Blockchain · head-to-head

Etherscan vs Steem

Etherscan

Etherscan's API exposes the same account balances, transactions, contract source, and gas-tracker data shown on the block explorer, addressed to Ethereum mainnet and its testnets through a single query-parameter-based endpoint. Calls against the older V1 endpoint now return a deprecation notice pointing at the documented V2 migration, so new integrations should build against V2 directly. Free-tier keys cover light use, with paid plans unlocking higher rate limits.

Steem

Steem's public JSON-RPC API lets any client read blocks, accounts, and the blogging/social content the chain stores, using the same condenser_api methods the steemit.com frontend calls. The endpoint is HTTPS-only now — the old plain-HTTP address no longer connects — and needs no signup or key for read access. Every route tested returned CORS headers open to browser-based callers.

EtherscanSteem
AuthenticationAPI KeyNone
Pricingfreemiumfree
FormatsJSONJSON
CORSyesyes
HTTPSYesYes

Steem needs no API key, while Etherscan requires API Key — pick Steem to start without signup.

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