Skip to main content

Comparison guide

Apollo-client vs Graphql-request

Side-by-side NPM package comparison

Quick Verdict

Smallest Bundle

Graphql-request

2.8 KB gzipped

Most Popular

Graphql-request

12.2M weekly downloads

Best Maintained

Graphql-request

40/100 maintenance score

Highest Quality

Apollo-client

50/100 quality score

Overall Pick

Graphql-request

Best all-around based on popularity, size, maintenance & quality

  1. apollo-client

    A simple yet functional GraphQL client.

    535.6K weekly downloads · 15.4 KB gzip · Health 59/100

    0
  2. graphql-request

    Minimal GraphQL client supporting Node and browsers for scripts or simple apps.

    12.2M weekly downloads · 2.8 KB gzip · Health 67/100

    0

Choosing between Apollo-client and Graphql-request? Here's a data-driven comparison based on real npm data — downloads, bundle size, health scores, and more — to help you decide which package fits your project best.

Downloads & Popularity

Graphql-request leads with 12.2M weekly downloads — roughly 22.7x more. Apollo-client has 535.6K weekly downloads. Higher download counts generally indicate broader community adoption and a larger ecosystem of tutorials, plugins, and support.

Bundle Size

Graphql-request has the smallest gzipped bundle at 2.8 KB. Apollo-client comes in at 15.4 KB. A smaller bundle size means faster page loads, which improves user experience and Core Web Vitals scores.

Health Score Comparison

Graphql-request has an overall health score of 67/100 (good), with strong security, popularity scores. Apollo-client has an overall health score of 59/100 (moderate), with strong security, popularity scores. Health scores are calculated from maintenance activity, code quality, security posture, popularity, and stability metrics.

When to Choose Each

Choose Apollo-client if you value strong security track record. Choose Graphql-request if you value massive community and ecosystem, minimal bundle footprint, strong security track record.

Our Verdict

Both Apollo-client and Graphql-request are solid choices for JavaScript development. Graphql-request has the edge in overall health score (67/100), while each package brings unique strengths to the table. Evaluate them based on your project's priorities — whether that's community size, bundle efficiency, or maintenance activity — and choose the one that aligns best with your requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is apollo-client better than graphql-request?
It depends on your needs. Apollo-client has a health score of 59/100 while Graphql-request scores 67/100. Graphql-request has more recorded weekly downloads (12.2M). Consider your specific requirements — bundle size, community support, and feature set — to decide which is the better fit.
Which has a smaller bundle size, apollo-client or graphql-request?
Graphql-request has the smaller gzipped bundle at 2.8 KB. A smaller bundle means faster load times for your users, which can positively impact SEO and user experience.
How many developers use apollo-client vs graphql-request?
Graphql-request has more recorded weekly downloads (12.2M). Download counts reflect package installations, not unique developers.
Which is better maintained, apollo-client or graphql-request?
Graphql-request has a maintenance score of 40/100. Apollo-client scores 20/100 and Graphql-request scores 40/100 on maintenance.

Related Comparisons

The 2026 JavaScript Stack Cheatsheet

One PDF: the best package for every category (ORMs, bundlers, auth, testing, state management). Used by 500+ devs. Free, updated monthly.