OpenCorporates adds Other coverage that SEC API (sec-api.io) skips.
VOL. XCIV, NO. 247
★ FINANCIAL TOOLS & SERVICES DIRECTORY ★
PRICE: 5 CENTS
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Head-to-head
OpenCorporates 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 Insider Data, 13F, 13D/13G, Financials, Management Compensation, IPO, and APIs & SDKs categories that OpenCorporates omits.
OpenCorporates highlights: 230M+ company records spanning 145+ jurisdictions, aggregated from 140+ official registries with full provenance and source links., Versioned REST API with JSON (default) or XML output; API keys required. Free tier provides up to 200 requests per month (50 per day)., and OpenRefine Reconciliation API allows entity-matching from company names to legal identifiers..
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..
OpenCorporates
opencorporates.com
The world’s largest open database of legal entities, offering both a public-facing search and an API. Free access is available for personal or public-benefit use, while commercial API access and bulk datasets require a paid plan. Bulk deliveries are provided via SFTP in CSV format, and the platform includes a public status page for web, API, knowledge base, and SFTP availability.
Platforms
Pricing
Quick highlights
- 230M+ company records spanning 145+ jurisdictions, aggregated from 140+ official registries with full provenance and source links.
- Versioned REST API with JSON (default) or XML output; API keys required. Free tier provides up to 200 requests per month (50 per day).
- OpenRefine Reconciliation API allows entity-matching from company names to legal identifiers.
- Enterprise bulk access via SFTP, with six structured CSV datasets (Companies, Officers, Non-Registered Addresses, Alternative Names, Additional Identifiers, and Relationships).
- Relationships dataset includes 30M+ links covering subsidiaries, branches, control statements, and shareholdings, with data from sources like the SEC and UK PSC.
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
2 overlapsMutual strengths include Data APIs, and Regulatory Filings Monitoring.
Where they differ
OpenCorporates
Distinct strengths include:
- 230M+ company records spanning 145+ jurisdictions, aggregated from 140+ official registries with full provenance and source links.
- Versioned REST API with JSON (default) or XML output; API keys required. Free tier provides up to 200 requests per month (50 per day).
- OpenRefine Reconciliation API allows entity-matching from company names to legal identifiers.
- Enterprise bulk access via SFTP, with six structured CSV datasets (Companies, Officers, Non-Registered Addresses, Alternative Names, Additional Identifiers, and Relationships).
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 | OpenCorporates | SEC API (sec-api.io) |
---|---|---|
Categories Which research workflows each platform targets | Shared: Data APIs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring Unique: Other | Shared: Data APIs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring Unique: Insider Data, 13F, 13D/13G, Financials, Management Compensation, IPO, APIs & SDKs |
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 | Not yet | Yes |
Editor pick Featured inside curated shortlists | Standard listing | Highlighted |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which workflows do OpenCorporates and SEC API (sec-api.io) both support?
Both platforms cover Data APIs, and Regulatory Filings Monitoring workflows, so you can research those use cases in either tool before digging into the feature differences below.
Do OpenCorporates and SEC API (sec-api.io) require subscriptions?
Both OpenCorporates 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 OpenCorporates and SEC API (sec-api.io)?
Both OpenCorporates 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?
OpenCorporates differentiates itself with 230M+ company records spanning 145+ jurisdictions, aggregated from 140+ official registries with full provenance and source links., Versioned REST API with JSON (default) or XML output; API keys required. Free tier provides up to 200 requests per month (50 per day)., and OpenRefine Reconciliation API allows entity-matching from company names to legal identifiers., 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.
- SEC.gov (EDGAR)Editor's pickHands-on review
Overlap: Data APIs, 13F, and 13D/13G.
Data APIs13F13D/13G - SEC EDGAR — Company Filings (Full‑Text Search & Search Filings)
Overlap: Regulatory Filings Monitoring, IPO, and Insider Data.
Regulatory Filings MonitoringIPOInsider Data - Financial Modeling Prep (FMP)Editor's pickHands-on review
Overlap: Data APIs, Financials, and 13F.
Data APIsFinancials13F - 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 - FINVIZEditor'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.