Nasdaq Data Link VS Twelve Data
Head-to-head market data API comparison.
UPDATED 2026-05-27 · 7 axes scored
WINNER · TWELVE DATA · 1/7 AXES
Quick Decision
▶ PICK NASDAQ DATA LINK IF DATA-API
- Quant researchers
- Alternative data buyers
- Macro/fundamental analysts
- Academic researchers
▶ PICK TWELVE DATA IF DATA-API
- Global coverage needs
- Technical indicator API
- Fintech apps
- Forex + crypto combo
▼ Skip both if
- Tick data / HFT
Side-by-Side Matrix
| METRIC | NASDAQ DATA LINK | TWELVE DATA |
|---|---|---|
| API Quality | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Doc Quality | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Data Latency | daily | second |
| SDK Languages | 5 languages | 5 languages |
| Free Tier | Yes | Yes |
| Affiliate Program | No | Yes |
| Asset Coverage Breadth | 6 classes | 6 classes |
| Asset Coverage | US Equities · Global Equities · Futures · Forex · Commodities · Alternative Data | US Equities · Global Equities · Forex · Crypto · ETFs · Indices |
| Historical Depth | 50+ years on select datasets; varies widely | 30+ years (daily); intraday varies by plan |
| Starting Price | $0/mo | $0/mo |
| Rate Limits | Anonymous: 20 calls/10min, 50/day; Free w/ API key: 300/10s, 2,000/10min, 50,000/day; Premium: higher limits per dataset | Credit-based; each endpoint consumes different credit amount |
Asset Class Coverage
Where the two providers overlap and where each has unique coverage.
| ASSET CLASS | NASDAQ DATA LINK | TWELVE DATA |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative Data | ✓ Covered | — |
| Commodities | ✓ Covered | — |
| Crypto | — | ✓ Covered |
| ETFs | — | ✓ Covered |
| Forex | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Futures | ✓ Covered | — |
| Global Equities | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Indices | — | ✓ Covered |
| US Equities | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| TOTAL CLASSES | 6 | 6 |
Only Nasdaq Data Link
Futures · Commodities · Alternative Data
Only Twelve Data
Crypto · ETFs · Indices
Shared · 3
US Equities · Global Equities · Forex
Pricing Tier Map
Full tier ladder side-by-side · names and prices as published by each provider · 2 vs 4 tiers.
NASDAQ DATA LINK · 2 TIERS FREE TIER
01
Free $0/mo
Open datasets, limited premium access
02
Premium Custom
Institutional datasets, alternative data, bulk downloads
▲ Free Tier · Free: select open datasets; core financial data free with registration
TWELVE DATA · 4 TIERS FREE TIER
01
Basic (Free) $0/mo
800 API credits/day, 8 WebSocket trial credits, 3 markets
02
Grow $79/mo
Real-time US stocks/commodities/fundamentals, 20+ markets ($66/mo annual)
03
Pro $229/mo
EU real-time, fixed income, mutual funds, 70+ markets ($191/mo annual)
04
Ultra $999/mo
99.95% SLA, dedicated support, 84 markets ($832/mo annual)
▲ Free Tier · Free: 800 API credits/day, 8 WebSocket connections
Technical Stack Fit
SDK languages and data formats determine integration cost for your existing codebase.
| DIMENSION | NASDAQ DATA LINK | TWELVE DATA |
|---|---|---|
| API Types | REST · SDK | REST · WebSocket |
| SDK Languages | Python · R · JavaScript · Ruby · Excel | Python · JavaScript · Java · PHP · R |
| Data Formats | JSON · CSV · Excel | JSON · CSV |
| Rate Limits | Anonymous: 20 calls/10min, 50/day; Free w/ API key: 300/10s, 2,000/10min, 50,000/day; Premium: higher limits per dataset | Credit-based; each endpoint consumes different credit amount |
| Latency Class | daily | second |
Fit Profile
NASDAQ DATA LINK · PROFILE DATA-API
Best For
- Quant researchers
- Alternative data buyers
- Macro/fundamental analysts
- Academic researchers
Not Ideal For
- Real-time trading systems
- Tick data / HFT
- Crypto
- Intraday strategies
Full Nasdaq Data Link Review
TWELVE DATA · PROFILE DATA-API
Best For
- Global coverage needs
- Technical indicator API
- Fintech apps
- Forex + crypto combo
Not Ideal For
- Tick data / HFT
- Deep US options data
- Large bulk downloads
Full Twelve Data Review
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