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GraphQL Ruby

graphql-ruby.org

From $91.67/mo Free plan APISelf-hosted
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Spec score 7.8 #11 of 32 in GraphQL Tools

What it is

GraphQL Ruby is a free, self-hosted Ruby gem that implements the GraphQL Server Specification for Ruby or Rails applications. It provides a self-documenting, strongly typed schema and serves queries, mutations, subscriptions, streaming responses, and multiplexed queries. Configurable depth and complexity validation can reject deeply nested or overly complex requests. Authorization tools handle schema visibility and checks on application objects during execution, while authentication is generally left to the application controller. GraphQL::Dataloader batches external data access and caches results per query; AsyncDataloader supports parallel I/O. Documentation covers Relay, Apollo Client, GraphQL.js Client, GraphiQL, urql, and custom JavaScript, plus monitoring integrations. The open-source gem is installed through RubyGems and uses the MIT license. The GraphQL Ruby gem costs nothing. GraphQL::Pro costs $1,100 a year, and GraphQL::Enterprise costs $2,400 a year under commercial licenses.

Spec sheet

Purpose
The graphql gem implements the GraphQL Server Specification in Ruby and adds a GraphQL API to Ruby or Rails applications.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
License
RubyGems lists the graphql gem license as MIT, while GraphQL::Pro and GraphQL::Enterprise use special commercial licenses.Read 4 Oct 2026 · rubygems.org
Authorization
Its authorization framework supports schema visibility and checks application objects during query execution; authentication is generally handled by the application controller.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
Client integrations
The docs describe using Relay, Apollo Client, GraphQL.js Client, GraphiQL, urql, and custom JavaScript with GraphQL-Ruby.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
Data loading
GraphQL::Dataloader batches external data access, caches results per query, and AsyncDataloader supports parallel I/O.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
Execution
The library supports serving queries, mutations, subscriptions, streaming responses, and multiplexed queries.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
Installation
The open-source gem is installed from RubyGems by adding graphql to an application's Gemfile and running bundle install.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
Monitoring integrations
Tracing documentation lists integrations including ActiveSupport Notifications, AppSignal, Datadog, New Relic, Prometheus, Sentry, Scout APM, and StatsD.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
Persisted queries
The Pro OperationStore maintains normalized persisted queries using Rack and ActiveRecord or Redis storage backends, and can reject arbitrary queries when configured as a whitelist.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
Pro support
GraphQL::Pro customers receive direct access to the gem creator and maintainer, prioritized support, and can report issues or request features by GitHub issue or email.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql.pro
Protection
GraphQL-Ruby provides configurable query depth and complexity validations to help reject deeply nested or complex queries.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
Schema
A GraphQL schema describes an application's API with a self-documenting, strongly typed type system.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
Supported application styles
The Pro subscriptions feature works with Rails, Sinatra, Hanami, or another Rack-based framework and uses Redis with Pusher or Ably.Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql.pro

Plans and prices

GraphQL Ruby gem Free Ruby gem implementing the GraphQL server specification Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql-ruby.org
GraphQL::Pro $1,100 a year $1100/year Commercial license · Includes persisted queries, authorization integrations, Rack subscriptions, advanced cursors and IDs, and prioritized support Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql.pro
GraphQL::Enterprise $2,400 a year $2400/year Commercial license · Includes Pro · Rate limiting, server-side caching, and schema versioning Read 4 Oct 2026 · graphql.pro

Every GraphQL Ruby plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free MIT-licensed Ruby gem
  • Supports queries, mutations, subscriptions, and streaming
  • Configurable depth and complexity protections
  • Dataloader batches and caches external data
  • Integrates with multiple clients and monitors

Limits

  • Authentication generally remains application-managed
  • Pro and Enterprise use commercial licenses
  • Paid tiers cost 1100 or 2400 USD yearly

Who it suits

It suits Ruby and Ruby on Rails developers building self-hosted GraphQL APIs. Teams needing commercial persisted-query, support, caching, or rate-limiting features can consider the paid tiers.

Verdict

GraphQL Ruby supplies a broad GraphQL server implementation with query controls, authorization hooks, data loading, and ecosystem integrations. Commercial tiers add operational features, but the base gem leaves authentication to the surrounding application.

Where Specifiction places it

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