ShapedQL vs Hasura: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between ShapedQL 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
ShapedQL
The real-time retrieval engine for search, feeds, and AI agents, powered by a SQL interface.
Best for you if:
- • You need data & databases features specifically
- • SQL-like query engine for powering search, recommendation feeds, and AI agent retrieval
- • Unifies search indexes, recommendation models, and vector stores in a single query language
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 |  ShapedQL |  Hasura |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free tier + paid plansFree tier available | $5/month per active modelDDN Base |
Best For | Data & Databases | API Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose ShapedQL or Hasura?
Choose ShapedQL if
The real-time retrieval engine for search, feeds, and AI agents, powered by a SQL interface.
- Familiar SQL syntax reduces learning curve for developers
- Unifies search and recommendation retrieval into a single query layer
- Real-time performance optimized for production workloads
- Your work is data & databases-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 data & databases-shaped
| Feature | ShapedQL | Hasura |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 26 reviews |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesDeveloper Tools | API ToolsGraphQL Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
ShapedQL
The real-time retrieval engine for search, feeds, and AI agents, powered by a SQL interface.
Strengths
- +Familiar SQL syntax reduces learning curve for developers
- +Unifies search and recommendation retrieval into a single query layer
- +Real-time performance optimized for production workloads
- +Purpose-built for AI agent and recommendation system use cases
Weaknesses
- -Tightly coupled with Shaped platform, not a standalone tool
- -New query language with a small community and limited third-party resources
- -May be overkill for simple search implementations
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: ShapedQL vs Hasura
| Plan | ShapedQL | Hasura |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free Tier | Free DDN Free |
| Tier 2 | Enterprise | $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 ShapedQL pricing and Hasura pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: ShapedQL
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: ShapedQL
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?
ShapedQL is a data & databases 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
ShapedQL
- Better fit for data & databases
The Bottom Line
Hasura is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ShapedQL or Hasura better?
Hasura is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are ShapedQL and Hasura used for?
ShapedQL: The real-time retrieval engine for search, feeds, and AI agents, powered by a SQL interface.. Hasura: Instant GraphQL APIs on your databases.
What does ShapedQL cost vs Hasura?
ShapedQL is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Hasura is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.