A head-to-head comparison of Subsquid (SQD) and Bitquery — pricing, the features that actually differ, and which one fits which use case.
High-performance indexing across 225+ networks with fast historical backfill
GraphQL blockchain data APIs with deep DEX, transfer, and analytics coverage
These are the 6 capabilities where the two tools genuinely diverge — the rest of their feature sets overlap.
| Capability | Subsquid (SQD) | Bitquery |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | GraphQL / SQL | GraphQL |
| Decentralized | Yes | No |
| Custom Subgraphs | Yes | No |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Governance Token | Yes | No |
| Self Hostable | Yes | No |
| Feature | Subsquid (SQD) | Bitquery |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | GraphQL / SQL | GraphQL |
| 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.
Subsquid (SQD)
Free
Subsquid (SQD)
$49/mo
$490/yr billed annually
Bitquery
Free
Bitquery
$49/mo
$490/yr billed annually
Watch out: Steeper learning curve than subgraphs.
Watch out: GraphQL query crafting has a learning curve.
Subsquid (SQD) edges ahead on our editorial score (4.4/5), but these tools aren’t straight substitutes. Pick Subsquid (SQD) when 225+ networks, evm and non-evm matters most to your workflow; pick Bitquery when powerful graphql across 40+ chains is the priority. The deciding factor is usually the trade-off you can least afford — Subsquid (SQD) means accepting that steeper learning curve than subgraphs, while Bitquery means graphql query crafting has a learning curve.
Subsquid (SQD) carries the higher editorial rating (4.4/5 vs 4.2/5), but they solve different problems. Subsquid (SQD) is the stronger pick when you need 225+ networks, evm and non-evm. Bitquery wins when powerful graphql across 40+ chains.
Subsquid (SQD) starts lower, at $49/month versus $49/month. Both also offer a free tier.
Subsquid (SQD)'s main limitation is that steeper learning curve than subgraphs. For Bitquery, graphql query crafting has a learning curve. 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 Subsquid (SQD) leads on 225+ networks, evm and non-evm and Bitquery on powerful graphql across 40+ chains, the two are often complementary rather than mutually exclusive.