Grafbase is a serverless GraphQL platform that lets developers build and deploy GraphQL APIs at the edge — with schema-first development, real-time subscriptions, built-in caching, and a federated gateway for combining multiple GraphQL subgraphs. Unlike Apollo Server (self-hosted), Grafbase is fully managed with edge deployment closer to users. Integrates with Supabase, PlanetScale, and other databases via TypeScript resolvers. Free tier available.
Grafbase
Serverless GraphQL platform for developers
Best for: Developers building GraphQL APIs wanting serverless edge deployment with schema-first development and federation across multiple data sources
- Free plan
4.0/5 ratingEditorial score 73/100grafbase.com
The editorial note
What to know about Grafbase
Is it right for you?
Who Grafbase suits
Choose it if
- Developers building GraphQL APIs wanting serverless edge deployment with schema-first development and federation across multiple data sources
Look elsewhere if
- REST API developers or teams that don't use GraphQL (Grafbase is GraphQL-specific and adds complexity for non-GraphQL teams)
What you get
Key features
- GraphQL API
- Edge deployment
- Real-time
- Federation
- Caching
- TypeScript resolvers
- Connectors
Works with
Integrations5
The trade-off
Pros and cons
Pros
- Edge deployment
- Schema-first
- Real-time subscriptions
- Free tier
- Federation
- TypeScript resolvers
Cons
- GraphQL-specific
- Newer platform
- Smaller community than Apollo
Quick read
At a glance
- Category
- Development & Coding
- Pricing model
- Freemium
- Free plan
- Available
- Free trial
- Not listed
- Website
- grafbase.com
The verdict
Our take on Grafbase
Best serverless GraphQL platform for edge-deployed API development. Grafbase's schema-first workflow and edge deployment serve development teams building GraphQL APIs where self-hosting Apollo Server creates operational overhead — companies building data-intensive apps with multiple backend data sources choose Grafbase for the unified federated graph without managing distributed infrastructure.
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