Chainstack vs The Graph: RPC Nodes vs Indexing
Chainstack is a managed infrastructure platform. It provides RPC endpoints, dedicated node hosting, and managed indexing across 70+ blockchain networks. The Graph is a decentralized protocol for indexing and querying smart contract data across 60+ chains using GraphQL subgraphs.
The main difference is their service architecture and pricing. Chainstack provides direct read-and-write node connectivity through more than 10 global data centers. Its plans start at $49 per month after a free tier with 3 million request units and up to 25 RPS. The Graph uses a decentralized network of independent indexers and focuses on structured data querying. Subgraph Studio charges $20 per million queries after a free tier of 100,000 monthly queries.
Quick verdict
The deciding factor between these two services is whether your application requires direct RPC node communication to submit transactions or an organized GraphQL layer to filter and serve historical smart contract events. Chainstack supplies full-node access alongside dedicated hardware options, while The Graph coordinates decentralized node operators purely for data extraction and indexing.
Choose Chainstack if you need full RPC endpoints to broadcast transactions, require support for non-EVM chains like Solana, Bitcoin, or TON, or want dedicated server deployments starting at $678 per month alongside flat-rate RPS pricing.
Choose The Graph if you build decentralized application frontends that query complex relational data via GraphQL schemas, prefer an open-source decentralized indexer network secured by GRT, and want pay-as-you-go query billing at $20 per million requests.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.3/5 | 4.2/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Reliability | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Chain coverage | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Pricing | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Developer experience | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Support | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Specs | ||
| Services | RPC / nodes, Indexing | Indexing |
| Chains supported | 70 | 60 |
| Free tier | Yes | Yes |
| Pricing from | $49/month | $20 per million queries |
| Enterprise SLA | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Open source | Not disclosed | Yes |
| Token | Not disclosed | GRT |
| Uptime SLA | 99.99% | 99.99% |
| Free tier limits | 3M request units/month, up to 25 RPS | 100,000 queries per month |
| Server regions | 10+ global data centers | Not disclosed |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2018 | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Singapore | — |
| Investors | Not disclosed | Digital Currency Group, Multicoin Capital, Reciprocal Ventures, Tiger Global Management +15 |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Multichain application teams, RPC-heavy trading systems, Enterprise blockchain infrastructure | Dapp frontend developers, DeFi protocol data teams, Cross-chain analytics platforms |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Can Chainstack replace The Graph for indexing?
Chainstack supports hosted subgraphs, but it acts primarily as an RPC and node provider rather than an open decentralized indexing protocol. Teams requiring custom GraphQL pipelines across decentralized indexers still rely on The Graph.
Can The Graph be used as an RPC endpoint?
No, The Graph is strictly a data querying and indexing protocol, not an RPC provider. It does not provide direct node connections to broadcast raw transactions to blockchains.
Which service has a larger free tier?
Chainstack provides 3 million request units per month on its free Developer tier, capped at 25 requests per second. The Graph provides 100,000 free monthly queries in Subgraph Studio before metering kicks in.
How does pricing differ between Chainstack and The Graph?
Chainstack bills through recurring subscriptions, starting at $49 per month for managed plans and $678 per month for dedicated nodes. The Graph charges a usage-based fee averaging $20 per million queries, payable in fiat cards, GRT, or USDC.