VOL. XCIV, NO. 247

★ FINANCIAL TOOLS & SERVICES DIRECTORY ★

PRICE: 5 CENTS

Saturday, September 27, 2025

Investors comparing SEC API (sec-api.io) and SEC.gov (EDGAR) will find that Both SEC API (sec-api.io) and SEC.gov (EDGAR) concentrate on Data APIs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring, and Insider Data workflows, making them natural alternatives for similar investment research jobs. SEC API (sec-api.io) leans into Management Compensation, IPO, and APIs & SDKs, which can be decisive for teams that need depth over breadth. SEC.gov (EDGAR) stands out with Other that the competition lacks. Use the feature-by-feature table to inspect unique capabilities and confirm which roadmap best maps to your process.

Head-to-head

SEC API (sec-api.io) vs SEC.gov (EDGAR)

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

Quick takeaways

  • SEC API (sec-api.io) adds Management Compensation, IPO, and APIs & SDKs coverage that SEC.gov (EDGAR) skips.
  • SEC.gov (EDGAR) includes Other categories that SEC API (sec-api.io) omits.
  • SEC API (sec-api.io) 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)., and Datasets include executive compensation, directors and board members, audit fees, subsidiaries, and public float/outstanding shares..
  • SEC.gov (EDGAR) is known for: Full-text EDGAR search across filings since 2001, with filters by company, person, form type, and date., Public data APIs at data.sec.gov provide JSON endpoints for company submissions, XBRL facts, concepts, and frames., and APIs update continuously as filings are made public; nightly bulk ZIPs allow batch ingestion..
SEC API (sec-api.io) logo

SEC API (sec-api.io)

sec-api.io

Editor’s pick Hands-on review

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.

Platforms

Web
API

Pricing

Free
Subscription

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.
SEC.gov (EDGAR) logo

SEC.gov (EDGAR)

sec.gov

Editor’s pick Hands-on review

The official source of U.S. regulatory filings. EDGAR provides free public access through its web portal, JSON data APIs, and structured RSS feeds (updated every 10 minutes). Developers can use the APIs on data.sec.gov for submissions and XBRL datasets, while filers use separate EDGAR Next APIs that require tokens. No email alerting is provided—RSS is the only push channel. Automated access must respect fair-use guidelines, including a descriptive User-Agent.

Platforms

Web
API

Pricing

Free

Quick highlights

  • Full-text EDGAR search across filings since 2001, with filters by company, person, form type, and date.
  • Public data APIs at data.sec.gov provide JSON endpoints for company submissions, XBRL facts, concepts, and frames.
  • APIs update continuously as filings are made public; nightly bulk ZIPs allow batch ingestion.
  • Structured RSS feeds for XBRL disclosures update every 10 minutes during filing hours (Mon–Fri, 6am–10pm ET). Email alerts are not offered.
  • Official downloadable datasets include 13F holdings (as filed), Form D, and Financial Statement Data Sets (both as-filed statements and notes).

Shared focus areas

Both platforms align on these research themes, so you can stay within one workflow when your use case involves them.

Where they differ

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.

SEC.gov (EDGAR)

Distinct strengths include:

  • Full-text EDGAR search across filings since 2001, with filters by company, person, form type, and date.
  • Public data APIs at data.sec.gov provide JSON endpoints for company submissions, XBRL facts, concepts, and frames.
  • APIs update continuously as filings are made public; nightly bulk ZIPs allow batch ingestion.
  • Structured RSS feeds for XBRL disclosures update every 10 minutes during filing hours (Mon–Fri, 6am–10pm ET). Email alerts are not offered.

Feature-by-feature breakdown

AttributeSEC API (sec-api.io)SEC.gov (EDGAR)
Categories

Which research workflows each platform targets

Shared: Data APIs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring, Insider Data, 13F, 13D/13G, Financials

Unique: Management Compensation, IPO, APIs & SDKs

Shared: Data APIs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring, Insider Data, 13F, 13D/13G, Financials

Unique: Other

Asset types

Supported asset classes and universes

Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Funds

Stocks, ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End 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

Key features

Core capabilities called out by each vendor

Unique

  • 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.
  • XBRL-to-JSON service delivers standardized financial statements (income, balance sheet, cash flow) mapped to US GAAP items; dataset is survivorship-bias free.

Unique

  • Full-text EDGAR search across filings since 2001, with filters by company, person, form type, and date.
  • Public data APIs at data.sec.gov provide JSON endpoints for company submissions, XBRL facts, concepts, and frames.
  • APIs update continuously as filings are made public; nightly bulk ZIPs allow batch ingestion.
  • Structured RSS feeds for XBRL disclosures update every 10 minutes during filing hours (Mon–Fri, 6am–10pm ET). Email alerts are not offered.
  • Official downloadable datasets include 13F holdings (as filed), Form D, and Financial Statement Data Sets (both as-filed statements and notes).
  • The ‘Latest Filings’ feed shows real-time submissions entering EDGAR.
Tested

Verified by hands-on testing inside Find My Moat

Yes

Yes

Editor pick

Featured inside curated shortlists

Highlighted

Highlighted

Frequently Asked Questions

Which workflows do SEC API (sec-api.io) and SEC.gov (EDGAR) both support?

Both platforms cover Data APIs, Regulatory Filings Monitoring, Insider Data, 13F, 13D/13G, and Financials workflows, so you can research those use cases in either tool before digging into the feature differences below.

Do SEC API (sec-api.io) and SEC.gov (EDGAR) require subscriptions?

Both SEC API (sec-api.io) and SEC.gov (EDGAR) keep freemium access with optional paid upgrades, so you can trial each platform before committing.

How can you access SEC API (sec-api.io) and SEC.gov (EDGAR)?

Both SEC API (sec-api.io) and SEC.gov (EDGAR) 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?

SEC API (sec-api.io) differentiates itself with 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., whereas SEC.gov (EDGAR) stands out for Full-text EDGAR search across filings since 2001, with filters by company, person, form type, and date., Public data APIs at data.sec.gov provide JSON endpoints for company submissions, XBRL facts, concepts, and frames., and APIs update continuously as filings are made public; nightly bulk ZIPs allow batch ingestion..

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.