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.

Moralis vs Alchemy vs Bitquery
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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