Graphile Worker vs Oban
Graphile Worker
worker.graphile.orgOban
oban.proSide by side
| Figure | Graphile Worker | Oban |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $25/mo | $135/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 4 |
| Spec score · Task Queue Software | 9.1 (#1) | 7.7 (#21) |
| Purpose | Graphile Worker stores jobs in PostgreSQL and executes them on Node.js so background work does not hold up application responses. | Oban is a background job framework for Elixir and Python, backed by a database. |
| Reliability | Jobs execute at least once, and failures trigger automatic retries with exponential backoff. | The open-source foundation provides durable background jobs, automatic retries, error handling, transaction safety, and at-least-once execution. |
| Support | Community help is provided through Graphile Discord and GitHub, with paid professional support available. | Pro includes email support, while Enterprise Support offers a private Slack or Teams channel, prioritized support, configuration review, and video issue-triage calls during US and UK business hours. |
Plans
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
Oban
- Open SourceFree
- Pro (monthly)$150 a month
- Pro (yearly)$1,620 a year
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
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.