Centrali vs Convex
Both are modern backend platforms with real-time capabilities. Here's how they differ.
Centrali
Centrali is an application backend where your webhook events, data, and workflows live in one API. Ingest Stripe, GitHub, and webhook events into collections; run functions on changes; fire outbound webhooks — with built-in search, file storage, and a TypeScript SDK. No glue code between services.
Convex
Convex is a TypeScript-first backend with automatic real-time sync, ACID transactions, and a reactive programming model.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Centrali | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| Workspaces & Isolation | Built-in First-class workspaces with isolation | DIY Implement with custom logic |
| AI Features | Comprehensive Schema gen, NL search, validation, anomaly detection | Actions Can call AI APIs via actions, no built-in AI |
| Real-Time Model | Push-based SSE subscriptions with filtering | Reactive Automatic subscription and cache invalidation |
| Full-Text Search | Built-in Meilisearch-powered automatic indexing | Basic Limited text search, external for advanced |
| File Storage | Integrated With image transformation and CDN | Separate File storage available but separate |
| Type Safety | SDK Types TypeScript SDK with generated types | End-to-end TypeScript throughout, schema-to-client types |
| Functions | JavaScript Event-driven with built-in APIs | TypeScript Queries, mutations, and actions |
| Scheduling | Cron + Events Cron schedules and event triggers | Cron Scheduled functions supported |
| Pricing | Usage-based Pay for operations and storage | Usage-based Free tier, then usage-based pricing |
| Self-Hosting | Enterprise Available for enterprise | No Cloud-only platform |
Which should you choose?
Choose Centrali if you...
- Prefer one API for webhook events, data, search, and functions — instead of stitching 3–5 services together
- Ingesting third-party webhooks (Stripe, GitHub, Shopify) into queryable data
- Need outbound webhook delivery with HMAC signing and retries
- Need file storage with image transformation
- Prefer REST + SDK access over a reactive-query programming model
Choose Convex if you...
- Building highly reactive, real-time applications
- Want TypeScript end-to-end with type safety
- Need automatic cache invalidation
- Building collaborative apps like multiplayer games
Migrating from Convex
Export your Convex data using queries
Create Centrali structures matching your schema
Import data using bulk import API
Convert Convex functions to Centrali functions
Update frontend subscriptions to Centrali SSE
Ready to try Centrali?
Start building with a unified backend. No credit card required.