oracles.ink

API3 vs Chainlink

API3 (First-party oracles with built-in OEV recapture ) versus Chainlink (The industry-standard oracle network ) — how they differ on type, coverage and what they’re built for.

	API3	Chainlink
Type	Push + OEV	Push + Pull
Update model	Data providers run their own Airnode (no middlemen). The OEV Network auctions the value of each oracle update back to the dApp instead of leaking it to searchers.	Decentralized Oracle Networks (DONs); heartbeat + deviation threshold. Data Streams add a low-latency pull mode.
Chains	Many EVM L2s	40+
Feeds	dAPIs	1,000+
Security	First-party provenance (data signed at source) + API3 DAO governance.	Many independent, Sybil-resistant node operators per DON, with LINK staking and reputation.
TVS*	Specialized	~$33B
Token	API3	LINK
Best at	First-party data + OEV recapture — turns oracle-update MEV leakage into protocol revenue	Broadest coverage + a full stack: CCIP cross-chain, VRF randomness, Functions, Proof of Reserve, Data Streams

* Approximate total value secured — dated market snapshot (DefiLlama / provider reports, 2026).

API3

Removes data middlemen (first-party)
OEV returns value to the protocol
Transparent data provenance

Smaller TVS / adoption
Fewer feeds than the top providers

Chainlink

Most battle-tested and widely integrated
Widest chain + feed coverage
Full product suite beyond price (CCIP, VRF, PoR)

Push feeds cost on-chain gas to maintain
Standard feeds less granular than pull for HFT-style use

Bottom line

Pick API3 when first-party data + oev recapture matters most; pick Chainlink when broadest coverage + a full stack: ccip cross-chain, vrf randomness, functions, proof of reserve, data streams matters more.