VOL. XCIV, NO. 247

★ BEST INVESTING TOOLS COMPARISON ★

NO ADVICE

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Tool Comparison

Open Payments (CMS) vs SEC API (sec-api.io) comparison

Compare pricing, supported platforms, categories, and standout capabilities to decide which tool fits your workflow.

Open Payments (CMS) logo

Open Payments (CMS)

openpaymentsdata.cms.gov

PricingFree
PlatformsWeb, API
SEC API (sec-api.io) logo

SEC API (sec-api.io)

sec-api.io

PricingFree, Subscription
PlatformsWeb, API
Editor's pickHands-on review
Top 50 Investing ToolsThe global ranking of the best investing tools, ranked by community votes.

At a glance

Platforms
Open Payments (CMS)Web, API
SEC API (sec-api.io)Web, API
Categories
Open Payments (CMS)4
SEC API (sec-api.io)9
Pricing details

Tool

Open Payments (CMS)

Starting price

Free tierYes
Free trial

Plans & pricing

FreeFree

Tool

SEC API (sec-api.io)

$55/mo

Starting price

Free tierYes
Free trial

Plans & pricing

Free TierFree
Personal & Startups$55/mo
Business (Internal Use)$239/mo
Enterprise & InstitutionsSubscription
Category leaders
FinancialsSEC API (sec-api.io)
Data VisualizationsOpen Payments (CMS)
Insider DataSEC API (sec-api.io)
Browse the #1 tool in 90+ categories

Vote sentiment comparison

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Platform details

AttributeOpen Payments (CMS)SEC API (sec-api.io)
Asset types
Other
StocksETFsMutual FundsFunds
Experience
BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced
Regions
North America
North America
Data freshness
End of Day
Real-time
API access
REST
RESTWebSocket
Export formats
CSVJSON
JSONPDF

Coverage overlap

Shared categories3

Categories where both tools offer overlapping coverage.

Open Payments (CMS) strengths1

Categories covered by Open Payments (CMS) only.

SEC API (sec-api.io) strengths6

Categories covered by SEC API (sec-api.io) only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io)?

Open Payments (CMS) focuses on Data APIs, APIs & SDKs, and Data Visualizations while SEC API (sec-api.io) specializes in Data APIs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring, and Insider Data. They overlap in 3 categories, so choose based on your preferred workflow and pricing.

How much do Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io) cost?

Good news—both Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io) offer free plans. You can try each platform without commitment and only pay when you need premium features.

Do Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io) have APIs?

Yes, both platforms offer API access for developers and quants who want to build custom integrations or automate their workflows.

Should I choose Open Payments (CMS) or SEC API (sec-api.io)?

Choose Open Payments (CMS) if you need Three core datasets each year: General Payments, Research Payments, and Ownership/Investment Interests., and Web search/explorer with filtering and charts; program year downloads available from the portal.. Go with SEC API (sec-api.io) if 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., and 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). better fits how you invest.

What asset classes do Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io) cover?

Both cover common asset types. Open Payments (CMS) also includes Other. SEC API (sec-api.io) adds coverage for Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, and Funds.

Does Open Payments (CMS) or SEC API (sec-api.io) have real-time data?

SEC API (sec-api.io) offers real-time data feeds, which is essential for active traders. Open Payments (CMS) uses delayed or end-of-day data, which works fine for longer-term investors who don't need up-to-the-second quotes.

Can I export data from Open Payments (CMS) and SEC API (sec-api.io)?

Open Payments (CMS) supports data exports to CSV, and JSON. SEC API (sec-api.io) has more limited export options.

Keep Exploring

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.