Alchemy vs dRPC: Which RPC Provider Should You Use?
Alchemy is the data-rich, single-vendor incumbent; dRPC is a newer decentralized RPC marketplace that routes across independent node operators. Both meter usage, but they differ sharply in architecture and payment.
Alchemy vs dRPC: side by side
| Feature | Alchemy | dRPC |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing unit | Compute Units (per-method weight) | Compute Units across a marketplace |
| Architecture | Alchemy's own node fleet | Decentralized marketplace of third-party operators |
| Chain coverage | ~70 chains, EVM-heavy | 100+ chains, EVM-heavy |
| Data products | NFT API, Notify, Subgraphs, AA | Raw RPC only |
| Payment | Card | Card and crypto |
| KYC | Optional at low tiers | None at standard tiers |
| WebSocket | Yes | Yes |
| Free tier | Monthly CU allowance | Free public endpoints (shared) |
Sourced from Alchemy’s and dRPC’s public pricing pages. Last reviewed 2026-06. Pricing changes frequently — verify on the source sites before deciding.
Which should you pick?
Choose Alchemy
Pick Alchemy if you depend on its data products — NFT API, Notify webhooks, subgraphs, account abstraction — or want a single, accountable operator with mature Ethereum/L2 tooling.
Choose dRPC
Pick dRPC if you want decentralized, marketplace-routed RPC for censorship-resistance, a broad raw-RPC chain count, crypto payment, and no KYC. It's raw RPC only — no data-product suite.
A flat-rate third option: SwiftNodes
Both meter usage in compute units, so heavy methods and traffic spikes move your bill on either one. If you want raw RPC without metering — and without depending on marketplace routing — SwiftNodes runs its own load-balanced fleet at a flat monthly rate by requests-per-second, across 75+ EVM and non-EVM chains, with crypto payment and no KYC. It doesn't replace Alchemy's data products. Try the free tier →
Frequently asked questions
What's the main difference between Alchemy and dRPC?
Architecture and payment. Alchemy is a single-vendor provider with a rich data-product suite, billed by card. dRPC is a decentralized marketplace that routes your requests across independent node operators, billed by card or crypto with no KYC. Both meter usage in compute units.
Is dRPC cheaper than Alchemy?
It depends on your request mix — both meter in compute units. dRPC's free public endpoints are hard to beat at zero cost but are shared. For predictable billing at sustained volume, a flat-rate provider avoids per-request metering entirely.
Does dRPC have an NFT API like Alchemy?
No — dRPC focuses on raw RPC and WebSocket, not data products. If you need NFT APIs, webhooks, or subgraphs, Alchemy is the better fit; for raw RPC, dRPC or a flat-rate provider like SwiftNodes works.
Can I pay in crypto?
dRPC accepts crypto; Alchemy is card-only. SwiftNodes also accepts ETH, BNB, USDT, and USDC for flat-rate plans with no KYC.
Skip the metering — try flat-rate RPC
75+ chains, one predictable monthly price, pay with crypto, no KYC.
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