The Graph vs SubQuery
A detailed head-to-head comparison of The Graph and SubQuery — pricing, features, and which one wins for different use cases.
The Graph
The decentralized indexing protocol for querying blockchain data via GraphQL subgraphs
The Graph is the canonical decentralized indexing protocol for blockchain data, used by Uniswap, Aave, Compound, Balancer, and virtually every major DeFi protocol to serve their front-end data. Develo…
Full review →SubQuery
Decentralized indexer combining data, RPC, and AI across EVM and non-EVM
SubQuery is a decentralized blockchain indexing protocol that combines data indexing, RPC services, and AI applications within a single ecosystem, supported by a tokenized reward mechanism that can of…
Full review →Feature Comparison
| Feature | The Graph | SubQuery |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | GraphQL | GraphQL |
| Decentralized | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi Chain | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom Subgraphs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real Time Indexing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Historical Data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Streaming Data | ✓ | ✗ |
| Governance Token | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self Hostable | ✓ | ✓ |
The Graph Pricing
The Graph
Subgraph Studio (Free to develop)
Free
- ✓Build and test subgraphs
- ✓Development queries
- ✓Publish to network
The Graph
Network (GRT per query)
Custom
- ✓Decentralized indexing
- ✓40+ chains
- ✓GraphQL API
- ✓Production SLA via Indexers
SubQuery Pricing
SubQuery
Free (dev tier)
Free
- ✓Open-source SDK
- ✓EVM + non-EVM chains
- ✓Managed hosted tier
- ✓GraphQL APIs
SubQuery
Growth
$49/mo
$490/yr billed annually
- ✓Higher limits
- ✓Decentralized network
- ✓Token cost offsets
Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
The Graph is the better pick if you need standard for defi data — uniswap, aave, compound all run on the graph. SubQuery wins when combines indexing, rpc, and ai in one ecosystem. Both are production-ready — the right choice depends on your team's workflow and budget.