Graphene

At a glance

• Editor score
  6.3 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Python teams wanting code-first schemas
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Deployment model
  Self-hosted
• Facts checked
  21 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Code-first schema definition with broad GraphQL type support
  • Supports queries, mutations, subscriptions, Relay, middleware, and dataloading
  • Integrates with Django, Flask, FastAPI, Starlette, and data sources

• Where it doesn't

  • Self-hosted deployment requires teams to manage their own environment
  • Python-focused, limiting its fit for teams using other languages
  • Less verified explorer and code-generation coverage than leading Python options

Our verdict on Graphene

Graphene is an open-source Python library for building GraphQL APIs with a code-first approach. Developers define schemas, types, fields, resolvers, queries, mutations, and subscriptions in Python instead of writing GraphQL SDL directly. It is suited to Python teams building GraphQL services inside their own applications, particularly teams working with Django, Flask, FastAPI, Starlette, SQLAlchemy, or MongoDB.

The library covers a broad set of API capabilities. Its schema types include objects, interfaces, unions, enums, scalars, and mutations, while execution supports queries, mutations, and subscriptions. Relay-compliant API patterns, middleware, dataloading, file uploads, query validation, depth limiting, introspection controls, and a testing client are also included. Integration options extend to Google App Engine and Apollo Federation, giving teams several ways to fit Graphene into an existing Python application or GraphQL architecture.

Graphene is distributed as an MIT-licensed open-source library with a free plan and self-hosted deployment. That model suits teams that want control over where their GraphQL service runs and are comfortable managing the surrounding application environment. Its scope is broader than schema definition alone, but teams prioritizing a verified explorer or extensive code-generation coverage may prefer another Python option. Choose Graphene for Python-first, code-defined APIs with built-in execution, validation, testing, and framework integrations; look elsewhere if a managed service or stronger explorer and code-generation emphasis is central to the buying decision.

Your product? Our editors can test Graphene in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Graphene pricing

Graphene fact sheet

Graphene integrations

Graphene lists 8 integrations on its own site.

• Django
• Flask
• SQLAlchemy
• MongoDB
• Google App Engine
• Starlette
• FastAPI
• Apollo Federation

See all Graphene integrations →

Alternatives to Graphene

• Apollo GraphOSA broad GraphQL operations platform for teams managing federated APIs at scale.9.4
• HasuraA model-based API platform for composing, governing, and observing data APIs.9.2
• GraphQL HiveA broad GraphQL governance platform with a free tier and self-hosting.9.0

See all Graphene alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Graphene is listed in our GraphQL Tools directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/graphene/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/graphene.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update