GetBlock vs Pocket Network for Pay-As-You-Go Pricing

Fixed-rate pricing per request: Simple, predictable billing model (e.g., $0.0001 per request for Ethereum). Ideal for stable, high-volume applications where budget forecasting is critical. No token volatility risk.

Decentralized node network: 40,000+ nodes across 50+ blockchains. Provides censorship resistance and high uptime (99.99%+ SLA). Critical for protocols like dYdX or Aave that require maximum liveness guarantees.

Centralized API gateway: Single endpoint, familiar dashboard, and instant access. Supports WebSockets & HTTPS. Best for teams wanting a Heroku-like experience for blockchain data without managing node infrastructure.

Unified access to 50+ chains: Single integration for Ethereum, Polygon, Avalanche, Solana, and Cosmos chains. POKT token fuels all requests. Optimal for cross-chain aggregators (e.g., Li.Fi) or wallets needing broad coverage.

Fixed per-request pricing: Clear, linear cost scaling based on request type (e.g., eth_getLogs vs eth_call). No staking or token management required. This matters for traditional finance teams who need straightforward, invoice-based accounting without crypto-native complexity.

Single-point service provider: Managed load balancing, uptime SLAs, and dedicated support from one vendor. This matters for startups and enterprises that prioritize rapid integration and a hands-off operational model over decentralization, similar to using Infura or Alchemy.

Cost per request drops with usage: The POKT token model incentivizes high-volume applications, where marginal cost can approach zero. This matters for high-throughput dApps like DeFi protocols (e.g., Aave, Uniswap) or data indexers (The Graph) making millions of daily requests.

Distributed across 20k+ nodes: No single point of failure or control. Requests are routed through a decentralized network of independent node runners. This matters for mission-critical protocols (e.g., Lido, MakerDAO) that require maximum uptime and neutrality, reducing reliance on any single RPC provider.

Centralized service dependency: Your application's uptime is tied to GetBlock's performance and business decisions. Potential for rate-limiting or service changes. This is a critical trade-off for protocols building for long-term survivability who cannot afford a single point of control.

Requires POKT token management: Teams must acquire, stake, and manage POKT tokens to access service credits. Adds treasury management complexity and exposure to token volatility. This is a significant hurdle for enterprises or traditional businesses unfamiliar with Web3 tokenomics.

Fixed, per-request pricing across all supported chains (Ethereum, Polygon, BSC). This provides clear, linear cost forecasting for high-volume dApps. You pay for exactly what you use without node stake requirements, ideal for projects with fluctuating but predictable traffic.

Strict daily request limits on standard plans (e.g., 40K requests/day). Exceeding these requires plan upgrades or contacting sales, creating potential bottlenecks. This model contrasts with decentralized networks that scale horizontally with demand.

21,000+ independent nodes across 50+ blockchains (Avalanche, Solana, Cosmos) provide censorship resistance and high uptime. Traffic is distributed, eliminating single-point-of-failure risks inherent in centralized RPC services.

Costs are denominated in POKT, requiring token management and exposure to volatility. Developers must also stake POKT to earn relays, adding operational overhead compared to simple credit card payments. This creates a steeper initial setup for pure pay-as-you-go users.