Developer Tools · Review
ActiveThe Graph Review 2026: Indexing and Querying Blockchain Data
The Graph is an indexing and query protocol that lets developers read blockchain data through GraphQL instead of running their own data servers. It suits teams building dapps, but costs and token economics are worth checking.
By the DappsAtlas editorial team · Updated
DappsAtlas score
7.7/10
Good
Our verdict on The Graph
7.7/10The Graph suits developers and data teams who need structured onchain data without building their own indexing servers. Its main strength is broad adoption, multi-network support and a decentralized market of Indexers behind a simple GraphQL interface. The main caveat is that costs and GRT token economics vary with the market, and the figures on the homepage are self-reported. GRT stakers should read the delegation and security documentation first.
Score breakdown
How The Graph scores
- Security
- 7.0/10
- Ease of use
- 7.5/10
- Fees
- 6.0/10
- Features
- 8.0/10
Scores run from 0 to 10 and are based only on facts we could verify. Where information was missing we mark the score n/a rather than guess.
What is The Graph?
The Graph is a protocol for organizing and accessing blockchain data. Instead of running a custom server to read and index smart contract events, developers publish a subgraph and query it with GraphQL. The project's own description is that it indexes and serves web3 data.
The homepage cites more than 100 Indexer nodes, more than 1.27 trillion queries served, over 75,000 projects and support for more than 60 networks. These are the project's own figures. The product page lists use cases across DeFi, NFTs, DAOs, analytics and gaming.
The Graph has its own token, GRT, and the DeFiLlama listing classes it as developer tooling on Ethereum and Arbitrum. No audits are listed in that data, and the homepage does not publish a team or licensing page beyond foundation-authored blog posts.
How The Graph works
Blockchains store data in a form that is hard to search. The Graph indexes smart contract events into organized datasets called subgraphs. Developers write a subgraph definition, publish it, and applications then request exactly the fields they need with GraphQL.
The Graph Network is a decentralized data market. Indexers run nodes that index subgraphs and serve queries. Curators signal which subgraphs are useful, Delegators stake GRT with Indexers to help secure the network, and Subgraph Developers publish the data definitions.
Substreams is a second product that streams blockchain data into custom sinks, aimed at more advanced data pipelines than frontend queries.
6 features
Key features
01
Subgraphs
Developers define which smart contract data to index and expose it through an open API. Community-built subgraphs can be reused.
02
GraphQL queries
Applications fetch organized blockchain data with GraphQL queries, avoiding raw log parsing.
03
Substreams
Streams blockchain data into custom sinks for use cases beyond frontend queries.
04
Decentralized network
Indexers, Curators, Delegators and Subgraph Developers form a decentralized data market. The homepage cites 100+ Indexer nodes.
05
Multi-chain coverage
The homepage cites more than 60 supported networks, with a process to request a new network.
06
Developer resources
Docs, a CLI, quick-start guides, a forum, hackathons and videos are listed for new builders.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Widely used developer tool, with the homepage citing 75K+ projects and 1.27 trillion+ queries.
- Open, decentralized network of Indexers, Curators and Delegators rather than a single operator.
- Covers 60+ networks according to the homepage, with a route to request more.
- Two products: Subgraphs for queries and Substreams for streaming data.
- Extensive documentation, a CLI, videos, a forum and hackathons for newcomers.
Watch out for
- No audits are listed in the DeFiLlama data, and the homepage does not point to audit reports.
- Query fees and indexing rewards depend on market conditions and GRT, so costs are not fixed.
- Developers must learn GraphQL and subgraph concepts, which adds a learning curve for beginners.
- The homepage figures (uptime, cost savings, query counts) are self-reported and not independently verified.
- Delegators and indexers are exposed to GRT price swings and to protocol-level changes.
- The network relies on a distributed set of indexers, so the quality and availability of a given subgraph can vary.
The Graph fees
The Graph does not publish a single fee schedule on its homepage. It does have a Pricing page, and query costs on the decentralized network are set by a market of Indexers rather than a flat rate.
The homepage claims users can spend 60-98% less per month than running their own infrastructure. That is a self-reported figure, so compare it against your own workload. Docs also describe ways to query for free, which can suit testing.
Is The Graph safe?
The Graph is infrastructure, not a custodial service. Developers query data without depositing funds, so the main risks are data availability and correctness. Delegators and Curators using GRT take on smart-contract, token-price and Indexer-performance risk.
The DeFiLlama data lists no audits, and the homepage links to a Security page without detailing audit results. Check that page and the docs for current audit and bug-bounty information before staking GRT. The project does not publish licensing or regulatory status in the homepage content.
7 steps
How to get started with The Graph
- 1
Read the About The Graph and Subgraph Quick Start pages in the docs.
- 2
Browse existing subgraphs to see whether one already covers your contract or protocol.
- 3
If needed, create a subgraph that defines the contract data you want indexed.
- 4
Test queries in the playground using GraphQL.
- 5
Connect the query endpoint to your application frontend or backend.
- 6
Review the Pricing page for production query costs.
- 7
If you want to participate as a Delegator or Curator, watch the intro videos and read the role guides first.
Who The Graph is for
The Graph is for dapp developers, analytics teams and data builders who want fast access to blockchain data through GraphQL or streaming pipelines. It also suits token holders who want to take part as Delegators or Curators, provided they understand the token and Indexer risks.
The Graph FAQs
What is The Graph?
The Graph is an open-source indexing protocol for blockchain data. Developers define subgraphs that organize smart contract data, and applications query that data with GraphQL. It is often described as a search layer for blockchains.
What is GRT used for?
GRT is the protocol's token. According to the homepage, the network is run by Indexers, Curators, Delegators and Subgraph Developers, and GRT is the token used by those participants. Exact reward and fee mechanics are in the project's documentation.
What is a subgraph?
A subgraph is a custom definition of which smart contract data to index and how to organize it. Once published, anyone can query it. Developers can build their own or reuse community-made subgraphs.
Which blockchains does The Graph support?
The homepage says it supports more than 60 networks, and the DeFiLlama listing shows Ethereum and Arbitrum. The full supported-network list is on the project's site and changes as networks are added.
Is it free to query The Graph?
Yes, the docs describe ways to query for free, and the project lists a Pricing page. Production usage on the decentralized network is paid with fees, so check the current pricing and any free allowances before building.
Can I delegate GRT?
Delegators support Indexers with GRT to help secure the network. This involves token price risk and depends on Indexer performance, and returns are not guaranteed. Read the delegation docs and understand the risks before committing funds.
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Guides
Guides about The Graph
dApp basics
What Is The Graph (GRT) and How Does the Protocol Work in 2026?The Graph is a decentralized indexing protocol that lets apps query blockchain data quickly through GraphQL, and GRT is the token that pays and secures that network. This guide explains how it works, who takes part, and what to check before relying on it or holding the token.
Wallets and tools
Best Crypto Tools: Wallets, Research and MoreThe right crypto tools depend on what you need to do: protect assets, research markets, track DeFi, move tokens across chains or build an app. Use this guide to match a tool to the task and assess the risks before connecting a wallet.
Wallets and tools
Blockchain Notifications and Alerts: Tools and SetupBlockchain alerts turn on-chain events, wallet activity and market movements into notifications you can act on. Learn how alert tools work, which type fits your needs, and how to set them up safely.
AI and crypto
Top AI Crypto Coins to Know in 2026AI crypto coins range from decentralized GPU networks to agent platforms and data infrastructure. This 2026 shortlist compares eight established tokens by what their networks do, how directly each relates to AI, and what to check before you research further.
Wallets and tools
What Is a Crypto API? Types, Uses and Safety in 2026A crypto API lets software request blockchain, market, or exchange services without building every connection from scratch. Learn how the main types work, what they can—and cannot—do, and how to choose one safely.
Wallets and tools
What Is Alchemy in Web3? A Practical GuideAlchemy is a Web3 infrastructure platform: it gives developers hosted blockchain connections and tools for building apps without running every node themselves. This guide explains what it does, how an app uses it, what it does not do, and what to consider before choosing it.
How we checked
Sources
Last updated . Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.