01
Web basicsLearn and search in the browser
For first-time users, occasional searches, and evaluating whether Shodan fits a workflow.
Academic Membership →
Shodan · API · Open Source
Understand Shodan accounts,
Understand Shodan accounts,
APIs, and tooling
Independent guidance for developers, security researchers, and OSINT practitioners: product differences, credit mechanics, API debugging, open-source tools, and practical limitations.
01 Clear limitations02 Verifiable sources03 Practical workflows
Internet Intelligence
product:nginx country:USAgent / CLIShodan Skill
→Web WorkbenchExplorer
→API GatewayProxy
3clearly positioned product options
3Shodan-related open-source projects
Static HTMLreadable by search and AI systems
Maintainedguides, limits, and product changes
30-second choice
Choose by workflow
Web login, combined web and API use, or API-only development each calls for a different option.
02
Most completeUse both web search and API
For ongoing research that combines manual analysis, CLI tools, scripts, and development.
Academic Plus Account →03
Developer directUse scripts, CLI, and integrations
For users who do not need web login and care primarily about API capabilities.
Academic Plus API Key →Products
Three available options
These pages explain capabilities and limits. Check the store for current availability, checkout, and final support terms.
Advanced · Web + APIMost complete
Shodan product
Shodan Academic Plus Account
Advanced users who need both browser login and API access
- Web login and API management in one account
- Credits refresh monthly under current rules
- Suitable for advanced search and scanning workflows
Developer direct · API only
Shodan product
Shodan Academic Plus API Key
Scripts, CLI, bulk queries, and system integrations
- API key delivered without account credentials
- Works with CLI, Python, Go, and automation
- Validate through the official api-info endpoint
Web basics · Account
Shodan product
Shodan Academic Membership
Light browser use, learning, and occasional research
- Standard member features in the web interface
- Credits refresh monthly under current rules
- Up to 20 result pages with web download support
Open Source
Tools for repeatable workflows
Skill, Explorer, and Proxy cover agent/CLI calls, browser-based API debugging, and controlled API key management.
- 01Shodan Skill
A shared, testable CLI implementation for agents and people.
- 02Shodan Explorer
Interactive forms for learning and debugging the API.
- 03Shodan Proxy
Key pools, IP allowlists, blocked paths, and controlled forwarding.
Shodan Explorer
A browser workbench that makes Shodan API parameters, requests, responses, and errors easier to understand and debug.
Shodan Proxy
A lightweight Shodan API gateway for controlled networks that keeps keys server-side, rotates calls, and restricts sources and sensitive paths.
Shodan Skill
A Python CLI and portable agent skill that gives people, scripts, and AI agents the same testable, auditable Shodan API implementation.
Version Matrix
Read the full selection guide →Key differences
| Version | Best for | Web login | API | Web download | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Plus Account | Advanced users who need both browser login and API access | Included | Included | Not supported | Details → |
| Academic Plus API Key | Scripts, CLI, bulk queries, and system integrations | Not included | Included | Not applicable | Details → |
| Academic Membership | Light browser use, learning, and occasional research | Included | Depends on account status | Supported | Details → |
Third-party capabilities, quotas, and policies can change. Confirm the delivered state and current official rules.
Knowledge Base
View all guides →Understand the mechanics first
How to Validate a Shodan API Key with api-info
Call api-info before writing application code: it confirms key validity and shows the current plan and quotas.
Read article →
Shodan Query Credits vs. Scan Credits
Query Credits are for queries and data retrieval; Scan Credits request Shodan scans of specific IPs. They are separate quotas.
Read article →
Shodan Academic Membership, Academic Plus, or API Key: Which One Fits?
Decide whether you need web login, then whether you need programmatic access; those two questions usually identify the right option.
Read article →Why this site
Limitations, code, and sources in one place
Product pages state account and delivery boundaries; technical articles link to primary sources; open-source pages link directly to code and security guidance.
VerifiableSources, versions, and update dates
ReusableGuides, CLI, web, and proxy tools
Clear boundariesWho each option is and is not for
Ready
Visit the store ↗Found the right option?
Visit the store for current availability and delivery details.