A head-to-head comparison of Covalent (GoldRush) and SubQuery — pricing, the features that actually differ, and which one fits which use case.
Unified multi-chain data API with the broadest chain coverage
Decentralized indexer combining data, RPC, and AI across EVM and non-EVM
These are the 6 capabilities where the two tools genuinely diverge — the rest of their feature sets overlap.
| Capability | Covalent (GoldRush) | SubQuery |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | REST API | GraphQL |
| Custom Subgraphs | No | Yes |
| Real Time Indexing | No | Yes |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Streaming Data | Yes | No |
| Self Hostable | No | Yes |
| Feature | Covalent (GoldRush) | SubQuery |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | REST API | GraphQL |
| Decentralized | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi Chain | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom Subgraphs | ✗ | ✓ |
| Real Time Indexing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Historical Data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✗ | ✓ |
| Streaming Data | ✓ | ✗ |
| Governance Token | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self Hostable | ✗ | ✓ |
SubQuery has the lower entry price of the two.
Covalent (GoldRush)
Free
Covalent (GoldRush)
$50/mo
$500/yr billed annually
SubQuery
Free
SubQuery
$49/mo
$490/yr billed annually
Watch out: Less flexible than custom indexers.
Watch out: Broad ecosystem — clarify which service you need.
Covalent (GoldRush) edges ahead on our editorial score (4.2/5), but these tools aren’t straight substitutes. Pick Covalent (GoldRush) when broadest multi-chain coverage (100+ networks) matters most to your workflow; pick SubQuery when combines indexing, rpc, and ai in one ecosystem is the priority. The deciding factor is usually the trade-off you can least afford — Covalent (GoldRush) means accepting that less flexible than custom indexers, while SubQuery means broad ecosystem — clarify which service you need.
Covalent (GoldRush) carries the higher editorial rating (4.2/5 vs 4.2/5), but they solve different problems. Covalent (GoldRush) is the stronger pick when you need broadest multi-chain coverage (100+ networks). SubQuery wins when combines indexing, rpc, and ai in one ecosystem.
SubQuery starts lower, at $49/month versus $50/month. Both also offer a free tier.
Covalent (GoldRush)'s main limitation is that less flexible than custom indexers. For SubQuery, broad ecosystem — clarify which service you need. Weigh these against how you actually plan to use the tool.
In most cases yes — many teams run both, using each where it's strongest. Since Covalent (GoldRush) leads on broadest multi-chain coverage (100+ networks) and SubQuery on combines indexing, rpc, and ai in one ecosystem, the two are often complementary rather than mutually exclusive.