PostGraphile
PostGraphile creates GraphQL APIs backed mainly by PostgreSQL, for uses such as SaaS backends and internal business tools.
What PostGraphile is
PostGraphile creates GraphQL APIs backed mainly by PostgreSQL, for uses such as SaaS backends and internal business tools. It can be self-hosted, and its homepage provides an `npx pgl` command to start it with a PostgreSQL connection string. Core capabilities 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, along with a way to scale through database read replicas. The Pro plugin applies to V4 Core; Version 5 remains open source and in development. V4 Core is free, while the Pro License Only plan costs $25/mo and covers up to four production and 100 development instances; larger clusters require custom licensing.
Good
- Open-source V4 Core and V5 use the MIT license
- Supports row-level security and role-based access control
- Pro adds query limits and read-replica scaling
- Can be self-hosted
Watch out
- Pro plugin is for V4 Core only
- Pro license limits production and development instances
- Larger clusters require custom licensing
- Automated Pro license keys expire after one year
Who it suits
PostGraphile suits developers building PostgreSQL-backed APIs, including SaaS backends and internal business tools. Teams needing Pro protections should note that the plugin is for V4 Core, not Version 5.
Verdict
PostGraphile combines a self-hostable GraphQL API layer with PostgreSQL-focused access controls and an open-source option. Review the V4-only Pro plugin and instance limits before opting for a paid license.
Plans and prices
From PostGraphile's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| PostGraphile V4 Core | Free | MIT license |
| PostGraphile Pro License Only | $25 a month | Up to 4 Production Instances and 100 Development Instances · $25/mo USD +VAT (page also shows ~~$100/mo~~) |
| Production Sponsor | $100 a month | Priority support via community Discord; includes Pro features · From $100/mo USD; GitHub Sponsors or annual invoicing |
| Private Advisor Tier | $899 a month | Complimentary Development Support contract; discounted consultancy packages · From $899/mo USD; GitHub Sponsors or bespoke invoicing |
| Development Support | $999 a month | Direct support through company Slack/GitHub organization · $999 a month, with no minimum term; annual contract discount available |
The facts
Each one read from PostGraphile's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Compatibility limit
- The Pro plugin is for PostGraphile V4 Core; the page says V5 is open source and continues to be developed.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Getting started
- The homepage gives an `npx pgl` command to start PostGraphile with a PostgreSQL connection string.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- License limit
- The Pro license permits up to four production instances and 100 development instances; larger clusters require custom licensing.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Open source
- PostGraphile V4 Core and PostGraphile V5 are open source under the MIT license.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Pro protections
- PostGraphile Pro lists integrated query-cost, pagination, and query-depth limits, designed to protect APIs from expensive queries.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PostGraphile creates extensible, high-performance GraphQL APIs backed primarily by PostgreSQL.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Scaling
- PostGraphile Pro includes a facility to scale through database read replicas.checked 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.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The maker describes PostGraphile as suitable for SaaS backend APIs and internal business tools.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Version 5 engine
- PostGraphile Version 5 is built on Grafast, a planning and execution engine intended to improve performance and maintainability.checked 7 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- The homepage identifies Graphile Ltd. as the copyright holder.checked 7 Oct 2026
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