Shodan vs WhoisXML API

Shodan vs WhoisXML API

Domain API Comparison

Overview

Shodan

Internet Exposure Search for Devices and Services

Shodan indexes internet-facing devices, banners, vulnerabilities, and exposed services, making it a strong complement to domain-focused threat tools.

Limited web access

WhoisXML API

Enterprise Domain, IP & DNS Intelligence

WhoisXML API offers product-specific WHOIS, DNS, IP, and threat data packages plus annual enterprise bundles for research, fraud, and security teams.

Complimentary credits after signup

Pricing Comparison

Pricing Shodan WhoisXML API
Free Tier Limited web access Complimentary credits after signup
Paid Plans Membership $49 one-time, subscriptions from $69/month Product-specific subscriptions
Enterprise Corporate and enterprise plans Enterprise annual subscriptions
TLD Coverage Full internet coverage 7,500+ TLDs

Feature Comparison

Feature Shodan WhoisXML API
Free Tier Limited Limited
API Access Included Included
Bulk Operations Included Included
Real-time Data Included Included
WHOIS Data Limited Included
DNS Lookup Included Included
Domain Valuation Not Included Not Included
Brand Monitoring Not Included Premium Only
MCP/AI Integration Not Included Not Included

Which is Better?

Choose Shodan if you need

  • Unmatched device discovery
  • Well-known vulnerability and exposure workflows
  • Strong API and alerting ecosystem

Choose WhoisXML API if you need

  • Very broad domain and infrastructure coverage
  • Historical WHOIS, DNS, and threat data
  • Enterprise packages for security workflows

Consider DomScan Instead

DomScan offers the best of both worlds with comprehensive features and developer-friendly pricing.

  • Free tier: 10,000 credits/month (no credit card)
  • 1,500+ TLDs supported
  • MCP integration for AI assistants
  • Domain valuation, brand monitoring, OSINT
DomScan vs Shodan DomScan vs WhoisXML API

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