Softwr

Software · head to head

Hasura vs Stoplight

Hasura logo

Hasura

Software

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Stoplight logo

Stoplight

Software

API design, documentation, and governance platform

From
Free
Rated
-

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Hasura database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only; Stoplight the free plan allows one project and one user
  • They diverge on capability: Hasura covers GraphQL API, Stoplight covers API Design.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Hasura and Stoplight actually diverge.

Attributes where Hasura and Stoplight differ
AttributeHasuraStoplight
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsWebWeb, Cloud
Founded20172014

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 Hasura

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

Only in Stoplight

  • API Design
  • API Documentation
  • Governance
  • GitHub
  • GitLab
  • Jenkins
  • Azure DevOps
  • Web support

Both cover

  • Cloud support

What people use each for

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

Hasura

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

Stoplight

  • Designing and documenting OpenAPI specifications visuallynot Hasura
  • Serving interactive API docs and instant mock servers from a specnot Hasura

Where each one falls short

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

Hasura

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

Stoplight

  • The free plan allows one project and one user
  • Private projects, multi branch support and custom domains start at the Startup plan, $113 a month billed annually
  • SSO and shared style guides are Pro Team only, at $362 a month billed annually
  • Seats beyond each plan's allowance are $11 to $27 each per month depending on tier and billing period

Pricing, plan by plan

Hasura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Hasura review.

Stoplight

Free
  • FreeFree
    • API design
    • Documentation
    • Community support
  • Pro$75/monthly
    • Governance
    • Advanced testing
    • Team collaboration
  • Enterprise$undefined/monthly
    • Custom deployment
    • SLA
    • Priority support

Which should you pick?

Choose Hasura if

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

Choose Stoplight if

  • You need api design.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Cloud.
  • You also want api documentation.

Questions people ask

Is Hasura or Stoplight better?
Neither clearly leads. Hasura starts at Free and Stoplight at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Hasura or Stoplight?
Hasura starts at Free and Stoplight at Free.
Does Hasura or Stoplight run on more platforms?
Hasura runs on Web. Stoplight runs on Web, Cloud.
Can I use Hasura for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Hasura best used for?
Hasura is most often used for automatic graphql api generation from existing databases, real-time data subscriptions for modern applications, backend infrastructure for web and mobile applications, event-triggered webhooks for database changes. Of those, automatic graphql api generation from existing databases and real-time data subscriptions for modern applications are not what Stoplight is typically brought in for.
What can Hasura do that Stoplight cannot?
Hasura covers GraphQL API, Real-time subscriptions, Access control, PostgreSQL. Stoplight covers API Design, API Documentation, Governance, GitHub. Both handle Cloud support.

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