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Software · head to head

The Graph vs Uniswap

The Graph logo

The Graph

Software

The indexing protocol for Web3

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Uniswap logo

Uniswap

Software

Swap, earn, and build on the leading decentralized protocol

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: 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; Uniswap high gas fees on Ethereum network during congestion periods
  • They diverge on capability: The Graph covers Subgraph Indexing, Uniswap covers Token Swaps.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where The Graph and Uniswap differ
AttributeThe GraphUniswap
Pricing modelusage-basedfree
PlatformsWeb, ApiWeb, Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2018).

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 The Graph

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

Only in Uniswap

  • Token Swaps
  • Liquidity Pools
  • NFT Aggregator
  • Concentrated Liquidity
  • UNI Token
  • Multi-chain
  • Ios support
  • Android support

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

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

The Graph

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

Uniswap

  • Definot The Graph
  • Dexnot The Graph
  • Ammnot The Graph

Where each one falls short

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

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

Uniswap

  • High gas fees on Ethereum network during congestion periods
  • Slippage can be significant for large trades in low-liquidity pairs
  • No order book, making it inefficient for large institutional trades
  • Front-running risk on public blockchain transactions

Pricing, plan by plan

The Graph

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

Uniswap

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Token swaps
    • Liquidity provision
    • NFT trading

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Uniswap if

  • You need token swaps.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism.
  • You also want liquidity pools.
Uniswap review

Questions people ask

Is The Graph or Uniswap better?
Neither clearly leads. The Graph starts at Free and Uniswap at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, The Graph or Uniswap?
The Graph starts at Free and Uniswap at Free.
Does The Graph or Uniswap run on more platforms?
The Graph runs on Web, Api. Uniswap runs on Web, Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism.
Can I use The Graph for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is The Graph best used for?
The Graph is most often used for indexing and querying blockchain data through subgraphs across 60+ networks. Of those, indexing and querying blockchain data through subgraphs across 60+ networks is not what Uniswap is typically brought in for.
What can The Graph do that Uniswap cannot?
The Graph covers Subgraph Indexing, GraphQL API, Decentralized Network, Multi-chain Support. Uniswap covers Token Swaps, Liquidity Pools, NFT Aggregator, Concentrated Liquidity. Both handle Web support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Uniswap: What are Uniswap's fee tiers?

Uniswap V4 removed fixed fee tiers. Pool creators can set fees from 0% to 100% in 0.0001% increments, with dynamic fees adjustable through smart contract hooks.

Source
Uniswap: How does Uniswap determine asset prices?

Uniswap uses an automated market maker (AMM) model with mathematical formulas to set prices based on liquidity pools, not traditional order books.

Source
Uniswap: Is Uniswap decentralized?

Yes, Uniswap is a fully decentralized exchange where liquidity providers earn fees pro-rata based on their active liquidity in price ranges.

Source
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Related pages

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