Summary
# How to choose a Starknet RPC provider for your dApp Starknet is a validity rollup (ZK-rollup) on Ethereum that offers high throughput, low gas costs, and Ethereum-level security. To interact with Starknet, your dApp needs a reliable RPC (Remote Procedure Call) provider. This guide explains what to look for in a Starknet RPC provider, compares shared vs dedicated node options, and helps you select the best infrastructure for your project. Whether you are building a DeFi protocol, a game, or an NFT marketplace on Starknet, choosing the right RPC provider is critical for performance, reliability, and cost. We cover the key criteria—latency, availability, archive data support, pricing models, and network coverage—so you can make an informed decision.
In practice, the useful question is not just whether an endpoint exists. Teams should check supported methods, traffic shape, monitoring, pricing, and the path from testing to production. That turns the page from a definition into a decision tool: it helps you decide what to test first, what belongs in staging, and when a production workload may need stronger isolation or clearer request visibility. If you already know the network you need, open /networks after using this checklist so you can test the endpoint against your real methods.
Key Takeaways
- Starknet is a ZK-rollup on Ethereum requiring RPC providers for dApp interaction.
- Key criteria include latency, availability, archive data support, pricing, and network coverage.
- Shared RPC endpoints are cost-effective for development and low-traffic apps.
- Dedicated nodes offer more predictable resource planning, higher rate limits, and full control.
- Archive nodes are essential for historical data queries and analytics.
- OnFinality provides scalable Starknet RPC endpoints and dedicated node options.
- Always test provider performance with realistic workloads before production deployment.
What is a Starknet RPC provider?
An RPC provider acts as a gateway between your dApp and the Starknet blockchain. It exposes a JSON-RPC API that allows you to send transactions, query state, and interact with smart contracts without running your own full node. Providers host and maintain Starknet nodes, offering endpoints that developers can use via standard HTTP or WebSocket connections.
Starknet uses a custom RPC specification (starknet_spec) that differs from Ethereum's JSON-RPC. Therefore, you need a provider that explicitly supports Starknet's API methods, such as starknet_call, starknet_getBlockWithTxHashes, and starknet_estimateFee.
RPC infrastructure decision checklist
Use this checklist to turn the RPC infrastructure question into a practical infrastructure decision instead of a generic provider comparison.
Shortlist providers only after you know which methods, environments, traffic patterns, and support expectations matter to the workload.
- List the exact RPC methods, chains, and environments your app will call.
- Test with the same request pattern your frontend, backend, bot, dashboard, or indexer will use.
- Check whether archive, trace, WebSocket, testnet, analytics, or dedicated-node access is actually required.
- Review pricing, usage visibility, and upgrade paths before moving sustained traffic.
| Criterion | What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Workload fit | Does the provider support the RPC infrastructure methods and environments your product depends on? | A provider that works for a quick read may still be a poor fit for wallets, trading systems, indexers, or release pipelines. |
| Operational visibility | Can the team see request volume, errors, limits, and usage patterns? | Visibility makes it easier to debug failed requests and plan capacity before users feel the problem. |
| Scaling path | Is there a clear path from shared RPC to higher-capacity plans or dedicated nodes? | The right starting point should not force a rebuild when traffic or reliability requirements increase. |
Key criteria for selecting a Starknet RPC provider
When evaluating Starknet RPC providers, consider the following factors to ensure your dApp runs smoothly.
- Latency: Low latency is crucial for real-time applications like trading or gaming. Look for providers with globally distributed nodes.
- availability: Production dApps require high availability. Aim for providers with at least consistent availability SLAs.
- Archive data: If your dApp needs historical state or transaction data, choose a provider that offers archive node access.
- Rate limits: Shared endpoints often have request limits. For high-throughput apps, consider dedicated nodes or higher-tier plans.
- Pricing: Compare free tiers, pay-as-you-go, and flat-rate plans. Some providers charge per request, others per second.
- Network coverage: Ensure the provider supports both Starknet mainnet and testnet (Sepolia) for development and testing.
- Security: Providers should offer encrypted connections (HTTPS/WSS) and protect against DDoS attacks.
How to evaluate a Starknet RPC provider's performance
Before committing to a provider, run benchmarks to verify performance. Here are practical steps:
- Measure latency: Use curl or a script to send a simple starknet_blockNumber request from different geographic locations.
- Test throughput: Send multiple concurrent requests and observe response times and error rates.
- Check archive support: Query historical blocks (e.g., block 1000) to confirm archive data availability.
- Monitor availability: Use a monitoring service to track endpoint availability over a week.
- Evaluate WebSocket: For real-time feeds, test WSS connection stability and message delivery.
Starknet RPC provider comparison: popular options
Several providers offer Starknet RPC endpoints. Below is a non-exhaustive list of notable services. Always check the latest documentation for supported features and pricing.
- OnFinality: Provides scalable Starknet RPC endpoints and dedicated node options. Supports mainnet and testnet with global node distribution.
- dRPC: Offers a decentralized RPC network with a free tier and premium plans starting at $10/month.
- Chainstack: Provides managed Starknet nodes with geo-balancing and archive support.
- Infura: Supports Starknet API services for enterprise use.
- Alchemy: Lists Starknet RPC providers in its Dapp Store, including itself and partners.
- 1RPC: Offers a privacy-focused Starknet endpoint with zero-tracking.
Getting started with Starknet RPC on OnFinality
OnFinality offers a straightforward way to connect to Starknet. You can obtain a free API key and start making requests in minutes. For high-traffic applications, dedicated nodes provide isolated resources and full control over node configuration.
- Sign up for an OnFinality account.
- Navigate to the Starknet network page and generate an API key.
- Use the provided HTTPS or WSS endpoint in your dApp.
- Monitor usage via the dashboard and upgrade to a dedicated node if needed.
Common pitfalls when choosing a Starknet RPC provider
Avoid these mistakes to ensure a smooth development experience.
- Ignoring rate limits: Free tiers may be insufficient for production. Always check the fine print.
- Overlooking archive needs: If your app queries historical data, ensure archive nodes are available.
- Not testing geographically: Latency varies by region. Choose a provider with nodes near your users.
- Skipping WebSocket support: For real-time updates, confirm WSS is supported and stable.
- Forgetting testnet: Use Sepolia testnet for development to avoid mainnet costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Starknet RPC provider?
A Starknet RPC provider hosts Starknet full nodes and exposes a JSON-RPC API that developers can use to interact with the Starknet network without running their own node.
How do I choose the best Starknet RPC provider?
Evaluate based on latency, availability, archive support, rate limits, pricing, and network coverage. Test performance with your specific workload before committing.
What is the difference between shared and dedicated Starknet nodes?
Shared nodes are cost-effective but have rate limits and potential contention. Dedicated nodes offer more predictable resource planning, higher limits, and custom configuration at a higher cost.
Does OnFinality support Starknet?
Yes, OnFinality provides Starknet RPC endpoints and dedicated node options for both mainnet and testnet.
Can I use a Starknet RPC provider for free?
Many providers offer free tiers with limited requests. OnFinality offers a free tier to get started. For production, consider paid plans or dedicated nodes.
Ethereum
Solana
Polygon
Base
Arbitrum
BNB Chain
Polkadot
Optimism
