Netflix DGS
Netflix DGS: A focused, self-hosted GraphQL toolkit for Java and Kotlin Spring teams. Ranked #10 of 32 in GraphQL Tools by our editors (7.8/10); pricing: Open source; best for spring Boot teams using Java or Kotlin.
At a glance
- Editor score7.8 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forSpring Boot teams using Java or Kotlin
- Paid fromFree
- Deployment modelSelf-hosted
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Schema-first development with Java and Kotlin code generation
- GraphiQL, query testing, subscriptions, uploads, and federation support
- Free open-source framework with strong Spring ecosystem integration
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosted deployment and operational ownership
- Its integrations are concentrated around Spring and Apollo Federation
- Not a hosted SaaS product with managed infrastructure
Our verdict on Netflix DGS
Netflix DGS is an open-source GraphQL server framework for teams building services with Spring Boot. Its annotation-based programming model supports Java and Kotlin applications, while schema-first development provides a structured way to define GraphQL APIs. The toolkit is aimed at developers who want to operate GraphQL services within their own Spring-based environments rather than adopt a hosted platform.
Its feature set covers much of the application lifecycle. GraphiQL provides an in-browser query editor, and schema-based generation supports Java and Kotlin models alongside type-safe client query APIs. DgsQueryExecutor supports query execution testing, which gives teams a dedicated path for validating GraphQL operations. Federation compatibility, subscriptions over WebSockets and SSE, and file uploads extend the framework beyond basic query and mutation handling. These capabilities make DGS suitable for services that need schema tooling, generated code, and more advanced GraphQL patterns in one Spring-oriented framework.
The main trade-off is platform focus. Integrations include Spring Boot, Spring Web, Spring WebFlux, Spring Security, and Apollo Federation Gateway, so DGS fits naturally into that ecosystem but is less compelling for teams using another application stack. Deployment is self-hosted, which leaves infrastructure, operations, and service management with the adopting team. Choose Netflix DGS when your organization already builds Java or Kotlin services with Spring Boot and wants open-source GraphQL tooling with testing, code generation, federation, subscriptions, and uploads. Consider another option if you want a managed GraphQL service or a broader integration landscape outside Spring.
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Netflix DGS pricing
Netflix DGS fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Deployment model | Self-hosted |
| Schema registry | Not verified |
| API explorer | Yes |
| Client code generation | Yes |
| Operation testing | Yes |
| Server languages | Java, Kotlin |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: Spring Boot, Spring Web, Spring WebFlux, Spring Security, Apollo Federation Gateway |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | netflix.github.io |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Netflix DGS integrations
Netflix DGS lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- Spring Boot
- Spring Web
- Spring WebFlux
- Spring Security
- Apollo Federation Gateway
Alternatives to Netflix DGS
- 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 Netflix DGS alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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