> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sim.dune.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sim APIs vs Dune Analytics API

> Learn about the Dune Analytics API and how it compares to Sim APIs, helping you choose the right tool for data analysis vs. realtime apps.

While Sim APIs provide low-latency, realtime data for building apps, Dune also offers a separate suite of analytical APIs.
Both are part of the Dune ecosystem, but they are designed for different use cases.

<Card title="Explore the Full Dune Analytics API Docs" icon="book-open" href="https://docs.dune.com/api-reference/overview/introduction">
  Dive into the official documentation for the Dune Analytics API to see all available endpoints, guides, and references.
</Card>

## When to Use Which API

Use Sim APIs if you need low-latency app data (balances, activity, NFTs) via simple REST endpoints so your UI can react to onchain events without writing SQL.

Use the [Dune Analytics API](https://docs.dune.com/api-reference/overview/introduction) if you need custom SQL for analysis, dashboards, BI/warehousing, or exporting large historical datasets.

## Core Differences

| Aspect                    | Sim APIs                                                  | Dune Analytics API                                                                                           |
| ------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Data access & flexibility | Ready-made realtime REST endpoints optimized for apps.    | Run custom SQL across Dune’s dataset.<br />Connect with the DuneSQL Trino connector.                         |
| Performance & latency     | Very low latency for realtime experiences.                | Built for analytical workloads.<br />Queries may take seconds to minutes.                                    |
| Primary use cases         | Wallets, activity feeds, DeFi dashboards, onchain agents. | Market research and internal dashboards.<br />BI integration such as PowerBI and Metabase, plus CSV exports. |

## What You Get with the Dune Analytics API

The [Dune Analytics API](https://docs.dune.com/api-reference/overview/introduction) offers a unique set of capabilities tailored for deep data analysis and custom queries. Here are some of the powerful features you can leverage that differ from Sim APIs.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Execute Custom SQL Queries" icon="file-code">
    Programmatically run your Dune queries. Fetch exactly the data you need in your preferred format.
  </Card>

  <Card title="BI & Data Tool Integration" icon="chart-bar">
    Connect through the DuneSQL Trino connector. Use tools such as PowerBI, Metabase, DBeaver, and notebooks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Webhooks" icon="bell">
    Push query results to your endpoints on a custom schedule using webhooks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Upload Your Own Data" icon="upload">
    Upload your datasets to Dune and join them with onchain data in SQL. Enrich analyses with your internal or off-chain information.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>