PRISM API vs The Graph: Zero Setup vs Custom Indexing
The Graph requires GraphQL and subgraph deployment. PRISM is REST-native with 310+ endpoints ready to use in seconds. Different tools for different needs.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | PRISM API | The Graph |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Zero - works instantly | Hours (write subgraphs) |
| Query Language | REST (simple HTTP) | GraphQL (learning curve) |
| Canonical Asset IDs | ✓ Self-learning registry | ✗ Contract addresses |
| Asset Coverage | Crypto + Stocks + Macro | On-chain only |
| Agent-Native Design | ✓ Built for AI | ✗ Developer-focused |
| Free Tier | ✓ Generous limits | ✓ With GRT staking |
| Custom Indexing | ✗ Curated endpoints | ✓ Full flexibility |
| Smart Contract Events | Limited | ✓ Full access |
| Decentralization | Centralized API | ✓ Decentralized network |
| Total Endpoints | 310+ ready-to-use | Unlimited (custom) |
Technical Differences
PRISM API
- • Simple REST endpoints
- • No deployment needed
- • Works in seconds
- • Standard HTTP methods
The Graph
- • GraphQL query language
- • Subgraph deployment required
- • Hours to set up
- • Full customization
Pros & Cons
PRISM API
Pros
- • Zero setup time
- • Simple REST endpoints
- • Canonical asset resolution
- • Crypto + stocks + macro coverage
- • Agent-native for AI apps
- • Free tier available
Cons
- • Curated endpoints only
- • Limited custom indexing
- • Centralized infrastructure
The Graph
Pros
- • Full customization
- • Index any smart contract
- • Decentralized network
- • GraphQL flexibility
- • Deep on-chain data
Cons
- • Hours to set up
- • GraphQL learning curve
- • Subgraph deployment required
- • GRT token staking for free tier
- • On-chain only (no stocks/macro)
Use cases where PRISM wins
Quick Prototyping
PRISMNeed market data in 5 minutes? PRISM works instantly. No subgraph deployment, no waiting.
AI Agent Development
PRISMPRISM is agent-native, designed for LLMs. The Graph wasn't built with AI in mind.
Multi-Asset Portfolios
PRISMNeed crypto AND stock data? PRISM covers both. The Graph is blockchain-only.
Custom DeFi Indexing
The GraphNeed to index specific smart contract events? The Graph offers full flexibility.
Why developers choose PRISM
Start in Seconds
No GraphQL to learn, no subgraphs to deploy, no indexing to wait for. PRISM endpoints work immediately with simple HTTP requests.
Beyond Blockchain
The Graph is blockchain-only. PRISM covers crypto, stocks, and macroeconomic data in one unified API.
Built for AI Agents
PRISM is agent-native, designed for LLMs and autonomous systems. Clean, predictable REST responses that AI can parse reliably.
Canonical Asset Resolution
One ID per asset across all exchanges. No more dealing with contract addresses or exchange-specific identifiers.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use PRISM API or The Graph for my project?
Use PRISM for ready-to-use REST endpoints with canonical asset resolution across crypto, stocks, and macro. Use The Graph for custom on-chain data indexing with GraphQL queries.
Does PRISM require subgraph deployment like The Graph?
No. PRISM is zero-setup. You get 310+ endpoints working immediately. The Graph requires you to write and deploy subgraphs before querying data.
Can PRISM query on-chain data like The Graph?
PRISM provides curated on-chain metrics and market data. For custom smart contract event indexing, The Graph offers more flexibility.
Which is better for AI trading bots?
PRISM is agent-native, designed specifically for AI applications. Simple REST endpoints are easier for LLMs to use than GraphQL queries.
Ready to try PRISM API?
Get 310+ endpoints working in seconds. No GraphQL, no subgraphs, no waiting.