PostGraphile
postgraphile.org
What it is
PostGraphile creates GraphQL APIs backed primarily by PostgreSQL, for applications such as SaaS backends and internal business tools. Its core features include GraphQL queries and mutations, automatic CRUD mutations, filtering, ordering, plugins, and authentication using JWT or custom pgSettings. It also supports 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. The project can be self-hosted, and its homepage offers an `npx pgl` command to start with a PostgreSQL connection string. PostGraphile Pro adds query-cost, pagination, and query-depth limits, as well as a facility for scaling through database read replicas. The Pro plugin is for V4 Core; Version 5 remains open source and under development. V4 Core costs nothing. Pro License Only costs $25 a month, with up to four production instances and 100 development instances; larger clusters require custom licensing.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- PostGraphile creates extensible, high-performance GraphQL APIs backed primarily by PostgreSQL.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- 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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- Maker
- The homepage identifies Graphile Ltd. as the copyright holder.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- Compatibility limit
- The Pro plugin is for PostGraphile V4 Core; the page says V5 is open source and continues to be developed.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- 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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- Getting started
- The homepage gives an `npx pgl` command to start PostGraphile with a PostgreSQL connection string.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- License behavior
- The maker says Pro license keys are static and the software does not phone home; automated keys expire after one year.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- License limit
- The Pro license permits up to four production instances and 100 development instances; larger clusters require custom licensing.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- Open source
- PostGraphile V4 Core and PostGraphile V5 are open source under the MIT license.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- Pro protections
- PostGraphile Pro lists integrated query-cost, pagination, and query-depth limits, designed to protect APIs from expensive queries.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- Scaling
- PostGraphile Pro includes a facility to scale through database read replicas.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- Use cases
- The maker describes PostGraphile as suitable for SaaS backend APIs and internal business tools.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
- Version 5 engine
- PostGraphile Version 5 is built on Grafast, a planning and execution engine intended to improve performance and maintainability.Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
Plans and prices
PostGraphile V4 Core Free MIT license Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
PostGraphile Pro License Only $25 a month $25/mo USD +VAT (page also shows ~~$100/mo~~) Up to 4 Production Instances and 100 Development Instances Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
Production Sponsor $100 a month From $100/mo USD; GitHub Sponsors or annual invoicing Priority support via community Discord; includes Pro features Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
Private Advisor Tier $899 a month From $899/mo USD; GitHub Sponsors or bespoke invoicing Complimentary Development Support contract; discounted consultancy packages Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
Development Support $999 a month $999 a month, with no minimum term; annual contract discount available Direct support through company Slack/GitHub organization Read 7 Oct 2026 · postgraphile.org
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Open-source V4 Core and V5 under MIT
- Includes automatic CRUD mutations
- Supports row-level security and role-based access control
- Pro adds query limits and read-replica scaling
Limits
- Pro plugin is for V4 Core, not V5
- Pro license limits production and development instances
- Larger clusters require custom licensing
Who it suits
PostGraphile suits developers building PostgreSQL-backed GraphQL APIs for SaaS products or internal tools. It can be self-hosted, with open-source core options and paid Pro features for V4 Core.
Verdict
PostGraphile offers a substantial GraphQL API feature set, including an open-source option and a paid V4 Pro plugin. Confirm the version and instance limits that fit your deployment.
Where Specifiction places it
- API Generation Software#7 of 257.9
- GraphQL Tools#15 of 327.7
