The Graph vs Tenderly: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between The Graph and Tenderly 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:
The Graph
Transform complex onchain data into structured, verifiable insights for Web3 applications.
Best for you if:
- • You need data & databases features specifically
- • Decentralized protocol for indexing and querying blockchain data.
- • Reduces infrastructure costs and development time for web3 applications.
Tenderly
Accelerate on-chain velocity with a full-stack development platform for Web3 professionals.
Best for you if:
- • You need blockchain development features specifically
- • Provides customizable Virtual TestNets for flexible Web3 development and testing.
- • Offers a powerful Developer Explorer with debugging, simulation, and gas profiling tools.
| At a Glance |  The Graph | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Data & Databases | Blockchain Development |
Rating | - | - |
Choose The Graph or Tenderly?
Choose The Graph if
Transform complex onchain data into structured, verifiable insights for Web3 applications.
- Eliminates the need for developers to run their own data servers or indexing infrastructure.
- Significantly reduces costs (60-98% less per month) compared to traditional infrastructure.
- Ensures high application uptime (99.99%+) and data flow through decentralization.
- Your work is data & databases-shaped, not blockchain development-shaped
Choose Tenderly if
Accelerate on-chain velocity with a full-stack development platform for Web3 professionals.
- Replaces rigid public testnets with flexible, private environments.
- Offers comprehensive debugging and observability tools for smart contracts.
- Provides a highly scalable and performant infrastructure for dApps.
- Your work is blockchain development-shaped, not data & databases-shaped
| Feature | The Graph | Tenderly |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Data & DatabasesDeveloper Tools | Blockchain DevelopmentDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
The Graph
Transform complex onchain data into structured, verifiable insights for Web3 applications.
Strengths
- +Eliminates the need for developers to run their own data servers or indexing infrastructure.
- +Significantly reduces costs (60-98% less per month) compared to traditional infrastructure.
- +Ensures high application uptime (99.99%+) and data flow through decentralization.
- +Simplifies access to complex blockchain data with structured APIs.
- +Supports a wide range of blockchain networks and use cases.
Weaknesses
- -Requires understanding of GraphQL for querying subgraphs.
- -Reliance on a decentralized network means performance can be influenced by network participants.
- -New users may need to learn about the roles within the ecosystem (Indexers, Curators, Delegators).
Key features
Tenderly
Accelerate on-chain velocity with a full-stack development platform for Web3 professionals.
Strengths
- +Replaces rigid public testnets with flexible, private environments.
- +Offers comprehensive debugging and observability tools for smart contracts.
- +Provides a highly scalable and performant infrastructure for dApps.
- +Reduces infrastructure management overhead for development teams.
- +Enables safe user onboarding and testing with gassless simulation mode.
Weaknesses
- -Pricing details are not publicly available, requiring direct contact for enterprise solutions.
- -The product is primarily focused on EVM-compatible chains, potentially limiting its use for non-EVM blockchain development.
- -Advanced features like custom RPC endpoints and soft rate limits are likely part of higher-tier or custom plans, not universally accessible.
Key features
Pricing: The Graph vs Tenderly
| Plan | The Graph | Tenderly |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $10/month Basic |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $25/month Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on The Graph pricing and Tenderly pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: The Graph
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
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?
The Graph is a data & databases tool. Tenderly is in blockchain development. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Tenderly
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
The Graph
- Better fit for data & databases
The Bottom Line
Tenderly is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Graph or Tenderly better?
Tenderly is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are The Graph and Tenderly used for?
The Graph: Transform complex onchain data into structured, verifiable insights for Web3 applications.. Tenderly: Accelerate on-chain velocity with a full-stack development platform for Web3 professionals..
What does The Graph cost vs Tenderly?
The Graph is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Tenderly is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.