Ahrefs adds App & Website Traffic coverage that SEC API (sec-api.io) skips.
VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
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Sunday, October 19, 2025
Head-to-head
Ahrefs vs SEC API (sec-api.io) comparison
Compare pricing, supported platforms, categories, and standout capabilities to decide which tool fits your workflow.
Quick takeaways
SEC API (sec-api.io) includes Data APIs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring, Insider Data, 13F, 13D/13G, Financials, Management Compensation, and IPO categories that Ahrefs omits.
Ahrefs highlights: Comprehensive toolkit: Site Explorer, Keywords Explorer, Site Audit, Rank Tracker, Content Explorer, and Web Analytics., Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (free) provides a lighter version of Site Explorer and Site Audit, plus Web Analytics for verified sites., and Looker Studio connectors available for Site Explorer, Rank Tracker, and Site Audit — reserved for Advanced and above..
SEC API (sec-api.io) is known for: Comprehensive API endpoints: query, full-text search, real-time streaming via WebSocket, download/PDF generator, XBRL-to-JSON conversion, and section extractors for 10-K/10-Q/8-K filings., Specialized form coverage including ADV, insider filings (Forms 3/4/5), 13F, 13D/G, Form 144, IPO registrations (S-1, 424B4), crowdfunding (Form C, Form D), Reg A filings, and fund reports (N-PORT, N-PX, N-CEN)., and Datasets include executive compensation, directors and board members, audit fees, subsidiaries, and public float/outstanding shares..
Ahrefs
ahrefs.com
A leading SEO and web-traffic intelligence suite. The free Ahrefs Webmaster Tools unlocks limited access to Site Explorer, Site Audit, and Web Analytics for verified sites, while full platform plans expand into deep backlink, keyword, and content analysis. Higher-tier subscriptions govern credits, export limits, historical data windows, and API access.
Categories
Platforms
Pricing
Quick highlights
- Comprehensive toolkit: Site Explorer, Keywords Explorer, Site Audit, Rank Tracker, Content Explorer, and Web Analytics.
- Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (free) provides a lighter version of Site Explorer and Site Audit, plus Web Analytics for verified sites.
- Looker Studio connectors available for Site Explorer, Rank Tracker, and Site Audit — reserved for Advanced and above.
- Automated email alerts for new or lost backlinks, keyword changes, and web mentions, with flexible delivery options.
- API v3 is included with Enterprise plans (with limited test queries available to all users).
Community votes (overall)
SEC API (sec-api.io)
sec-api.io
A commercial API suite for SEC/EDGAR data, designed for developers, quants, and compliance teams. The free tier includes 100 calls per month. Paid tiers unlock higher rate limits, more data (5 GB vs 15 GB monthly, with $0.30/GB overage), and features such as multiple API keys or redistribution rights for enterprise users. The platform emphasizes speed, with new filings typically available in under 300 ms.
Categories
Platforms
Pricing
Quick highlights
- Comprehensive API endpoints: query, full-text search, real-time streaming via WebSocket, download/PDF generator, XBRL-to-JSON conversion, and section extractors for 10-K/10-Q/8-K filings.
- Specialized form coverage including ADV, insider filings (Forms 3/4/5), 13F, 13D/G, Form 144, IPO registrations (S-1, 424B4), crowdfunding (Form C, Form D), Reg A filings, and fund reports (N-PORT, N-PX, N-CEN).
- Datasets include executive compensation, directors and board members, audit fees, subsidiaries, and public float/outstanding shares.
- Historical coverage back to 1993 with support for all 400+ EDGAR form types; new filings made available within ~300 ms of posting.
- Live filing feeds available in real time via WebSocket for instant integration.
Community votes (overall)
Shared focus areas
1 overlapBoth tools cover this research theme.
Where they differ
Ahrefs
Distinct strengths include:
- Comprehensive toolkit: Site Explorer, Keywords Explorer, Site Audit, Rank Tracker, Content Explorer, and Web Analytics.
- Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (free) provides a lighter version of Site Explorer and Site Audit, plus Web Analytics for verified sites.
- Looker Studio connectors available for Site Explorer, Rank Tracker, and Site Audit — reserved for Advanced and above.
- Automated email alerts for new or lost backlinks, keyword changes, and web mentions, with flexible delivery options.
SEC API (sec-api.io)
Distinct strengths include:
- Comprehensive API endpoints: query, full-text search, real-time streaming via WebSocket, download/PDF generator, XBRL-to-JSON conversion, and section extractors for 10-K/10-Q/8-K filings.
- Specialized form coverage including ADV, insider filings (Forms 3/4/5), 13F, 13D/G, Form 144, IPO registrations (S-1, 424B4), crowdfunding (Form C, Form D), Reg A filings, and fund reports (N-PORT, N-PX, N-CEN).
- Datasets include executive compensation, directors and board members, audit fees, subsidiaries, and public float/outstanding shares.
- Historical coverage back to 1993 with support for all 400+ EDGAR form types; new filings made available within ~300 ms of posting.
Feature-by-feature breakdown
Attribute | Ahrefs | SEC API (sec-api.io) |
---|---|---|
Categories Which research workflows each platform targets | Shared: APIs & SDKs Unique: App & Website Traffic | Shared: APIs & SDKs Unique: Data APIs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring, Insider Data, 13F, 13D/13G, Financials, Management Compensation, IPO |
Asset types Supported asset classes and universes | Other | Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Funds |
Experience levels Who each product is built for | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced |
Platforms Where you can access the product | Web, API | Web, API |
Pricing High-level pricing models | Free, Subscription | Free, Subscription |
Key features Core capabilities called out by each vendor | Unique
| Unique
|
Tested Verified by hands-on testing inside Find My Moat | Yes | Yes |
Editor pick Featured inside curated shortlists | Standard listing | Highlighted |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which workflows do Ahrefs and SEC API (sec-api.io) both support?
Both platforms cover APIs & SDKs workflows, so you can research those use cases in either tool before digging into the feature differences below.
Do Ahrefs and SEC API (sec-api.io) require subscriptions?
Both Ahrefs and SEC API (sec-api.io) keep freemium access with optional paid upgrades, so you can trial each platform before committing.
How can you access Ahrefs and SEC API (sec-api.io)?
Both Ahrefs and SEC API (sec-api.io) prioritize web or desktop access. Investors wanting a mobile-first workflow may need to rely on responsive web views.
What unique strengths set the two platforms apart?
Ahrefs differentiates itself with Comprehensive toolkit: Site Explorer, Keywords Explorer, Site Audit, Rank Tracker, Content Explorer, and Web Analytics., Ahrefs Webmaster Tools (free) provides a lighter version of Site Explorer and Site Audit, plus Web Analytics for verified sites., and Looker Studio connectors available for Site Explorer, Rank Tracker, and Site Audit — reserved for Advanced and above., whereas SEC API (sec-api.io) stands out for Comprehensive API endpoints: query, full-text search, real-time streaming via WebSocket, download/PDF generator, XBRL-to-JSON conversion, and section extractors for 10-K/10-Q/8-K filings., Specialized form coverage including ADV, insider filings (Forms 3/4/5), 13F, 13D/G, Form 144, IPO registrations (S-1, 424B4), crowdfunding (Form C, Form D), Reg A filings, and fund reports (N-PORT, N-PX, N-CEN)., and Datasets include executive compensation, directors and board members, audit fees, subsidiaries, and public float/outstanding shares..
Keep exploring
Stay on top of related tools
Browse the categories and profiles that overlap most with this comparison to round out your shortlist.
Related categories
Follow the same themes these tools compete in.
Recommended tools
These profiles share overlapping coverage with both sides of this matchup.
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Overlap: Data APIs, Financials, and 13F.
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Overlap: Financials, Management Compensation, and Data APIs.
FinancialsManagement CompensationData APIs - Financial Datasets
Overlap: Data APIs, Financials, and Insider Data.
Data APIsFinancialsInsider Data - OpenBB
Overlap: APIs & SDKs, Data APIs, and IPO.
APIs & SDKsData APIsIPO - EODHD (EOD Historical Data)Editor's pickHands-on review
Overlap: Data APIs, Financials, and Insider Data.
Data APIsFinancialsInsider Data
Curation & Accuracy
This directory blends AI‑assisted discovery with human curation. Entries are reviewed, edited, and organized with the goal of expanding coverage and sharpening quality over time. Your feedback helps steer improvements (because no single human can capture everything all at once).
Details change. Pricing, features, and availability may be incomplete or out of date. Treat listings as a starting point and verify on the provider’s site before making decisions. If you spot an error or a gap, send a quick note and I’ll adjust.