Lunora vs Convex
Convex set the bar for real-time backend DX. Lunora gives you the same end-to-end-typed, reactive model and the same open-source license, but it runs on your own Cloudflare account at the edge instead of Convex's cloud. Here's the honest comparison.
Lunora vs Convex at a glance
| Criterion | Lunora | Convex |
|---|---|---|
| End-to-end TypeScript types | Yes, typed functions | Yes |
| Reactive queries by default | Yes, reactive queries | Yes |
| Data model | SQLite Durable Objects (typed) | Document / reactive DB |
| Open source | Yes (FSL-1.1 → Apache-2.0) | Yes (FSL-1.1 → Apache-2.0) |
| Self-hostable | Yes | Yes |
| Self-host with no servers to run | Yes, serverless Workers | No, Rust server + SQL DB |
| Edge / global by default | Yes, Cloudflare edge + DO | No, regional AWS (US, EU) |
| ≈$0 at idle, no forced pause | ≈$0, no forced pause | Free tier on Convex's AWS |
| Maturity | Alpha | Production-ready (GA 2023) |
How Lunora and Convex differ
Looking for a Convex alternative that runs on your own infrastructure? Lunora gives you the same developer experience, typed query, mutation, and action functions with reactive queries that update live, but it runs on Cloudflare Workers and Durable Objects instead of Convex's managed cloud.
Both projects ship the same FSL-1.1 to Apache-2.0 license and both can be self-hosted, so the real choice is not open source versus closed. It is where your backend runs and who you pay. Convex Cloud is hosted on AWS in a few regions; Lunora runs on Cloudflare's global edge, on the account you already use, and idles at roughly zero cost.
Where each one wins
Breadth and maturity
Convex has been GA since 2023 with a large ecosystem, built-in file storage, text and vector search, crons, scheduling, a polished dashboard, log streaming, backups, and a big community. It is fully managed: no Cloudflare account or Durable-Object knowledge needed. Lunora is alpha and has fewer batteries today.
Edge-native, on your own Cloudflare
Both are end-to-end-typed, both have reactive queries, and both ship the same FSL-1.1 → Apache-2.0 license, so the real difference is not 'open source.' It is where it runs. Convex Cloud is regional AWS (US-East, EU-West) and a separate vendor and bill; Lunora runs on Cloudflare's global edge and Durable Objects, on the account you already have. Self-hosted Convex means operating a Rust server and a SQL database; Lunora self-hosts as serverless Workers, nothing to keep running, ≈$0 at idle.
Frequently asked questions
Is Convex open source?
- Yes. The Convex backend is open source under FSL-1.1-Apache-2.0, the same license model Lunora uses, so 'open source' is not a difference between them.
Can you self-host Convex?
- Yes, Convex is self-hostable, but the self-hosted backend runs an always-on Rust server plus a SQL database. Lunora self-hosts as serverless Cloudflare Workers, with nothing to keep running and roughly $0 at idle.
Is Lunora a good Convex alternative?
- If you want Convex-style DX, typed functions and reactive queries, but running on your own Cloudflare account at the edge, yes. Convex is more mature today with more built-in features; Lunora is alpha.
Where does Convex run compared to Lunora?
- Convex Cloud runs on AWS in US-East and EU-West. Lunora runs on Cloudflare's global edge network with per-tenant Durable Objects, on the Cloudflare account you already have.
Try Lunora on your own Cloudflare.
Lunora is alpha and open source. Try it on a side project and tell us where it breaks. Prefer managed? Join the Lunora Cloud waitlist.