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Graphile Worker

Free#16 of 36 in Task Queue Software

Graphile Worker: A focused PostgreSQL queue for Node.js teams needing retries, scheduling, and deduplication. Ranked #16 of 36 in Task Queue Software by our editors (7.7/10); pricing: Open source; best for postgreSQL queues with job deduplication.

7.7/10Editor score

Try Graphile Worker

Graphile Worker7.7 Try Graphile Worker

At a glance

Editor score
7.7 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
PostgreSQL queues with job deduplication
Paid from
Free
Deployment model
Self_hosted
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Automatic retries with exponential backoff and configurable retry counts
- Job deduplication, batching, priorities, and named queues
- Standalone or embedded execution with delayed and recurring tasks
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment requires PostgreSQL and operational ownership
- No separate dead-letter queue is described
- Integrations are focused on PostGraphile and PostgREST

Our verdict on Graphile Worker

Graphile Worker is an open-source task queue that stores jobs in PostgreSQL and executes them with Node.js. It fits engineering teams building applications on PostgreSQL and Node.js that want background processing without operating a separate queue service. Jobs can be created with JavaScript or SQL, while standalone and embedded execution modes support different application architectures. Linux, macOS, and Windows are supported, with self-hosted deployment as the deployment model.

Its strongest technical coverage is job control. Automatic retries use exponential backoff, and the retry count is configurable. Delayed execution supports scheduled work, while cron-like recurring tasks can optionally backfill missed runs. Job keys provide deduplication, and batch jobs include partial retry handling. Named queues, priority controls, and parallel execution add useful control when workloads have different urgency or processing requirements. These capabilities make Graphile Worker a good fit for applications that need more than simple one-off background jobs.

The trade-off is focus. Graphile Worker is closely aligned with the PostgreSQL ecosystem, including integrations with PostGraphile and PostgREST, rather than a broad integration catalog. It also does not provide a separate dead-letter queue, although permanently failed jobs are retained for inspection. Teams should choose it when PostgreSQL-backed processing, JavaScript or SQL job creation, and deduplication are central requirements. Teams seeking a hosted queue, a separate dead-letter workflow, or wider platform integrations should consider an alternative.

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

Graphile Worker pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on worker.graphile.org

Graphile Worker fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Deployment model	Self_hosted
Custom retry policy	Yes
Scheduled jobs	Yes
Dead-letter queue	No
Maximum payload size	Not verified
Official SDK languages	JavaScript, TypeScript
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Linux, macOS, Windows
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate)
Integrations	2 integrations: PostGraphile, PostgREST
Pricing	Open source
Website	worker.graphile.org
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

Graphile Worker integrations

Graphile Worker lists 2 integrations on its own site.

PostGraphile
PostgREST

Alternatives to Graphile Worker

See all Graphile Worker alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Graphile Worker is listed in our Task Queue Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update