A head-to-head comparison of Covalent (GoldRush) and Subsquid (SQD) — pricing, the features that actually differ, and which one fits which use case.
Unified multi-chain data API with the broadest chain coverage
High-performance indexing across 225+ networks with fast historical backfill
These are the 5 capabilities where the two tools genuinely diverge — the rest of their feature sets overlap.
| Capability | Covalent (GoldRush) | Subsquid (SQD) |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | REST API | GraphQL / SQL |
| Custom Subgraphs | No | Yes |
| Real Time Indexing | No | Yes |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Self Hostable | No | Yes |
| Feature | Covalent (GoldRush) | Subsquid (SQD) |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | REST API | GraphQL / SQL |
| Decentralized | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi Chain | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom Subgraphs | ✗ | ✓ |
| Real Time Indexing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Historical Data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✗ | ✓ |
| Streaming Data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Governance Token | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self Hostable | ✗ | ✓ |
Subsquid (SQD) has the lower entry price of the two.
Covalent (GoldRush)
Free
Covalent (GoldRush)
$50/mo
$500/yr billed annually
Subsquid (SQD)
Free
Subsquid (SQD)
$49/mo
$490/yr billed annually
Watch out: Less flexible than custom indexers.
Watch out: Steeper learning curve than subgraphs.
Subsquid (SQD) edges ahead on our editorial score (4.4/5), but these tools aren’t straight substitutes. Pick Covalent (GoldRush) when broadest multi-chain coverage (100+ networks) matters most to your workflow; pick Subsquid (SQD) when 225+ networks, evm and non-evm 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 Subsquid (SQD) means steeper learning curve than subgraphs.
Subsquid (SQD) carries the higher editorial rating (4.4/5 vs 4.2/5), but they solve different problems. Covalent (GoldRush) is the stronger pick when you need broadest multi-chain coverage (100+ networks). Subsquid (SQD) wins when 225+ networks, evm and non-evm.
Subsquid (SQD) 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 Subsquid (SQD), steeper learning curve than subgraphs. 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 Subsquid (SQD) on 225+ networks, evm and non-evm, the two are often complementary rather than mutually exclusive.