ChartQuery vs Image-Charts
Image-Charts uses a legacy query-parameter API and charges $99/month for basic features. ChartQuery gives you 5 APIs, 28 diagram languages, and AI generation starting at $49/month.
Analysis based on publicly available information as of April 2026.
Feature-by-feature comparison
Image-Charts covers charts, GraphViz, and QR codes. ChartQuery goes further with 28 diagram languages, AI generation, barcodes, labels, and modern output formats.
Charts
Diagrams
AI Generation
Barcodes & QR Codes
Labels
Output Formats
Platform & Infrastructure
What sets ChartQuery apart
Image-Charts covers basic chart rendering. ChartQuery is a complete visual generation platform with capabilities that go far beyond charts.
28 diagram languages
Image-Charts only supports GraphViz. ChartQuery renders Mermaid, PlantUML, D2, and 25 other diagram languages as PNG or SVG.
AI-powered generation
Describe a chart or diagram in plain English. The AI configures and renders it. Send raw CSV or JSON data and get a visualization back. Image-Charts has no AI capability.
Half the price, more features
ChartQuery Starter at $49/month includes no watermark, 750k credits across 5 APIs, and email support. Image-Charts charges $99/month for basic features and reserves compound charts and high-res output for its $249/month Enterprise tier.
Label generation
Create shipping and address labels via API. A unique capability that Image-Charts does not provide at any price point.
SVG, JPEG & PDF output
ChartQuery outputs PNG, SVG, JPEG, and PDF. Image-Charts only supports PNG (and WebP/GIF). No vector or document output.
Modern JSON API
ChartQuery uses a clean JSON REST API with POST requests. Image-Charts relies on a legacy query-parameter URL format inherited from Google Image Charts, which limits readability and payload size.
Pricing comparison
ChartQuery delivers more capabilities at a lower price point. No feature gating behind expensive Enterprise tiers.
Free
No API key needed
- 60 req/hour per IP
- All 5 APIs included
- Watermark on images
- 3-day share link expiry
Starter
750,000 credits/month
- ~150,000 charts or ~75,000 AI gens
- No watermark
- 50 req/s rate limit
- Email support
- Charts + Diagrams + AI + Barcodes + Labels
Pro
3,000,000 credits/month
- ~600,000 charts or ~300,000 AI gens
- No watermark
- 200 req/s rate limit
- Priority support
- 99.95% uptime SLA
Individual
Watermark on all images
- Unlimited API calls
- Watermark
- PNG & WebP output only
- Community support
- No Zapier/Make integration
Business
Unlimited charts
- No watermark
- Custom subdomain
- Zapier & Make integration
- Priority email support
- No high-res, no compound charts
Enterprise
Full feature access
- High-resolution output
- Compound charts
- Multi-axis support
- Currency localization
- Dedicated support contact
Value comparison
At comparable price points, ChartQuery offers significantly more functionality and fewer feature restrictions.
Modern API vs legacy URL format
Image-Charts uses a query-parameter URL format from the deprecated Google Image Charts API. ChartQuery uses a modern JSON REST API with readable, structured payloads.
// Legacy Google Image Charts URL format
const url = 'https://image-charts.com/chart'
+ '?cht=bvg' // chart type
+ '&chs=700x300' // size
+ '&chd=t:120,200,150' // data
+ '&chl=Q1|Q2|Q3' // labels
+ '&chco=4285F4'; // colors
// Query-param based API
// No diagrams (except GraphViz)
// No AI generation
// No barcodes, no labels
// No SVG, JPEG, or PDF output// Modern JSON API
fetch('https://api.chartquery.com/v1/chart', {
method: 'POST',
headers: { 'x-api-key': 'YOUR_KEY' },
body: JSON.stringify({
type: 'bar',
data: { labels: ['Q1','Q2','Q3'],
datasets: [{ data: [120, 200, 150] }] }
})
});
// + 28 diagram languages
// + AI generation from plain English
// + Barcodes (Code128, EAN-13...)
// + Labels (shipping, address)
// + SVG, JPEG, PDF outputFrequently asked questions
Can I migrate from Image-Charts to ChartQuery?+
Yes. While Image-Charts uses a legacy query-parameter format and ChartQuery uses a modern JSON API, the migration is straightforward. Chart types and data structures map directly, and our documentation provides a migration guide with before/after examples for every chart type.
Why is ChartQuery cheaper than Image-Charts?+
Image-Charts charges $99/month for basic features (no watermark, Zapier integration) and reserves compound charts and high-res output for its $249/month Enterprise plan. ChartQuery includes all chart features, 28 diagram languages, AI generation, barcodes, and labels starting at $49/month with no feature gating.
Does ChartQuery support animated GIF charts?+
ChartQuery currently focuses on high-quality static output in PNG, SVG, JPEG, and PDF formats. Animated GIF charts are not yet supported. If you need GIF output specifically, this is one area where Image-Charts has coverage.
What about the Google Image Charts URL format?+
Image-Charts was built as a replacement for the deprecated Google Image Charts API and uses the same query-parameter URL format (cht=, chd=, chs=). ChartQuery uses a modern JSON REST API, which is more readable, supports larger payloads, and integrates better with modern development tools and workflows.
Does ChartQuery have a free tier?+
Yes. ChartQuery offers a free tier with 60 requests per hour per IP, no API key required. All five APIs (charts, diagrams, AI generation, barcodes, labels) are available. Images include a small watermark on the free tier.
Is ChartQuery available on-premise?+
ChartQuery is currently a cloud-hosted service with EU-native infrastructure. On-premise deployment is available for Enterprise customers on request. Image-Charts offers an on-premise virtual machine starting at €350/month.
How does uptime compare?+
ChartQuery offers a 99.95% uptime SLA on Pro and Enterprise plans, with continuous monitoring and a public status page. Image-Charts claims 100% uptime since 2016 but does not publish a formal SLA for its standard plans.
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