Both provide financial data APIs, but they serve different needs. Here's an honest breakdown to help you choose.
Choose FactStream if you need clean, structured SEC EDGAR fundamental data (financial statements, filings, earnings) and value transparent pricing. Choose Alpha Vantage if you need real-time stock prices, forex, crypto, or technical indicators — areas FactStream doesn't cover.
| Feature | FactStream | Alpha Vantage |
|---|---|---|
| SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K) | ||
| Financial statements | ||
| Data source transparency | SEC EDGAR direct | Multiple (undisclosed mix) |
| Historical depth | 10 years | 5+ years (varies) |
| Real-time stock prices | ||
| Forex & crypto data | ||
| Technical indicators | ||
| Free tier | 30-day trial (no CC) | 25 req/day forever |
| Paid plans from | $49/mo | $49.99/mo |
| API call limits (starter) | 30,000/mo | 30 req/min |
We source directly from SEC EDGAR and normalize the data into clean, consistent JSON. No guessing where numbers come from.
Direct access to 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K filings. Alpha Vantage doesn't offer raw SEC filing data.
Every data point traces back to SEC EDGAR. You know exactly where your numbers originate.
Simple monthly API call limits. No per-minute throttling surprises.
Alpha Vantage offers intraday and real-time stock price data. FactStream focuses on fundamental data only.
Forex, crypto, commodities, and technical indicators. FactStream is US equities only.
Alpha Vantage has a permanent free tier (25 requests/day). FactStream offers a 30-day free trial instead.
SMA, EMA, RSI, MACD, and 50+ built-in technical indicators. FactStream doesn't provide these.
One of FactStream's strongest advantages — direct SEC filing access in clean JSON:
import factstream
client = factstream.Client(api_key="your_api_key")
# Get Apple's latest 10-K filing
filings = client.filings.list(
ticker="AAPL",
form_type="10-K",
limit=1
)
for filing in filings:
print(f"Filed: {filing.filed_date}")
print(f"Period: {filing.period_of_report}")
print(f"URL: {filing.filing_url}")
# Get income statement — clean, structured data
income = client.financials.income_statement(
ticker="AAPL",
period="annual",
limit=5
)
for period in income:
print(f"{period.fiscal_year}: Revenue ${period.revenue:,.0f}")