Convex vs Pusher(2026)
Convex is better for teams that need real-time by default. Pusher is the stronger choice if simple to integrate. Convex is freemium (from $25/month) and Pusher is freemium (from $49/month).
Full feature breakdown, pricing details, and pros & cons below.
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Convex
Convex is a reactive backend platform where database queries automatically push updates to clients in real time.
Starting at $25/month
Visit ConvexPusher
Pusher provides hosted realtime APIs (WebSockets) for adding live features to web and mobile apps.
Starting at $49/month
Visit PusherHow Do Convex and Pusher Compare on Features?
| Feature | Convex | Pusher |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | freemium | freemium |
| Starting price | $25/month | $49/month |
| Reactive queries | ✓ | — |
| TypeScript functions | ✓ | — |
| Built-in database | ✓ | — |
| File storage | ✓ | — |
| Scheduled jobs | ✓ | — |
| Auth integration | ✓ | — |
| WebSocket channels | — | ✓ |
| Presence channels | — | ✓ |
| Private channels | — | ✓ |
| Webhooks | — | ✓ |
| Client libraries | — | ✓ |
| Encrypted connections | — | ✓ |
Convex Pros and Cons vs Pusher
C
Convex
+Real-time by default
+TypeScript end-to-end
+No separate WebSocket setup
+Excellent DX
−Full platform lock-in
−Custom query language
−Not for existing backends
P
Pusher
+Simple to integrate
+Battle-tested reliability
+Multiple language SDKs
+Presence feature built-in
−Expensive for high connection counts
−No self-hosted option
−Limited message history
Should You Use Convex or Pusher?
Choose Convex if…
- •Real-time by default
- •TypeScript end-to-end
- •No separate WebSocket setup
Choose Pusher if…
- •Simple to integrate
- •Battle-tested reliability
- •Multiple language SDKs