The WhatRuns Alternative With a Real API
WhatRuns is a browser extension with no API. DetectZeStack gives you a full REST API with free tier, DNS/TLS detection, and CPE identifiers (when available).
Pricing Comparison
WhatRuns
DetectZeStack
BuiltWith
Feature Comparison
| Feature | WhatRuns | DetectZeStack |
|---|---|---|
| REST API | No | Yes (full REST API with JSON) |
| Pricing | Free (extension only) | Free (100 req/mo), $9/mo (1K req) |
| Batch analysis | No (one page at a time) | Yes (up to 10 URLs per request) |
| Automation / CI integration | No | Yes (any HTTP client or CI pipeline) |
| DNS infrastructure detection | No | Yes (111 CDN/hosting signatures) |
| TLS certificate analysis | No | Yes (8 issuer patterns) |
| CPE identifiers | No | Yes (when available) |
| Webhook alerts | No | Yes (analysis notifications) |
| Stack comparison | No | Yes (shared/unique tech across sites) |
| Works without browser | No (Chrome/Firefox only) | Yes (server-side analysis) |
Why Developers Switch From WhatRuns
Full REST API
WhatRuns has no API at all. DetectZeStack gives you a clean REST API with JSON responses, OpenAPI spec, and client libraries. Integrate tech detection into any workflow.
DNS + TLS Detection
Browser extensions can only see what's in the page. DetectZeStack also inspects DNS CNAME records and TLS certificates to identify CDNs, hosting providers, and security infrastructure.
CPE Identifiers
Detected technologies include CPE identifiers (when available) so you can check for known vulnerabilities in the NVD. Read about CPE vulnerability detection.
Batch Processing
Analyze up to 10 URLs in a single API call. WhatRuns requires manually visiting each page one at a time in your browser.
Webhook Monitoring
Get notified each time a monitored domain is analyzed. Perfect for competitive intelligence and security tracking. WhatRuns has no monitoring capabilities.
No Browser Required
DetectZeStack runs server-side. Use it from scripts, CI pipelines, cron jobs, or any backend service. No Chrome or Firefox installation needed.
Looking for a WhatRuns API Key?
WhatRuns doesn't offer an API. It's a browser extension only—there are no API keys, no endpoints, and no way to make programmatic requests. If you need tech detection in your code, you need a dedicated API.
DetectZeStack is the simplest way to get what WhatRuns can't give you. One API call, JSON response, every technology the site uses:
curl "https://detectzestack.p.rapidapi.com/analyze?url=example.com" \
-H "X-RapidAPI-Key: YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "X-RapidAPI-Host: detectzestack.p.rapidapi.com"Get a free API key in under a minute on RapidAPI—100 requests/month, no credit card required. For the full tutorial with Python and JavaScript examples, read Website Technology Checker API: The Complete Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a WhatRuns API key?
WhatRuns doesn't offer an API or API keys. It's a browser extension only. If you need a tech detection API, DetectZeStack provides a full REST API with a free tier (100 requests/month). Sign up on RapidAPI to get your key.
Does WhatRuns have an API?
No. WhatRuns is a browser extension only. It has no REST API, no programmatic access, and no way to integrate it into automated workflows. If you need an API for tech stack detection, DetectZeStack offers a full REST API with a free tier.
What is the best WhatRuns alternative with an API?
DetectZeStack is the most affordable WhatRuns alternative with API access. It offers 100 free requests/month, paid plans from $9/month, and features WhatRuns lacks: DNS/TLS detection, CPE identifiers (when available), batch analysis, and webhook alerts.
Is WhatRuns free?
WhatRuns is a free browser extension for Chrome and Firefox. However, it only works manually — you must visit each page to see its technologies. DetectZeStack also has a free tier (100 API requests/month) plus the ability to automate and scale your analysis.
Can I detect tech stacks without a browser extension?
Yes. DetectZeStack is a REST API — no browser extension needed. Send a GET request with a URL and receive a JSON response with all detected technologies. See the API documentation or try the live demo.
Upgrade From WhatRuns Today
100 requests/month free. Full REST API. No browser extension required.
Get Your Free API Key