API Providers
API providers run cardano-node infrastructure and expose blockchain data through developer-friendly APIs, letting you query data and submit transactions without managing servers.
How API providers work​
Choosing a provider​
| Provider | API Type | Key Features | Networks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blockfrost | REST | Simple REST API, webhooks, fast integration | Mainnet, Preprod, Preview |
| Koios | REST, GraphQL | Community-driven, decentralized, open source | Mainnet, Preprod, Preview |
| Ogmios | WebSocket, JSON-RPC | Low-level protocol access, real-time queries | All networks (requires node) |
Blockfrost​
Hosted REST API with simple endpoints for querying blockchain data. Use Blockfrost to:
- Integrate quickly with REST endpoints
- Subscribe to blockchain events via webhooks
- Build with extensive SDK support
Learn more: Blockfrost documentation
Koios​
Community-run REST and GraphQL API with decentralized infrastructure. Use Koios to:
- Query via REST or GraphQL endpoints
- Access open-source, community-maintained service
- Connect without registration requirements
Learn more: Koios documentation
Ogmios​
WebSocket-based JSON-RPC API providing low-level protocol access. Use Ogmios to:
- Query blockchain state in real-time
- Access protocol-level details
- Build custom indexing solutions
Note: Ogmios requires cardano-node (self-hosted or via Demeter)
Learn more: Ogmios documentation
Next steps​
- Get started quickly: Set up Blockfrost for immediate API access
- Explore alternatives: Try Koios for community-driven infrastructure
- Advanced access: Use Ogmios for protocol-level queries
- Compare options: View all infrastructure approaches