Faktory vs Graphile Worker
Faktory
contribsys.comGraphile Worker
worker.graphile.orgSide by side
| Figure | Faktory | Graphile Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $99/mo | $25/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 7 |
| Spec score · Task Queue Software | 8.3 (#5) | 9.1 (#1) |
| Installation | The maker documents Linux RPM/DEB packages, macOS Homebrew installation, and a Docker image. | The package can be installed through npm, Yarn, or pnpm; global installation is not recommended. |
| Purpose | Faktory is a language-agnostic, persistent background job system. | Graphile Worker stores jobs in PostgreSQL and executes them on Node.js so background work does not hold up application responses. |
| Security | Faktory supports TLS for worker and HTTP ports and authenticates clients using a configured global password. | The connection documentation describes SSL-encrypted PostgreSQL connections and CA certificate configuration. |
| Support | The maker lists no dedicated support for OSS and email support for Enterprise. | Community help is provided through Graphile Discord and GitHub, with paid professional support available. |
Plans
Faktory
- Faktory OSSFree
- Faktory Enterprise — additional packs$99 a month
- Faktory Enterprise — first pack$299 a month
Graphile Worker
- Graphile WorkerFree
- Graphile Worker OSSFree
- Worker Pro launch offer$25 a month
- Worker Pro Launch Offer$25 a month
- Worker Pro regular price$100 a month
- Worker Pro regular pricing$100 a month
- Private Advisor sponsorship$899 a month
In their own words
Faktory
Faktory is a persistent background job system that works across programming languages. It includes a responsive web interface for viewing and managing jobs, and uses Redis as a child process for local storage, persisting data to its configured directory. The maker lists worker bindings for Node/JavaScript, Ruby, Go, Python, PHP, Elixir, Rust, Swift, Crystal, Haskell, Java/JVM,.NET, and Clojure. Linux RPM and DEB packages, macOS Homebrew installation, and a Docker image are documented. Faktory supports TLS for worker and HTTP ports, with clients authenticated by a configured global password. The OSS edition is free under AGPL and has no dedicated support. Enterprise features include cron jobs, unique and expiring jobs, Redis Gateway, StatsD metrics, queue throttling, batches or workflows, and job status. Enterprise production use requires a valid license and is limited to purchased connections: the first pack is $299 a month for 100 connections, and each additional pack is $99 a month for 100 connections. Faktory does not provide clustered high availability; persistence and failover rely on Redis replication.
Graphile Worker
Graphile Worker stores jobs in PostgreSQL and runs them on Node.js, so background work does not hold up application responses. It is free and open source under the MIT license, and is self-hosted in standalone or embedded mode, including within an application server's Node.js process. Jobs execute at least once, and failed jobs are retried automatically with exponential backoff. Recurring tasks can use crontab-like schedules with optional backfill; other controls include de-duplication by unique job_key and batch jobs that append data to queued jobs. The feature list says execution typically begins in under 3ms using PostgreSQL LISTEN/NOTIFY. The current version requires PostgreSQL 12+ and Node 22.18+. Installation is supported through npm, Yarn or pnpm, and global installation is not recommended. Database connections can use SSL encryption and CA certificate configuration. Community help is available through Graphile Discord, with professional support contracts also offered. Worker Pro adds crashed-worker recovery and live migration to new Worker versions.