Convex (Open Source, Open Source) replaces AppWrite, Fauna, Firebase, MongoDB. Open-source reactive database that keeps your web and mobile apps in sync. Write everything in TypeScript with built-in auth, cron jobs, and AI integration.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Convex
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://convex.dev
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/get-convex/convex-backend
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 12.8k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/get-convex/convex-backend or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed AppWrite.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (5)
Replacing these paid tools with Convex saves up to $125/mo ($1,500/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [AppWrite](https://caniforkit.com/appwrite) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare AppWrite vs Convex](https://caniforkit.com/vs/appwrite-vs-convex) |
| [Fauna](https://caniforkit.com/fauna) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Fauna vs Convex](https://caniforkit.com/vs/fauna-vs-convex) |
| [Firebase](https://caniforkit.com/firebase) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Firebase vs Convex](https://caniforkit.com/vs/firebase-vs-convex) |
| [MongoDB](https://caniforkit.com/mongodb) | [databases](https://caniforkit.com/category/databases) | $25/mo | [Compare MongoDB vs Convex](https://caniforkit.com/vs/mongodb-vs-convex) |
| [Supabase](https://caniforkit.com/supabase) | [dev tools](https://caniforkit.com/category/dev-tools) | $25/mo | [Compare Supabase vs Convex](https://caniforkit.com/vs/supabase-vs-convex) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Convex free and open source?
Convex is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Open-source reactive database that keeps your web and mobile apps in sync. Write everything in TypeScript with built-in auth, cron jobs, and AI integration.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Convex?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed AppWrite.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)