Electric SQL vs Hasura: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Electric SQL and Hasura comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Hasura is our overall pick for API tools workflows. Pick Electric SQL if you need developer tools.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Electric SQL
Build fast, modern, collaborative apps with real-time data sync for your existing stack.
Best for you if:
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • Real-time data synchronization for PostgreSQL.
- • Enables collaborative and reactive applications with instant local writes.
Hasura
Instant GraphQL APIs on your databases
Best for you if:
- • You need API tools features specifically
- • Hasura is an instant GraphQL API engine that connects to your databases
- • It auto-generates a GraphQL API with subscriptions, auth, and actions from Postgres
| At a Glance |  Electric SQL |  Hasura |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Usage-based pricing/moElectric Cloud | $5/month per active modelDDN Base |
Best For | Developer Tools | API Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Electric SQL or Hasura?
Choose Electric SQL if
Build fast, modern, collaborative apps with real-time data sync for your existing stack.
- Adds real-time sync without changing existing stack
- Supports offline-first application development
- Provides sub-millisecond reactivity and instant local writes
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not API tools-shaped
Choose Hasura if
Instant GraphQL APIs on your databases
- Instant GraphQL APIs
- Real-time subscriptions
- Authorization built-in
- Your work is API tools-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
| Feature | Electric SQL | Hasura |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 26 reviews |
| Categories | Developer ToolsData & Databases | API ToolsGraphQL Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Electric SQL
Build fast, modern, collaborative apps with real-time data sync for your existing stack.
Strengths
- +Adds real-time sync without changing existing stack
- +Supports offline-first application development
- +Provides sub-millisecond reactivity and instant local writes
- +Offers flexible deployment options including cloud hosting and self-hosting
- +Integrates with a wide range of popular frameworks and platforms
Weaknesses
- -Requires familiarity with PostgreSQL for optimal configuration
- -Complexity might be high for very simple applications
- -Specific pricing details are not fully available on the main page
Key features
Hasura
Instant GraphQL APIs on your databases
Strengths
- +Instant GraphQL APIs
- +Real-time subscriptions
- +Authorization built-in
- +Good performance
- +Open source core
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -PostgreSQL focused
- -Cloud expensive
- -Complex for simple needs
- -Vendor lock-in risk
Key features
Pricing: Electric SQL vs Hasura
| Plan | Electric SQL | Hasura |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Usage-based pricing Electric Cloud | Free DDN Free |
| Tier 2 | Free Open source | $5 month per active model DDN Base |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $30 month per active model DDN Advanced |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Electric SQL pricing and Hasura pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Electric SQL
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Electric SQL
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Hasura
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Electric SQL is a developer tools tool. Hasura is in API tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Hasura
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Electric SQL
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
Hasura is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Electric SQL or Hasura better?
Hasura is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Electric SQL and Hasura used for?
Electric SQL: Build fast, modern, collaborative apps with real-time data sync for your existing stack.. Hasura: Instant GraphQL APIs on your databases.
What does Electric SQL cost vs Hasura?
Electric SQL is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Hasura is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.