Top 6 Etherscan API Alternatives
Etherscan API is a set of tools and services provided by Etherscan, a widely used Ethereum blockchain explorer. The API allows developers to interact programmatically with the Ethereum blockchain, retrieving various types of information and data. This enables developers to integrate Ethereum blockchain data into their applications, services, or smart contracts.
Here’s a brief overview of the Etherscan API based on the documentation available at https://docs.etherscan.io/
API Key
To access the Etherscan API, users need to generate an API key by registering on the Etherscan platform.
API Modules
The Etherscan API is organized into different modules, each serving a specific purpose. Some key modules include:
- Account: Retrieve balance, transactions, and other details for Ethereum addresses.
- Contract: Access information about smart contracts, including source code verification.
- Transaction: Obtain details about individual transactions on the Ethereum network.
- Token: Retrieve information about ERC-20 and ERC-721 tokens.
Data Retrieval
The API allows users to retrieve real-time data from the Ethereum blockchain. This includes information on blocks, transactions, token transfers, and more.
Blockchain Events
Developers can use the API to subscribe to blockchain events such as new block creation and transactions. This facilitates real-time updates for applications.
Gas Tracker
The API provides information about gas prices on the Ethereum network. Developers can use this data to optimize transaction costs.
Contract Execution
Users can invoke methods and interact with smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain through the Etherscan API.
Token Information
The API offers comprehensive data on Ethereum-based tokens, including token balances, transfers, and contract details.
Network Information
Obtain information about the Ethereum network, including current block, latest transactions, and mining statistics.
Miscellaneous Services
Etherscan API provides additional services such as obtaining the supply of Ether, checking the status of a transaction receipt, and more.
Overall, the Etherscan API is a valuable tool for developers building applications that require interaction with the Ethereum blockchain. It simplifies the process of accessing blockchain data, allowing developers to focus on building and enhancing their projects without the need to maintain their blockchain infrastructure.
The Main Agenda — Top Etherscan APIs
1. Bitquery
Bitquery stands out as a versatile alternative to Etherscan API due to its multi-blockchain support. Not limited to Ethereum, Bitquery covers various blockchains, including Binance Smart Chain, Bitcoin, and Polygon. Developers appreciate Bitquery for its GraphQL-based queries, which enable precise data retrieval and reduce unnecessary information. Its focus on blockchain analytics makes it suitable for those seeking comprehensive insights across different blockchain platforms.
Unique Factors: One of Bitquery’s distinctive features is its emphasis on blockchain analytics, offering a deeper understanding of on-chain activities and smart contracts. GraphQL allows developers to shape their queries, tailoring the data retrieval process to their specific needs. Additionally, Bitquery’s multi-blockchain support broadens its applicability, allowing users to access data from various blockchain networks through a single API.
Pros: Multi-blockchain support, GraphQL-based queries for precise data retrieval, and a focus on blockchain analytics.
Cons: Users looking for Ethereum-specific data might find the broad blockchain support to be more than needed for their project. Additionally, developers accustomed to RESTful APIs may need some time to adapt to GraphQL.
Also Read: Best Crypto APIs for Developers
2. Blockchair
Blockchair serves as a robust alternative to Etherscan API, offering blockchain explorers for multiple cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Its user-friendly interface and detailed transaction information make it appealing to both novice and experienced users. Blockchair’s commitment to transparency and providing open data sets contribute to its reliability as an alternative blockchain explorer.
Unique Factors
Blockchair’s uniqueness lies in its support for multiple cryptocurrencies, making it a comprehensive solution for users across different blockchain networks. It stands out for offering a search engine for blockchain data, allowing users to explore various cryptocurrencies and their associated data. Blockchair’s commitment to openness includes providing public data sets and APIs, fostering transparency in the blockchain space.
Pros: Multi-cryptocurrency support, user-friendly interface, and a search engine for blockchain data.
Cons: Some users may find the interface to be information-rich, potentially overwhelming for those new to blockchain exploration. Additionally, while it supports multiple cryptocurrencies, it might not offer the same depth of analysis for each a platform specializing in a particular blockchain.
3. Etherscan Alternative on Moralis
Moralis provides an alternative to Etherscan API, emphasizing a simplified approach to blockchain development. It offers a unified solution that combines the functionalities of a blockchain explorer with serverless functions and real-time updates. Moralis’s focus on user-friendly interfaces and streamlined development processes makes it an attractive alternative for developers seeking an integrated and efficient platform.
Unique Factors
Moralis stands out for its integration of blockchain exploration with serverless functions, allowing developers to build decentralized applications (DApps) more efficiently. It provides real-time updates on blockchain activities and offers a simple yet powerful API for developers to access essential blockchain data. Moralis’s approach caters to both experienced developers and those new to blockchain development, fostering a more inclusive ecosystem.
Pros: Unified platform for blockchain exploration, serverless functions, and real-time updates. User-friendly interface and streamlined development processes.
Cons: Users with a specific focus on in-depth blockchain analytics may find Moralis’s offerings to be more oriented toward application development. Additionally, developers requiring more granular control over their blockchain queries might prefer platforms with lower abstraction layers.
Also Read: Top 10 Blockchain data APIs
4. QuickNode
QuickNode serves as an alternative to Etherscan API by providing infrastructure services for blockchain developers. It offers high-performance, reliable, and scalable Ethereum nodes, allowing developers to access blockchain data seamlessly. QuickNode’s focus on delivering dedicated and customizable node solutions makes it a valuable choice for developers seeking optimized performance and tailored infrastructure for their decentralized applications (DApps).
Unique Factors
QuickNode stands out with its emphasis on infrastructure provision. It offers dedicated Ethereum nodes, enabling developers to have more control over their blockchain queries. The platform supports not only Ethereum but also other major blockchains, providing a multi-chain solution. QuickNode’s customizable and scalable infrastructure options contribute to its uniqueness, catering to the diverse needs of blockchain developers.
Pros: Dedicated and customizable Ethereum nodes for optimized performance. Multi-chain support, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, xDai, and others. Scalable infrastructure options to meet varying developer requirements.
Cons: While QuickNode offers robust infrastructure, users solely looking for blockchain exploration features may find more specialized platforms for their needs.
Also Read: Top 10 Dogecoin API
5. BlockCypher
BlockCypher provides a blockchain infrastructure platform with a suite of APIs, making it an alternative to Etherscan API. It supports multiple blockchains, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, offering comprehensive data services and developer tools. BlockCypher’s API suite aims to simplify blockchain integration, making it an attractive choice for developers seeking a unified solution for their blockchain-related projects.
Unique Factors
BlockCypher distinguishes itself with a wide range of supported blockchains, allowing developers to access various blockchain networks through a single platform. The platform provides RESTful APIs for different blockchains, enabling developers to retrieve information, broadcast transactions, and manage wallets seamlessly. BlockCypher’s commitment to simplifying blockchain integration enhances its appeal for developers looking for a unified infrastructure solution.
Pros: Supports multiple blockchains, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Comprehensive API suite for blockchain data services and developer tools. Simplifies blockchain integration for developers.
Cons: Users specifically focused on in-depth blockchain exploration features may find more specialized platforms tailored to their needs.
6. Amberdata
Amberdata serves as an alternative to Etherscan API by offering blockchain analytics and data services. It supports multiple blockchains, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, and more, providing users with real-time and historical data on transactions, addresses, and smart contracts. Amberdata’s focus on analytics and data visualization makes it an appealing choice for users looking to gain valuable insights into blockchain activities.
Unique Factors
Amberdata stands out with its emphasis on providing comprehensive analytics and data visualization tools for multiple blockchains. The platform offers insights into on-chain activities, including transactions, contract interactions, and token transfers. Amberdata’s commitment to real-time and historical data analysis contributes to its uniqueness, making it suitable for users requiring in-depth blockchain intelligence.
Pros: Supports multiple blockchains, including Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain. Comprehensive analytics and data visualization tools. Real-time and historical data on transactions, addresses, and smart contracts.
Cons: Users primarily seeking blockchain exploration features without a strong focus on analytics may find more specialized platforms better suited to their needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Etherscan API serves as a pivotal tool for developers interacting with the Ethereum blockchain, providing a comprehensive set of modules, real-time data retrieval, and blockchain event subscriptions. With features such as a dedicated API key, modules for account, contract, transaction, token, and various data retrieval options, Etherscan API simplifies the integration of Ethereum blockchain data into applications, services, and smart contracts. It also offers blockchain event subscriptions, gas tracker, contract execution capabilities, and detailed information on tokens and network statistics.
As we explored alternative platforms, each with its unique features and focus, developers can choose based on their specific needs. Bitquery stands out for its versatile multi-blockchain support and GraphQL-based queries, emphasizing blockchain analytics.
Blockchair offers a user-friendly interface with support for multiple cryptocurrencies, making it a transparent and open data alternative. Etherchain specializes in Ethereum, providing real-time statistics and unique features like the Gas Oracle. Moralis offers a unified platform for blockchain exploration, serverless functions, and real-time updates, focusing on simplicity.
QuickNode focuses on infrastructure provision, offering dedicated and customizable Ethereum nodes for optimized performance. BlockCypher supports multiple blockchains, providing a comprehensive API suite for seamless blockchain integration.
Ultimately, the choice of an alternative to Etherscan API depends on the specific requirements of the developer or project, considering factors like blockchain focus, multi-chain support, analytics capabilities, infrastructure provision, and user-friendliness. Each alternative brings its own set of pros and cons, catering to the diverse needs of the blockchain development community.
