A head-to-head comparison of Goldsky and Subsquid (SQD) — pricing, the features that actually differ, and which one fits which use case.
Real-time blockchain data pipelines with subgraph hosting and Mirror streaming to any database
High-performance indexing across 225+ networks with fast historical backfill
These are the 8 capabilities where the two tools genuinely diverge — the rest of their feature sets overlap.
| Capability | Goldsky | Subsquid (SQD) |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | GraphQL (subgraphs) + SQL (Mirror) | GraphQL / SQL |
| Decentralized | No | Yes |
| Real Time Pipeline | Yes | — |
| Database Sinks | Yes | — |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Graph Compatible | Yes | — |
| Webhook Delivery | Yes | — |
| Self Hostable | No | Yes |
| Feature | Goldsky | Subsquid (SQD) |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | GraphQL (subgraphs) + SQL (Mirror) | GraphQL / SQL |
| Decentralized | ✗ | ✓ |
| Multi Chain | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real Time Pipeline | ✓ | — |
| Database Sinks | ✓ | — |
| Open Source | ✗ | ✓ |
| Graph Compatible | ✓ | — |
| Streaming Data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Webhook Delivery | ✓ | — |
| Self Hostable | ✗ | ✓ |
| Custom Subgraphs | — | ✓ |
| Real Time Indexing | — | ✓ |
| Historical Data | — | ✓ |
| Governance Token | — | ✓ |
Subsquid (SQD) has the lower entry price of the two.
Goldsky
$250/mo
Subsquid (SQD)
Free
Subsquid (SQD)
$49/mo
$490/yr billed annually
Watch out: Not decentralized — Goldsky is a single company infrastructure provider.
Watch out: Steeper learning curve than subgraphs.
Goldsky edges ahead on our editorial score (4.4/5), but these tools aren’t straight substitutes. Pick Goldsky when drop-in replacement for the graph hosted service — same code, better reliability 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 — Goldsky means accepting that not decentralized — goldsky is a single company infrastructure provider, while Subsquid (SQD) means steeper learning curve than subgraphs.
Goldsky carries the higher editorial rating (4.4/5 vs 4.4/5), but they solve different problems. Goldsky is the stronger pick when you need drop-in replacement for the graph hosted service — same code, better reliability. Subsquid (SQD) wins when 225+ networks, evm and non-evm.
Subsquid (SQD) starts lower, at $49/month versus $250/month. Both also offer a free tier.
Goldsky's main limitation is that not decentralized — goldsky is a single company infrastructure provider. 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 Goldsky leads on drop-in replacement for the graph hosted service — same code, better reliability and Subsquid (SQD) on 225+ networks, evm and non-evm, the two are often complementary rather than mutually exclusive.