parse-server vs graphql-engine
Two of the top projects in Backends and databases, side by side: who leads on each score part and who each one suits, then setup, license, activity and what each review found.
parse-server
Node.js backend with REST and GraphQL APIs on MongoDB or PostgreSQL
graphql-engine
GraphQL API layer over Postgres, MongoDB, ClickHouse and SQL Server
Verdict
parse-server ranks higher, 66 to 65. Of the 5 score parts we measure for both, parse-server leads on 1, graphql-engine on 3 and 1 is even.
- Adoptiongraphql-engine leads by 24 points, 67 to 43: a wide gap.
- FreshnessEven at 100.
- Maintenancegraphql-engine leads by 3 points, 81 to 78: close to even.
- Easy to runparse-server leads by 34 points, 67 to 33: a wide gap.
- Agent-readygraphql-engine leads by 30 points, 30 to 0: a wide gap.
Pick parse-server if you are
Developers self-hosting a REST/GraphQL backend for mobile and web apps
- Runs standalone or embedded in an existing Express app
- Supports both MongoDB (7, 8) and PostgreSQL (16-18) with PostGIS
Pick graphql-engine if you are
Teams exposing existing databases as a GraphQL API for apps
- Supports PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse and MS SQL Server as data sources
- Connector SDKs in TypeScript, Python and Go for custom logic
| What we compare | parse-server | graphql-engine |
|---|---|---|
| Score parts, out of 100 | ||
| Adoption | 43, known | 67, popular |
| Freshness | 100, active | 100, active |
| Maintenance | 78, fair | 81, healthy |
| Easy to run | 67, easy | 33, some setup |
| Agent-ready | 0, none | 30, minimal |
| Facts from GitHub and the README | ||
| Stars | 21.4k | 32.1k |
| License | Apache-2.0 (permissive) | Apache-2.0 (permissive) |
| Last commit | Oct 2026 | Oct 2026 |
| Last release | Oct 2026 | Sep 2026 |
| Language | JavaScript | TypeScript |
| Docker | Yes | Yes |
| GPU | Not needed | Not needed |
| arm64 or Apple Silicon | Not stated | Not stated |
parse-server
Parse Server is a self-hosted backend that runs on Node.js, either standalone via the parse-server CLI or mounted on an Express app. It exposes REST and GraphQL APIs backed by MongoDB or PostgreSQL (with PostGIS), and adds Cloud Code, Live Query, push notifications, file adapters and per-key access scopes. Official Parse SDKs cover the major client platforms.
Who it is for: Developers self-hosting a REST/GraphQL backend for mobile and web apps
Strengths
- Runs standalone or embedded in an existing Express app
- Supports both MongoDB (7, 8) and PostgreSQL (16-18) with PostGIS
- Includes Cloud Code, Live Query, GraphQL, push and pluggable file storage adapters
- Fine-grained access scopes: master, read-only master, session and maintenance keys
Weaknesses
- No built-in admin UI in this repo; a separate dashboard project is needed
- Requires you to provision and operate your own MongoDB or PostgreSQL
- Docker image must be built from the repo; README shows no prebuilt image or compose file
- Node.js version support is tied to specific majors and shifts with each release
- no GPU
- Docker
- Needs Node.js 20, 22 or 24, MongoDB 7/8 or PostgreSQL 16-18 with PostGIS
- port 1337
graphql-engine
Hasura GraphQL Engine exposes data from PostgreSQL and its flavors, MongoDB, ClickHouse and MS SQL Server through a single GraphQL endpoint. Custom business logic can be added with TypeScript, Python and Go connector SDKs. The repo is a mono-repo holding the V3 engine (which powers Hasura DDN) and the stable V2 engine, with all data connectors open source.
Who it is for: Teams exposing existing databases as a GraphQL API for apps
Strengths
- Supports PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse and MS SQL Server as data sources
- Connector SDKs in TypeScript, Python and Go for custom logic
- Core engines and data connectors are Apache-2.0 licensed
- V2 remains available as the current stable version
Weaknesses
- Large mono-repo with long history; README recommends shallow or sparse clones
- V2 and V3 are separate codebases with separate docs
- V3 is documented around the hosted Hasura DDN workflow
- README lists no RAM, port or AI model details
- no GPU
- Compose
- Needs PostgreSQL, MongoDB, ClickHouse, MS SQL Server
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