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PostGraphile
What PostGraphile is
PostGraphile creates extensible GraphQL APIs backed primarily by PostgreSQL, for uses such as SaaS backends and internal business tools. It can be self-hosted, and its homepage gives an `npx pgl` command to start it with a PostgreSQL connection string. Core features include GraphQL queries and mutations, automatic CRUD mutations, filtering, ordering, and plugins. Authentication can use JWT or custom pgSettings, with row-level security and role-based access control. PostGraphile V4 Core and Version 5 are open source under the MIT license. Version 5 is built on Grafast, a planning and execution engine intended to improve performance and maintainability. PostGraphile Pro adds query-cost, pagination, and query-depth limits, as well as a facility to scale through database read replicas. The Pro plugin is for V4 Core; Version 5 remains open source and under development. The Pro License Only plan is $25 a month, for up to four production instances and 100 development instances; larger clusters require custom licensing. The maker says Pro license keys are static and the software does not phone home, while automated keys expire after one year. Graphile Ltd. is identified as the copyright holder.
Who it suits
PostGraphile suits developers building PostgreSQL-backed GraphQL APIs for SaaS backends or internal business tools. It can be self-hosted and supports JavaScript and TypeScript.
What it does well
- Open source V4 Core and V5 use the MIT license.
- Supports row-level security and role-based access control.
- Pro adds query-cost, pagination, and query-depth limits.
- Pro includes a way to scale through database read replicas.
What to know first
- The Pro plugin is for V4 Core, not V5.
- Pro licenses cap production and development instances.
- Larger clusters require custom licensing.
- Automated Pro keys expire after one year.
Limits
PostGraphile V4 Core is available free of charge. The Pro License Only plan costs $25 a month and permits up to four production instances and 100 development instances; larger clusters require custom licensing. Automated Pro license keys expire after one year.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PostGraphile V4 Core | MIT license | Free |
| Production Sponsor | From $100/mo USD; GitHub Sponsors or annual invoicing · Priority support via community Discord; includes Pro features | $100 a month |
| PostGraphile Pro License Only | $25/mo USD +VAT (page also shows ~~$100/mo~~) · Up to 4 Production Instances and 100 Development Instances | $25 a month |
| Private Advisor Tier | From $899/mo USD; GitHub Sponsors or bespoke invoicing · Complimentary Development Support contract; discounted consultancy packages | $899 a month |
| Development Support | $999 a month, with no minimum term; annual contract discount available · Direct support through company Slack/GitHub organization | $999 a month |
As postgraphile.org lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the PostGraphile homepage.
- Use the `npx pgl` command with a PostgreSQL connection string.
- Choose the free PostGraphile V4 Core plan or a paid plan based on the needed Pro features and support.
Verdict
PostGraphile offers an open-source route to PostgreSQL-backed GraphQL APIs, with Pro protections and replica scaling for V4 Core. Check the version-specific plugin and license limits before choosing Pro.
Questions
Is PostGraphile open source?
PostGraphile V4 Core and Version 5 are open source under the MIT license.
What does PostGraphile cost?
PostGraphile V4 Core is free. PostGraphile Pro License Only is $25 a month, and other paid plans include Production Sponsor at $100 a month, Private Advisor Tier at $899 a month, and Development Support at $999 a month.
What does the Pro License Only plan include?
It provides the Pro license for up to four production instances and 100 development instances. Larger clusters require custom licensing.
Which platforms does PostGraphile support?
Its listed platforms are API, self-hosted, and web.
What is the difference between the Pro plugin and Version 5?
The Pro plugin is for PostGraphile V4 Core. Version 5 is open source and continues to be developed.
Who makes PostGraphile?
The homepage identifies Graphile Ltd. as the copyright holder.
Facts from PostGraphile's own pages
- Compatibility limit
- The Pro plugin is for PostGraphile V4 Core; the page says V5 is open source and continues to be developed. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Core API features
- The pricing comparison lists GraphQL queries and mutations, automatic CRUD mutations, JWT or custom pgSettings authentication, row-level security and role-based access control, filtering, ordering, and plugins. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Getting started
- The homepage gives an `npx pgl` command to start PostGraphile with a PostgreSQL connection string. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- License behavior
- The maker says Pro license keys are static and the software does not phone home; automated keys expire after one year. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- License limit
- The Pro license permits up to four production instances and 100 development instances; larger clusters require custom licensing. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The homepage identifies Graphile Ltd. as the copyright holder. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Open source
- PostGraphile V4 Core and PostGraphile V5 are open source under the MIT license. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Pro protections
- PostGraphile Pro lists integrated query-cost, pagination, and query-depth limits, designed to protect APIs from expensive queries. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PostGraphile creates extensible, high-performance GraphQL APIs backed primarily by PostgreSQL. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Scaling
- PostGraphile Pro includes a facility to scale through database read replicas. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Community support is available through Discord, sponsors receive maintainer priority support there, and Private Advisor sponsors can receive support through their company Slack or GitHub organization. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The maker describes PostGraphile as suitable for SaaS backend APIs and internal business tools. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
- Version 5 engine
- PostGraphile Version 5 is built on Grafast, a planning and execution engine intended to improve performance and maintainability. · postgraphile.org, 7 Oct 2026
Where PostGraphile stands on Freedom251
- API Generation Software#10 of 25
- GraphQL Tools#15 of 32