QuickNode excels at global low-latency performance and specialized chain support because of its dedicated, bare-metal infrastructure and extensive node-level customization. For example, its network of over 25 global locations and support for chains like Solana, Aptos, and Sui often results in sub-50ms response times for read-heavy applications, a critical metric for trading platforms and real-time dashboards.
LABS
Comparisons
QuickNode vs Alchemy: Performance & Chain Coverage
An unbiased technical analysis comparing QuickNode and Alchemy on raw performance metrics, global node distribution, and support for emerging L1/L2 chains. Designed for infrastructure decision-makers.
Chainscore © 2026
introduction
THE ANALYSIS
Introduction: The Battle for Reliable Blockchain Data
A data-driven comparison of QuickNode and Alchemy, the leading RPC providers, focusing on performance, chain coverage, and architectural trade-offs for high-stakes infrastructure decisions.
Alchemy takes a different approach by building a highly optimized, unified data layer on top of its nodes. This results in superior developer experience and advanced APIs like alchemy_getTokenBalances and WebSocket reliability, but can introduce marginally higher abstraction overhead for raw, low-level calls. Its Supernode architecture is engineered for massive scale, powering protocols like OpenSea and 0x.
The key trade-off: If your priority is raw speed, global edge deployment, or support for emerging L1s, choose QuickNode. If you prioritize a batteries-included developer suite, advanced data APIs, and deep Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) tooling, choose Alchemy. Your stack's primary chain and the need for custom RPC methods versus pre-built abstractions will dictate the winner.
tldr-summary
QuickNode vs Alchemy: Performance & Chain Coverage
TL;DR: Key Differentiators at a Glance
A data-driven breakdown of core strengths and trade-offs for infrastructure buyers.
01
Choose QuickNode for Chain Diversity
Specific advantage: Supports 40+ blockchains, including major L1s (Bitcoin, Solana), L2s (Arbitrum, Optimism), and emerging chains (Aptos, Sui). This matters for multi-chain protocols or teams needing a single RPC provider for a diverse portfolio.
02
Choose Alchemy for Ethereum Depth
Specific advantage: Ethereum-native architecture with proprietary Enhanced APIs (e.g., Transfers API, NFT API). This matters for high-throughput dApps (DeFi, NFT marketplaces) that require deep historical data and complex querying beyond standard JSON-RPC.
03
Choose QuickNode for Global Latency
Specific advantage: < 50ms global latency guaranteed via 22+ global core locations and multi-cloud strategy (AWS, GCP, Azure). This matters for real-time applications like trading bots, gaming, or any service where response time directly impacts user experience.
04
Choose Alchemy for Developer Tooling
Specific advantage: Superior SDKs & observability with Alchemy Monitor, Notify, and Mempool visualization. This matters for large engineering teams prioritizing developer velocity, debugging, and proactive alerting over raw infrastructure management.
HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON
QuickNode vs Alchemy: Performance & Chain Coverage
Direct comparison of key metrics for blockchain node infrastructure and API providers.
| Metric / Feature | QuickNode | Alchemy |
|---|---|---|
Supported Chains (L1s) | 30+ | 20+ |
Avg. Global API Latency | < 50 ms | < 100 ms |
Historical Data Retention | Full Archive | Full Archive |
Free Tier Daily Requests | 3,000,000 | 300,000,000 |
Enhanced APIs (NFTs, etc.) | ||
Dedicated Node SLA | 99.9% | 99.9% |
WebSocket Connections |
QUICKNODE VS ALCHEMY: HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON
Performance Benchards: Speed, Latency, and Uptime
Direct comparison of key infrastructure metrics for blockchain node providers.
| Metric | QuickNode | Alchemy |
|---|---|---|
Global Node Locations | 30+ | 15+ |
Avg. Block Propagation Latency | < 50 ms | < 100 ms |
Historical Data API Latency (P95) | < 1 sec | < 2 sec |
Guaranteed Uptime SLA | 99.9% | 99.9% |
Supported Blockchains | 40+ | 20+ |
EVM Chain Coverage | ||
Solana Coverage | ||
Near Protocol Coverage |
pros-cons-a
PROS AND CONS
QuickNode vs Alchemy: Performance & Chain Coverage
A data-driven comparison of two leading RPC providers, highlighting key differentiators in performance, reliability, and ecosystem support for CTOs and architects.
01
QuickNode: Superior Chain Coverage
Specific advantage: Supports 30+ blockchains, including niche Layer 1s (e.g., Stacks, Flow) and emerging Layer 2s. This matters for multi-chain protocols or teams building on less common chains like Solana or Avalanche, where a single provider simplifies infrastructure.
02
QuickNode: Global Low-Latency Network
Specific advantage: 30+ global endpoints with geo-routing and dedicated node clusters. This matters for high-frequency trading (HFT) dApps and global consumer applications where sub-50ms response times are critical for user experience and arbitrage opportunities.
03
Alchemy: Superior Ethereum Core Stack
Specific advantage: Deep integration with the Ethereum ecosystem, powering 70%+ of top dApps. Their Enhanced APIs (e.g., alchemy_getTokenBalances) and superior mempool visibility matter for complex DeFi protocols and NFT marketplaces that require advanced data and transaction simulation.
04
Alchemy: Developer Experience & Tooling
Specific advantage: Comprehensive suite of free developer tools (Supernode, Mempool Visualizer, Notify) and best-in-class documentation. This matters for rapid prototyping and scaling engineering teams, reducing time-to-market and operational overhead.
05
QuickNode: Higher Cost for Scale
Specific trade-off: Enterprise plans can become expensive at high request volumes (>100M/month). This matters for bootstrapped projects or applications with unpredictable, massive scale where variable, usage-based pricing from competitors might offer better cost predictability.
06
Alchemy: Chain Support Depth
Specific trade-off: While expanding, primary focus remains on Ethereum, Polygon, and Arbitrum. This matters for teams building on newer or non-EVM chains (e.g., Aptos, Sui) where QuickNode's broader coverage may provide a more future-proof, single-provider solution.
pros-cons-b
QuickNode vs Alchemy: Performance & Chain Coverage
Alchemy: Pros and Cons
Key strengths and trade-offs at a glance for CTOs evaluating core infrastructure.
01
Alchemy's Key Strength: Developer Experience
Superior SDKs & Tooling: Offers the most mature and comprehensive suite, including Alchemy SDK, Enhanced APIs (e.g., alchemy_getAssetTransfers), and robust Notify webhooks. This ecosystem reduces development time for complex dApps like NFT marketplaces or DeFi aggregators.
02
Alchemy's Key Strength: Ecosystem & Reliability
Proven at Scale: Processes over $105B+ in on-chain transaction volume. Its proprietary Supernode architecture delivers >99.9% historical reliability and advanced features like Mempool streaming, critical for high-stakes trading protocols (e.g., Uniswap, OpenSea).
03
Alchemy's Key Trade-off: Chain Coverage Breadth
Focus on Major EVM Chains: While supporting 20+ chains including Ethereum, Polygon, and Arbitrum, its coverage is more curated. Teams building on newer or non-EVM L2s (e.g., Fuel, Starknet) or niche chains may find initial support lagging behind broader competitors.
04
Alchemy's Key Trade-off: Cost Structure
Higher Entry Price for Scale: The free tier is generous, but enterprise-grade features (e.g., dedicated nodes, archive data) command a premium. For protocols with predictable, high-volume needs, a competitor's flat-rate model might offer better cost predictability.
05
QuickNode's Key Strength: Chain Coverage & Speed
Broadest Network Support: Deploys nodes on 40+ blockchains, including Solana, Bitcoin, and Cosmos chains. Offers <1 second global latency via 25+ geo-distributed clusters, ideal for global applications like cross-chain bridges (e.g., Wormhole) or multi-chain wallets.
06
QuickNode's Key Strength: Flexibility & Control
Granular Node Configuration: Provides dedicated nodes, customizable RPC methods, and add-ons like True Blocks for historical data. This appeals to protocols like lending platforms (Aave, Compound forks) needing specific chain configurations and data integrity guarantees.
CHOOSE YOUR PRIORITY
Decision Framework: When to Choose Which
QuickNode for DeFi
Verdict: The robust, multi-chain workhorse for established protocols. Strengths: Unmatched chain coverage (40+ chains) is critical for cross-chain DeFi arbitrage and data aggregation. Superior archival data depth (full history on most chains) enables complex analytics for risk modeling and yield optimization. Enterprise-grade reliability (99.9%+ SLA) is non-negotiable for high-value transactions. Direct integrations with tools like The Graph and Dune Analytics streamline data pipelines. Best For: Protocols like Aave or Compound needing deep historical queries, or cross-chain aggregators like 1inch.
Alchemy for DeFi
Verdict: The performance leader for high-frequency, mainnet-centric applications.
Strengths: Industry-leading Ethereum and L2 performance (consistently lowest latency) is paramount for front-running protection and optimal trade execution. The alchemy_getTransactionReceipts batch RPC method drastically reduces calls for tracking multiple TXs. Superior WebSocket stability and speed for real-time price feeds and liquidation alerts. Strong ecosystem tooling with Alchemy SDK and enhanced APIs.
Best For: High-performance DEXs (e.g., Uniswap), perpetuals protocols, or any application where millisecond latency on Ethereum/L2s impacts user profit.
verdict
THE ANALYSIS
Final Verdict and Strategic Recommendation
Choosing between QuickNode and Alchemy hinges on your application's primary need for raw chain coverage or a deep, integrated developer experience.
QuickNode excels at global infrastructure and chain coverage because of its multi-cloud, multi-region deployment strategy and extensive support for over 30 chains, including niche networks like Solana, Aptos, and Polygon zkEVM. For example, its dedicated node architecture and 99.9% SLA guarantee high performance for applications requiring low-latency, global data access, which is critical for high-frequency trading dApps or global NFT marketplaces.
Alchemy takes a different approach by building a deeply integrated, value-added platform on top of core RPC services. This results in a superior developer experience with proprietary APIs like alchemy_getTokenBalances, enhanced WebSocket reliability, and powerful tooling (e.g., Notify, Mempool). The trade-off is a more curated chain list, focusing on high-demand networks like Ethereum, L2s (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base), and Polygon, where its data enhancements are most impactful.
The key trade-off: If your priority is maximum chain diversity, global low-latency performance, and infrastructure control, choose QuickNode. Its multi-cloud nodes and broad support are ideal for protocols operating across many ecosystems. If you prioritize a rich developer toolkit, enhanced data APIs, and deep integration within the dominant EVM/L2 ecosystem, choose Alchemy. Its platform accelerates development for DeFi, NFT, and social applications where developer velocity and advanced data are paramount.
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