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Government · head to head

DataSF vs MuckRock

DataSF logo

DataSF

Government

San Francisco Open Data Portal

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MuckRock logo

MuckRock

Government

FOIA Filing and Research Platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • They diverge on capability: DataSF covers Open Datasets, MuckRock covers FOIA Filing.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DataSF and MuckRock actually diverge.

Attributes where DataSF and MuckRock differ
AttributeDataSFMuckRock
Pricing modelfreefreemium
Founded20092010

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Government).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in DataSF

  • Open Datasets
  • Data API
  • Visualizations
  • Data Catalog
  • Automated Updates
  • Socrata
  • ArcGIS
  • Analysis Tools

Only in MuckRock

  • FOIA Filing
  • Request Tracking
  • Document Archive
  • Collaboration
  • Agency Directory
  • DocumentCloud
  • News Organizations
  • Research Tools

Both cover

  • Web support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DataSF

  • Citizen Services
  • Records Management
  • Public Safety
  • Civic Engagement

MuckRock

  • Citizen Services
  • Records Management
  • Public Safety
  • Civic Engagement

Both are used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

DataSF

Nothing recorded yet. See the DataSF review.

MuckRock

  • MuckRock's core platform, Squarelet identity service, and DocumentCloud are licensed AGPL-3.0, which requires anyone running a modified version as a network service to release their source code

Pricing, plan by plan

DataSF

Free
  • Public AccessFree
    • Dataset Access
    • API Access
    • Visualizations

MuckRock

Free
  • BasicFree
    • FOIA Filing
    • Request Tracking
    • Document Archive

Which should you pick?

Choose DataSF if

  • You need open datasets.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want data api.
DataSF review

Choose MuckRock if

  • You need foia filing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You also want request tracking.
MuckRock review

Questions people ask

Is DataSF or MuckRock better?
Neither clearly leads. DataSF starts at Free and MuckRock at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DataSF or MuckRock?
DataSF starts at Free and MuckRock at Free.
Does DataSF or MuckRock run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use DataSF for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is DataSF best used for?
DataSF is most often used for citizen services, records management, public safety, civic engagement.
What can DataSF do that MuckRock cannot?
DataSF covers Open Datasets, Data API, Visualizations, Data Catalog. MuckRock covers FOIA Filing, Request Tracking, Document Archive, Collaboration. Both handle Web support.
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