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Software · head to head

Aave vs The Graph

Aave logo

Aave

Software

Open source liquidity protocol

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
The Graph logo

The Graph

Software

The indexing protocol for Web3

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Aave bridge and cross-chain vulnerabilities expose protocols to external risks, as demonstrated by 2026 rsETH exploit; The Graph subgraph Studio's free tier caps at 100,000 queries per month; usage beyond that is billed at $2 per 100,000 queries
  • They diverge on capability: Aave covers Lending, The Graph covers Subgraph Indexing.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Aave and The Graph actually diverge.

Attributes where Aave and The Graph differ
AttributeAaveThe Graph
Pricing modelfreeusage-based
PlatformsWeb, iOS, Multiple BlockchainsWeb, Api
Founded20172018

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Aave

  • Lending
  • Borrowing
  • Flash Loans
  • GHO Stablecoin
  • Safety Module
  • AAVE Token
  • Multi-chain

Only in The Graph

  • Subgraph Indexing
  • GraphQL API
  • Decentralized Network
  • Multi-chain Support
  • GRT Token
  • 30+ chains
  • Api support

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Aave

  • Definot The Graph
  • Lendingnot The Graph
  • Borrowingnot The Graph

The Graph

  • Indexing and querying blockchain data through subgraphs across 60+ networksnot Aave

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Aave

  • Bridge and cross-chain vulnerabilities expose protocols to external risks, as demonstrated by 2026 rsETH exploit
  • Oracle dependency creates liquidation risk if price feeds fail or experience flash loan attacks
  • Liquidation mechanics require users to manage collateral ratios actively or face full position closure

The Graph

  • Subgraph Studio's free tier caps at 100,000 queries per month; usage beyond that is billed at $2 per 100,000 queries

Pricing, plan by plan

Aave

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Lending
    • Borrowing
    • Flash loans

The Graph

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • 100K queries
    • Subgraph Studio
    • Testnet
  • Pay as you go$0.00004/query
    • Unlimited queries
    • Mainnet
    • Multi-chain

Which should you pick?

Choose Aave if

  • You need lending.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iOS, Multiple Blockchains.
  • You also want borrowing.
Aave review

Choose The Graph if

  • You need subgraph indexing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Api.
  • You also want graphql api.
The Graph review

Questions people ask

Is Aave or The Graph better?
Neither clearly leads. Aave starts at Free and The Graph at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Aave or The Graph?
Aave starts at Free and The Graph at Free.
Does Aave or The Graph run on more platforms?
Aave runs on Web, iOS, Multiple Blockchains. The Graph runs on Web, Api.
Can I use Aave for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Aave best used for?
Aave is most often used for defi, lending, borrowing. Of those, defi and lending are not what The Graph is typically brought in for.
What can Aave do that The Graph cannot?
Aave covers Lending, Borrowing, Flash Loans, GHO Stablecoin. The Graph covers Subgraph Indexing, GraphQL API, Decentralized Network, Multi-chain Support. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Aave: Is Aave available on multiple blockchains?

Yes. Aave V4 deployed on Ethereum mainnet with multi-chain support across Arbitrum, Polygon, Avalanche, Base, and Aptos. The protocol's hub-and-spoke architecture enables efficient deployment across different networks.

Source
Aave: What security measures does Aave have in place?

Aave operates with six years of uninterrupted operation, third-party audits, SOC 2 Type 2 annual security audits, formal verification of smart contracts, open-source code, an active bug bounty program, and governance-controlled code changes.

Source
Aave: Does Aave have a mobile app?

Yes. Aave provides a mobile application available on iOS for everyday users seeking yield, alongside Aave Pro for advanced strategies and the core Aave V3 platform accessible via app.aave.com.

Source
Aave: What are the main risks of using Aave?

Key risks include liquidation if collateral drops below required thresholds, oracle failures affecting price feeds, composability risks when using aTokens in other protocols, and exposure to bridge vulnerabilities in cross-chain deployments.

Source
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