A head-to-head comparison of The Graph and Subsquid (SQD) — pricing, the features that actually differ, and which one fits which use case.
The decentralized indexing protocol for querying blockchain data via GraphQL subgraphs
High-performance indexing across 225+ networks with fast historical backfill
These are the 1 capabilities where the two tools genuinely diverge — the rest of their feature sets overlap.
| Capability | The Graph | Subsquid (SQD) |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | GraphQL | GraphQL / SQL |
| Feature | The Graph | Subsquid (SQD) |
|---|---|---|
| Query Language | GraphQL | GraphQL / SQL |
| Decentralized | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi Chain | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom Subgraphs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Real Time Indexing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Historical Data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Streaming Data | ✓ | ✓ |
| Governance Token | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self Hostable | ✓ | ✓ |
Both tools are free to use — costs come from network or usage fees.
The Graph
Free
The Graph
Custom
Subsquid (SQD)
Free
Subsquid (SQD)
$49/mo
$490/yr billed annually
Watch out: GRT payment model adds billing complexity vs simple API key plans.
Watch out: Steeper learning curve than subgraphs.
The Graph edges ahead on our editorial score (4.4/5), but these tools aren’t straight substitutes. Pick The Graph when standard for defi data — uniswap, aave, compound all run on the graph 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 — The Graph means accepting that grt payment model adds billing complexity vs simple api key plans, while Subsquid (SQD) means steeper learning curve than subgraphs.
The Graph carries the higher editorial rating (4.4/5 vs 4.4/5), but they solve different problems. The Graph is the stronger pick when you need standard for defi data — uniswap, aave, compound all run on the graph. Subsquid (SQD) wins when 225+ networks, evm and non-evm.
Both tools are free to use, with costs coming from network or usage fees rather than subscriptions.
The Graph's main limitation is that grt payment model adds billing complexity vs simple api key plans. 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 The Graph leads on standard for defi data — uniswap, aave, compound all run on the graph and Subsquid (SQD) on 225+ networks, evm and non-evm, the two are often complementary rather than mutually exclusive.