API Management · head to head
Parse Server vs Hasura
Parse Server
API Management
Open-source Backend as a Service platform with REST and GraphQL APIs
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
Hasura
API Management
GraphQL engine that instantly creates production-ready GraphQL API from databases
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Parse Server deployment complexity and scaling challenges require operational expertise; Hasura database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only
- They diverge on capability: Parse Server covers REST API, Hasura covers Real-time subscriptions.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Parse Server and Hasura actually diverge.
| Attribute | Parse Server | Hasura |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Node.js, Express, REST API, GraphQL API | Web |
| Founded | 2011 | 2017 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (API Management).
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 Parse Server
- REST API
- Authentication
- Node.js
- Cloud functions
- File storage
- Node.js support
Only in Hasura
- Real-time subscriptions
- Access control
- PostgreSQL
- MySQL
- REST APIs
- Cloud support
- Kubernetes support
Both cover
- GraphQL API
- Webhooks
- Self-hosted support
- Docker support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Parse Server
- API Developmentnot Hasura
- API Gatewaynot Hasura
- API Testingnot Hasura
- API Documentationnot Hasura
- Microservicesnot Hasura
Hasura
- Automatic GraphQL API generation from existing databasesnot Parse Server
- Real-time data subscriptions for modern applicationsnot Parse Server
- Backend infrastructure for web and mobile applicationsnot Parse Server
- Event-triggered webhooks for database changesnot Parse Server
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Parse Server
- Deployment complexity and scaling challenges require operational expertise
- Requires database management skills for MongoDB or PostgreSQL administration
- Smaller community and ecosystem compared to Firebase or cloud alternatives
- Query depth bypass vulnerability allowing denial-of-service attacks via complex REST/GraphQL queries
- Stored XSS vulnerability through SVG file uploads requires patching
Hasura
- Database support limited to PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, and MS SQL Server only
Pricing, plan by plan
Parse Server
Free- Open SourceFree
- Self-hosted Parse Server
- Community support
Hasura
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the Hasura review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Parse Server if
- You need rest api.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Node.js, Express, REST API, GraphQL API.
- You also want authentication.
Choose Hasura if
- You need real-time subscriptions.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want access control.
Questions people ask
- Is Parse Server or Hasura better?
- Neither clearly leads. Parse Server 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, Parse Server or Hasura?
- Parse Server starts at Free and Hasura at Free.
- Does Parse Server or Hasura run on more platforms?
- Parse Server runs on Node.js, Express, REST API, GraphQL API. Hasura runs on Web.
- Can I use Parse Server for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Parse Server best used for?
- Parse Server 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 Parse Server do that Hasura cannot?
- Parse Server covers REST API, Authentication, Node.js, Cloud functions. Hasura covers Real-time subscriptions, Access control, PostgreSQL, MySQL. Both handle GraphQL API, Webhooks, Self-hosted support, Docker support.
Answered from the vendors’ own pages
Parse Server: Is Parse Server self-hosted or cloud-managed?
Parse Server is entirely self-hosted and open-source, running on your own infrastructure with no monthly subscription required; you manage the MongoDB or PostgreSQL database and deployment.
Parse Server: What databases does Parse Server support?
Parse Server works with MongoDB and PostgreSQL as data stores, giving you flexibility to choose your preferred database system for your application.
Parse Server: What APIs does Parse Server provide?
Parse Server automatically generates both REST and GraphQL APIs based on your application schema, and you can extend these with custom queries, mutations, and remote schemas.
SourceParse Server: What SDKs are available for Parse Server?
Parse provides native SDKs for iOS (Swift/Objective-C), Android, JavaScript/Node.js, PHP, and .NET, plus REST and GraphQL access for any other platform.
SourceParse Server: Does Parse Server include user authentication?
Yes. Parse Server includes out-of-the-box user management with support for email/password authentication, OAuth providers (Facebook, Twitter, Google, GitHub, LDAP), push notifications, and campaigns.