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GraphQL Playground vs Hasura

GraphQL Playground logo

GraphQL Playground

Software

GraphQL IDE and documentation tool for building GraphQL APIs

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Hasura logo

Hasura

Software

GraphQL engine that instantly creates production-ready GraphQL API from databases

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: GraphQL Playground apollo's own documentation states GraphQL Playground is officially retired and no longer recommended, directing users to Apollo Sandbox instead; Hasura database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only
  • They diverge on capability: GraphQL Playground covers Query building, Hasura covers GraphQL API.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which GraphQL Playground and Hasura actually diverge.

Attributes where GraphQL Playground and Hasura differ
AttributeGraphQL PlaygroundHasura
PlatformsWeb, Electron, Self-hostedWeb
Founded20182017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), 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 GraphQL Playground

  • Query building
  • Schema introspection
  • Real-time testing
  • GraphQL servers
  • Apollo Studio
  • Custom servers
  • Web support
  • Electron support

Only in Hasura

  • GraphQL API
  • Real-time subscriptions
  • Access control
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Webhooks
  • REST APIs
  • Cloud support

Both cover

  • Self-hosted support

What people use each for

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

GraphQL Playground

  • API Developmentnot Hasura
  • API Gatewaynot Hasura
  • API Testingnot Hasura
  • API Documentationnot Hasura
  • Microservicesnot Hasura

Hasura

  • Automatic GraphQL API generation from existing databasesnot GraphQL Playground
  • Real-time data subscriptions for modern applicationsnot GraphQL Playground
  • Backend infrastructure for web and mobile applicationsnot GraphQL Playground
  • Event-triggered webhooks for database changesnot GraphQL Playground

Where each one falls short

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

GraphQL Playground

  • Apollo's own documentation states GraphQL Playground is officially retired and no longer recommended, directing users to Apollo Sandbox instead

Hasura

  • Database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only

Pricing, plan by plan

GraphQL Playground

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full GraphQL IDE
    • Community support

Hasura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Hasura review.

Which should you pick?

Choose GraphQL Playground if

  • You need query building.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Electron, Self-hosted.
  • You also want schema introspection.
GraphQL Playground review

Choose Hasura if

  • You need graphql api.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want real-time subscriptions.
Hasura review

Questions people ask

Is GraphQL Playground or Hasura better?
Neither clearly leads. GraphQL Playground starts at Free and Hasura at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, GraphQL Playground or Hasura?
GraphQL Playground starts at Free and Hasura at Free.
Does GraphQL Playground or Hasura run on more platforms?
GraphQL Playground runs on Web, Electron, Self-hosted. Hasura runs on Web.
Can I use GraphQL Playground for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is GraphQL Playground best used for?
GraphQL Playground is most often used for api development, api gateway, api testing, api documentation. Of those, api development and api gateway are not what Hasura is typically brought in for.
What can GraphQL Playground do that Hasura cannot?
GraphQL Playground covers Query building, Schema introspection, Real-time testing, GraphQL servers. Hasura covers GraphQL API, Real-time subscriptions, Access control, PostgreSQL. Both handle Self-hosted support.
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