Web3 data tools compared
Compare Dune’s SQL workspace with The Graph’s Subgraphs for Web3 data tasks. Based on official documentation, without independent test scores.
Choose Dune to analyze protocol usage with SQL and deliver a shareable research dashboard.
Choose The Graph to serve contract-event data as application entities, with a data model you can maintain.
| Dimension | Dune | The Graph | How to choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Query model | Write SQL against data tables to aggregate and inspect metrics. | Use GraphQL to query entities defined in a Subgraph schema. | Dune for metric exploration; The Graph for entity queries. The distinction is whether queries follow your application’s data model. [1][6] |
| Deliverable | Query results, charts and shareable dashboards. | A structured GraphQL data API for an application. | Dune for a research report; The Graph for an application API. Decide whether the output is primarily for readers or application queries. [1][5] |
| Data coverage | Find raw tables, decoded contracts and curated datasets in the catalog. | Check each Subgraph’s network, contracts and schema; discover it in Explorer. | Dune for existing tables; The Graph for custom entities. Verify the target chain and contract in either product; coverage is not universal. [2][5][7] |
| Integration and upkeep | Fetch results or execute parameterized queries via API; maintain SQL and refresh schedules. | Connect to a Subgraph query URL; maintain manifest, schema and mappings when building your own. | Dune for existing analytics; The Graph for a custom event data layer. Dune also has an API; API availability alone does not separate them. [3][5][6] |
Swipe across to read both tools and the decision.
Query blockchain data, create charts and share dashboards in one workspace. Query results can also feed external applications through an API. [1][3][4]
Custom analysis requires SQL and table knowledge. Results depend on coverage and query logic. API execution and data export consume credits; browsing a dashboard does not imply free API use.
Dune Onchain Data & SQL AnalyticsA Subgraph uses a manifest, schema and mappings to turn contract data into entities queried with GraphQL. A suitable existing Subgraph can be evaluated and reused. [5][6][7]
Queries depend on the selected Subgraph’s network, contracts and schema. Missing entities may require changing or building a Subgraph and checking its sync status.
The Graph Subgraphs & Blockchain DataWe compare Dune and The Graph Subgraphs by query model, deliverable, data coverage and integration upkeep using official documentation checked on 2026-09-14. Recommendations are editorial judgments about task fit. We have no independent test scores and do not treat directory ratings as performance evidence.
This page only addresses Dune vs The Graph for onchain data workflows: assess Dune first for SQL research and dashboards, and Subgraphs for GraphQL queries over custom entities. It does not cover every wallet, research-intelligence or alerting product, or compare The Graph’s other products.
Data Hub supports SQL queries, visualization and dashboard sharing.
Supports starting with Dune for research and presenting metrics.
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The editor provides data discovery, SQL execution, scheduling and export controls.
Confirm tables and fields before committing to an analysis.
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The API can execute queries and read results, including the latest saved result.
Existing SQL analytics can feed an app; distinguish cached results from a new execution.
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API executions consume credits for compute; exporting results also consumes credits.
Estimate execution frequency and export volume before integration.
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A Subgraph defines how chain data is indexed and queried using a manifest, schema and mappings.
Fits teams that need control over the mapping from contract events to application entities.
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GraphQL queries target schema-defined entities; the API exposes read-only queries.
Check that the required entities, fields and query shapes are available.
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Explorer helps find Subgraphs by network or contract and inspect query URLs, entities and indexing information.
Evaluate an existing Subgraph before deciding to build one.
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Use the tool links above to inspect your candidate’s decision card. If the job is still unclear, use the guide to separate research, data integration and monitoring needs.
Read the Web3 selection guide