Head-to-Head Comparison
tRPC vs GraphQL: API Architecture Comparison
tRPC provides end-to-end type safety with minimal boilerplate. GraphQL offers flexible queries and broad ecosystem. tRPC for TypeScript monorepos, GraphQL for public APIs.
trpc
graphql
Last updated: 2025-01
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | trpc | graphql |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | TypeScript monorepos | Flexible APIs |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Medium |
| Type Safety | Automatic | With codegen |
| Client Control | Limited | Excellent |
| Ecosystem | Growing | Huge |
| Setup | Minimal | More setup |
| Public API | Not ideal | Excellent |
trpc
- Best For
- TypeScript monorepos
- Learning Curve
- Easy
- Type Safety
- Automatic
- Client Control
- Limited
- Ecosystem
- Growing
- Setup
- Minimal
- Public API
- Not ideal
graphql
- Best For
- Flexible APIs
- Learning Curve
- Medium
- Type Safety
- With codegen
- Client Control
- Excellent
- Ecosystem
- Huge
- Setup
- More setup
- Public API
- Excellent
Winner by Category
Best for Beginners
trpcLess boilerplate to learn
Best for Customisation
graphqlMore flexible queries
Best for Speed
trpcNo codegen step needed
Best for Learning
graphqlIndustry standard knowledge
Best Value
TieBoth are open source
Our Recommendation
Use tRPC for full-stack TypeScript projects. Choose GraphQL for public APIs or when clients need query flexibility.
When to Choose Each Tool
1
Choose tRPC
Full-stack TypeScript projects
2
Choose GraphQL
Public APIs or multiple client types
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