What it does
AWS AppSync is a managed service for building GraphQL APIs and real-time Pub/Sub APIs. A GraphQL endpoint can query and modify data from one or more data sources, merge source APIs, and use JavaScript or TypeScript resolver logic. AppSync Events provides WebSocket-based channels for publishing and subscribing to real-time events. The service includes authorization modes, monitoring, logging, tracing, and optional caching, and bills for operations, real-time activity, connections, data transfer, and cache use.
Start with a GraphQL schema and connect its resolvers to data
The AppSync developer guide recommends that a first-time user create a GraphQL API, define a schema, connect data sources, and implement resolvers. A single endpoint can combine data from multiple sources, while merged APIs can join separately managed GraphQL services. AppSync Events supplies a related WebSocket-based Pub/Sub API for real-time updates. Supported authorization options include API keys, IAM, Cognito, OIDC providers, and Lambda authorization.
This gives web and mobile teams a managed way to expose data without operating a GraphQL server. It is especially useful for applications that need subscriptions, multiple data sources, or event delivery, though each API's schema, resolver logic, authorization, and data-source permissions still need design and review.
AWS charges GraphQL query and modification operations, real-time updates, connection minutes, and data transfer; optional cache instances add hourly charges. The published free tier includes 250,000 GraphQL operations, 250,000 real-time updates, and 600,000 connection minutes monthly for 12 months, after which usage is billed. Creating an API requires an AWS account. No API, resolver, or real-time connection was created or tested for this listing.
Strengths
- One managed GraphQL endpoint can combine multiple data sources and can also merge source APIs.
- AppSync Events provides WebSocket-based real-time Pub/Sub alongside GraphQL subscriptions.
- The service supports several built-in authorization modes and includes monitoring, logs, tracing, and optional caching.
Watch out for
- Billing has separate meters for GraphQL operations, real-time updates, connection minutes, data transfer, and optional cache capacity.
- The no-charge GraphQL free tier expires after 12 months; usage beyond the monthly quantities is billed at published rates.
Best for
- Web and mobile applications that need a managed GraphQL API backed by multiple data sources.
- Products delivering real-time updates or Pub/Sub events over WebSockets.
- AWS teams that want managed API authorization, resolver execution, and observability within their cloud environment.
Sources
- Serverless GraphQL and Pub/Sub APIs – AWS AppSync – Amazon Web Services (Oct 25, 2026)
- What is AWS AppSync? - AWS AppSync GraphQL (Oct 25, 2026)
- AWS AppSync Pricing | Managed GraphQL APIs | Amazon Web Services (Oct 25, 2026)