Centrali vs Convex

Both are modern backend platforms with real-time capabilities. Here's how they differ.

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Centrali

Centrali is a unified backend with multi-tenant workspaces, AI-powered tools, integrated search, and file storage. Built for SaaS and data-heavy applications.

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Convex

Convex is a TypeScript-first backend with automatic real-time sync, ACID transactions, and a reactive programming model.

Feature Comparison

FeatureCentraliConvex
Multi-Tenancy
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...

  • Building multi-tenant SaaS applications
  • Need AI-powered schema generation and data validation
  • Want integrated full-text search
  • Need file storage with image transformation
  • Building e-commerce or content management systems

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

1

Export your Convex data using queries

2

Create Centrali structures matching your schema

3

Import data using bulk import API

4

Convert Convex functions to Centrali compute functions

5

Update frontend subscriptions to Centrali SSE

Ready to try Centrali?

Start building with a unified backend. No credit card required.