Blockchain · head-to-head
Bitquery vs Watchdata
Bitquery serves onchain data across 40+ blockchains through a single GraphQL schema, covering trades, transfers, balances, and DEX activity, plus real-time delivery over WebSocket streams. Access is metered per API point and stream-minute, with a 7-day free trial that unlocks the full streaming tier before billing kicks in. Tokens are issued through an OAuth2 client-credentials flow rather than a static key.
WatchData operates hosted JSON-RPC nodes across Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Smart Chain, and other networks, plus higher-level "Powered API" endpoints for token balances, transfer history, and block-timestamp lookups that would otherwise require custom indexing. Every call needs an api_key issued from the dashboard after a free signup, with a 100-million-unit free monthly allowance before paid plans apply. Responses are plain JSON-RPC.
| Bitquery | Watchdata | |
|---|---|---|
| Authentication | OAuth | API Key |
| Pricing | metered | freemium |
| Formats | GraphQL, WebSocket | JSON |
| CORS | yes | yes |
| HTTPS | Yes | Yes |
Watchdata is freemium, while Bitquery is metered — Watchdata is the cheaper way in.