M
API Matrix

How to Choose the Best Open Data API in 2026

There are 35 Open Data APIs in our directory. Of these, 19 require no authentication, making them ideal for quick prototyping. 19 are rated beginner-friendly.

Last updated: April 2026

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Open Data APIs

Name Auth HTTPS CORS Difficulty
18F No Auth ✗ ? Beginner
API Setu No Auth ✓ ✓ Beginner
Archive.org No Auth ✓ ✗ Beginner
Black History Facts API Key ✓ ✓ Intermediate
BotsArchive No Auth ✓ ? Beginner
Callook.info No Auth ✓ ? Beginner
CARTO API Key ✓ ? Intermediate
CollegeScoreCard.ed.gov No Auth ✓ ? Beginner
Enigma Public API Key ✓ ✓ Intermediate
French Address Search No Auth ✓ ? Beginner
See all 35 Open Data APIs compared side by side →

Free Open Data APIs (No Auth)

These APIs require no API key or signup. Start using them immediately.

18F

0

18F provides programmatic access to unofficial us federal government api development via REST API.

No Auth Beginner 32ms

API Setu

92

API Setu is an Indian Government platform that aggregates a wide variety of official APIs covering KYC verification, business registration, education records, and employment data.

No Auth Beginner HTTPS 177ms

Archive.org

⭐ Beginner's Pick
84

The Internet Archive API gives you programmatic access to the Wayback Machine and one of the world's largest digital libraries, containing archived websites, books, audio, video, and software.

No Auth Beginner HTTPS 42ms

BotsArchive

⭐ Beginner's Pick
82

BotsArchive provides a public database of Telegram bots with details returned in JSON format.

No Auth Beginner HTTPS 289ms

Callook.info

⭐ Beginner's Pick
82

Callook.info is a free API that lets you look up United States amateur (ham) radio callsigns.

No Auth Beginner HTTPS 204ms

CollegeScoreCard.ed.gov

⭐ Beginner's Pick
87

The College Scorecard API provides detailed data on U.S.

No Auth Beginner HTTPS 120ms
View all free Open Data APIs →

Try It in 5 Minutes: 18F

Quick implementation example using 18F.

Using curl

curl http://18f.github.io/API-All-the-X/

JavaScript

const url = "http://18f.github.io/API-All-the-X/";
const response = await fetch(url);
if (!response.ok) throw new Error(`Request failed: ${response.status}`);
const data = await response.json();
console.log(data);

New to APIs? Read our Getting Started Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Open Data APIs are available?

There are 35 Open Data APIs in our directory as of 2026.

Are there free Open Data APIs?

Yes, 19 Open Data APIs require no authentication and are completely free to use.

What is the easiest Open Data API to use?

18F is one of the easiest to get started with. It is rated as beginner-level and requires no authentication.

Do I need an API key for Open Data APIs?

It depends. 19 APIs need no authentication, 12 require an API key, and 4 use OAuth.

Explore Open Data APIs

Browse All APIs → Side by Side →