# SecurityTrails API vs ShadowServer: side-by-side comparison (2026)

[SecurityTrails API](https://cybersectools.com/tools/securitytrails) is a commercial [threat intel platforms](https://cybersectools.com/categories/tip) solution by [Recorded Future](https://cybersectools.com/companies/recorded-future). [ShadowServer](https://cybersectools.com/tools/shadowserver) is a free [threat intel platforms](https://cybersectools.com/categories/tip) solution. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.

Need the answer fast? [Best Threat Intelligence Platform Solutions for Business](https://cybersectools.com/shortlists/best-threat-intelligence-platforms) picks Recorded Future Threat Intelligence, Google Threat Intelligence, CrowdStrike Falcon Adversary Intelligence and 4 more.

## Side-by-side comparison

| | SecurityTrails API | ShadowServer |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Commercial | Free |
| Category | Threat Intel Platforms | Threat Intel Platforms |
| Verified | No | No |
| Deployment type | Cloud | Cloud |
| Company size fit | SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise | Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise |
| Company | Recorded Future | – |
| Headquarters | – | – |

### Use cases and capabilities

| | SecurityTrails API | ShadowServer |
|---|---|---|
| DNS Security | Yes | – |
| IP Lookup | Yes | – |
| Reconnaissance | Yes | – |
| Subdomain Enumeration | Yes | – |
| Cyber Threat Intelligence | Yes | – |
| Investigation | Yes | – |
| REST API | Yes | – |
| Attack Paths | Yes | – |
| DDoS | – | Yes |
| Threat Feed | – | Yes |

### Core features

**SecurityTrails API**

9 features listed. Sign in on the page to see them.

**ShadowServer**

No features listed.

## Which one fits you

Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.

- [ShadowServer](https://cybersectools.com/tools/shadowserver) fits if you are a startup and you need a free product.

## SecurityTrails API vs ShadowServer FAQ

Common questions when comparing SecurityTrails API vs ShadowServer for threat intel platforms.

### What is the difference between SecurityTrails API and ShadowServer?

**SecurityTrails API**: API platform providing historical DNS, WHOIS, and IP data for security research, built by Recorded Future.

**ShadowServer**: A nonprofit security organization that collects and shares threat data to make the Internet more secure.

The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.

### Is SecurityTrails API a good alternative to ShadowServer?

Often, yes. SecurityTrails API and ShadowServer are both Threat Intel Platforms products. Key differences: SecurityTrails API is Commercial while ShadowServer is Free. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.

## Related comparisons

- [SecurityTrails API vs Validin](https://cybersectools.com/compare/securitytrails-vs-validin)
- [SecurityTrails API vs Nucleon Cyber AGTI Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/nucleon-cyber-agti-platform-vs-securitytrails)
- [SecurityTrails API vs Loginsoft VuInerability Intelligence LOVI](https://cybersectools.com/compare/lovi-vs-securitytrails)
- [ShadowServer vs Validin](https://cybersectools.com/compare/shadowserver-vs-validin)
- [ShadowServer vs Nucleon Cyber AGTI Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/nucleon-cyber-agti-platform-vs-shadowserver)
- [ShadowServer vs Loginsoft VuInerability Intelligence LOVI](https://cybersectools.com/compare/lovi-vs-shadowserver)

## Alternatives to each

- [See all SecurityTrails API alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/securitytrails)
- [See all ShadowServer alternatives](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/shadowserver)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/compare/securitytrails-vs-shadowserver

For AI agents: each product above has its own Markdown page (add .md to its URL, for example https://cybersectools.com/tools/securitytrails.md). Every CybersecTools shortlist is listed at https://cybersectools.com/shortlists.md.

More on SecurityTrails API and ShadowServer: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=compare-md