Steem vs Watchdata

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.

WatchData operates hosted JSON-RPC nodes across Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Smart Chain, and other networks, plus higher-level "Powered API" endpoints for token balances, transfer history, and block-timestamp lookups that would otherwise require custom indexing. Every call needs an api_key issued from the dashboard after a free signup, with a 100-million-unit free monthly allowance before paid plans apply. Responses are plain JSON-RPC.