Why Switch from Shodan?
Shodan is a solid domain API provider, but it's not the only option. Whether you're looking for better pricing, more features, or simply want to explore what else is available - you've come to the right place.
We've analyzed the key differences between Shodan and its alternatives to help you make an informed decision. DomScan stands out as the top alternative, offering wider TLD coverage, a generous free tier, and modern features like MCP integration for AI assistants.
Common Reasons to Switch
- Need domain-specific data, not device scanning
- Want domain availability and WHOIS lookups
- Looking for domain valuation features
- Building domain registration tools
Who Should Stay with Shodan
Shodan is the definitive search engine for internet-connected devices. If IoT security or infrastructure discovery is your focus, nothing else compares.
Side-by-Side Comparison: DomScan vs Shodan
DomScan
DomScan is a developer-first domain intelligence platform offering real-time availability checks, RDAP data, domain valuation, and AI integration via MCP.
Free: 10,000 credits/monthShodan
Shodan indexes internet-facing devices, banners, vulnerabilities, and exposed services, making it a strong complement to domain-focused threat tools.
Limited web accessPricing Comparison
| Pricing | DomScan | Shodan |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Free: 10,000 credits/month | Limited web access |
| Paid Plans | Pay-as-you-go from $10 | Membership $49 one-time, subscriptions from $69/month |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing | Corporate and enterprise plans |
| TLD Coverage | 1,500+ TLDs | Full internet coverage |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | DomScan | Shodan |
|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Included | Limited |
| API Access | Included | Included |
| Bulk Operations | Included | Included |
| Real-time Data | Included | Included |
| WHOIS Data | Included | Limited |
| DNS Lookup | Included | Included |
| Domain Valuation | Included | Not Included |
| Brand Monitoring | Included | Not Included |
| MCP/AI Integration | Included | Not Included |
Where Shodan Excels
- Unmatched device discovery
- Well-known vulnerability and exposure workflows
- Strong API and alerting ecosystem
DomScan Advantages
- Free tier with 10,000 credits/month - no credit card required
- 1,500+ TLDs - more coverage than most competitors
- MCP integration for AI assistants like Claude
- Domain valuation, brand monitoring, and OSINT tools
- Modern REST API with JSON responses
- Global edge deployment on Cloudflare Workers
Switching from Shodan
Migrating from Shodan to DomScan is straightforward. DomScan uses standard REST endpoints with JSON responses and predictable authentication.
Quick example:
# Check domain availability with DomScan
curl "https://domscan.net/v1/status?name=example&tlds=com,net,org"
# Response
{
"name": "example",
"results": [
{ "domain": "example.com", "available": false, "source": "rdap" },
{ "domain": "example.net", "available": false, "source": "rdap" },
{ "domain": "example.org", "available": false, "source": "rdap" }
]
}
Frequently Asked Questions
DomScan uses standard REST APIs with JSON responses, making migration straightforward. Most integrations can be updated in minutes by changing the endpoint URL and adjusting the response parsing.
DomScan offers a generous free tier of 10,000 credits/month with no credit card required. For most use cases, DomScan provides better value with transparent pay-as-you-go pricing.
DomScan covers all core domain intelligence features including availability checks, WHOIS/RDAP data, DNS lookups, and domain valuation. Additionally, DomScan offers unique features like MCP integration for AI assistants.
DomScan provides comprehensive documentation, email support, and community forums. Enterprise customers receive dedicated support and SLA guarantees.
Shodan vs Other Providers
More Alternatives Guides
Learn More About Shodan
Get Started with DomScan
10,000 free credits/month • No credit card required
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