Real-Time Futures Data API: Top Providers 2024

Looking for the best real-time futures data APIs in 2024? Here's a quick rundown of the top providers:

Xignite: Covers major exchanges, 300+ assets
CME Group: Direct access to CME, CBOT, COMEX, NYMEX
Datarade: Marketplace with multiple API options
SpiderStream: Fast (1ms latency) U.S. market data
Databento: Self-service, 1.4M+ instruments, 590μs latency

Quick Comparison:

Provider	Key Feature	Data Coverage	Pricing
Xignite	Enriched context	Major exchanges	Not specified
CME Group	WebSocket API	CME Group exchanges	Not specified
Datarade	Multiple providers	Varies	Varies
SpiderStream	1ms latency	U.S. markets	Not specified
Databento	Self-service	1.4M+ instruments	Pay-as-you-go

When choosing an API, consider:

Data coverage
Accuracy and speed
Pricing model
Ease of use
Compliance

The right choice depends on your specific trading needs and technical requirements.

Xignite Futures and Options Price Quotes API

Xignite

Xignite's Futures and Options Price Quotes API is your go-to for real-time commodity futures data. It covers major exchanges like CME, NYMEX, COMEX, and CBOT.

What's in the box?

Real-time quotes for 300+ underlying assets
Key commodities: energy, agriculture, metals, indices
Data from CME Group, Minneapolis Grain Exchange, Cboe Futures Exchange, and more

The API serves up these data points:

Data Point	Description
Open	Contract's opening price
High	Highest price in trading session
Low	Lowest price in trading session
Last	Most recent trade price
Settlement	Daily settlement price
Volume	Contracts traded
Open Interest	Open contracts
Previous Close	Previous day's close
Change	Price change from previous close
Percent Change	Percentage price change

Xignite's API is fast and user-friendly. It simplifies complex data feeds, letting you plug futures data into your apps, spreadsheets, or websites.

Fun fact: Xignite handles 12 billion API calls daily. That's a lot of number crunching.

Use this API to:

Track futures-spot spreads
Embed live data in trading platforms
Feed risk management models with fresh market info

Xignite's been around since 2006, pioneering Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) for financial markets. They've got over 800 global organizations on their client list.

In the futures trading world, this API is like having a direct line to the trading floor. It's quick, thorough, and built to sharpen your market moves.

2. CME Group Real-Time Futures and Options Data API

CME Group

CME Group's Real-Time Futures and Options Data API is a powerhouse for traders and financial institutions. It's the go-to for direct market data access from raw feeds at colocation sites.

Here's the scoop:

Supports Python, C++, and more
Covers CME, CBOT, COMEX, NYMEX, and GME products
Uses WebSocket for two-way communication
JSON format for easy integration
Runs on Google Cloud for reliability

What data can you get?

Topic	What You Get
Top of Book	1-deep Market by Price book
Market Stats	Open Interest, Settlement, Traded Volume
Trade Info	Real-time trade updates

Want to use it? Here's how:

Get an OAuth API ID
Use any API tool for access tokens
Keep an eye on heartbeat messages every 10 seconds

You can customize your data access to fit your trading and risk management needs.

The API covers a TON of financial instruments:

170+ global currencies
Real-time crypto prices
Futures and options across multiple markets

Whether you're working on pricing strategies or making investment calls, this API's got you covered.

3. Datarade Futures Data APIs

Datarade

Datarade's marketplace is a goldmine for futures data APIs. It's packed with options from different providers, making it a one-stop shop for all your futures market data needs.

Here's the scoop on Datarade:

Hundreds of futures data APIs
Free data samples to try before you buy
Instant data access after purchase

With 100,000 monthly buyers browsing Datarade, it's clear that futures data is in high demand across industries.

Datarade's API lineup covers a wide range of futures data:

Provider	Specialization
Exchange Data International	Global market data
OptionMetrics	Options and futures analytics
Cryptoquote	Cryptocurrency futures
AlgoSeek	High-frequency trading data
Kaiko	Digital asset data

Picking the right API? Datarade suggests:

Shortlist potential providers
Compare data quality and volume
Check historical and geographical coverage

Pricing starts at $3,000 per purchase, with options like one-off buys, monthly or yearly licenses, and usage-based pricing.

For developers, remember to:

Dive into the API docs
Know your rate limits and access restrictions
Use the right authentication methods

Got your own futures data? You can list it on Datarade and tap into their massive buyer base. It's a chance to turn your data into cash.

4. SpiderStream Market Data API by SpiderRock

SpiderStream

SpiderStream API is SpiderRock's solution for real-time and delayed U.S. market data. It's a favorite among finance big shots.

Why? Here's the scoop:

It's FAST. We're talking 1 ms latency or less.
It covers U.S. Equities, Futures, and Options markets.
You can connect via WebSocket or REST API, with JSON and protocol buffers.

SpiderStream serves up:

Data Type	What You Get
Equity Quotes	Real-time stock prices
Trades	Transaction details
Aggregations	Market data summaries
Futures Quotes	Latest futures prices
Options Analytics	Deep options market insights

For the tech crowd:

Customize your data streams by symbol, index, or exchange.
Get data on-demand.
The API adapts to your system's speed.

SpiderRock doesn't mess around with data quality. They use multiple sources, including direct exchange connections. It's top-tier stuff.

Options traders, listen up: Their OPRA feed gives you the top two prices and sizes in the market. And it's all processable on a single thread of a current-gen machine.

Need historical data? They've got that too:

Most futures products go back to January 2019.
They check the data daily for completeness and accuracy.
You get all futures from CME, NYMEX, COMEX, CBOT, and CBOE's CFE exchanges.

SpiderRock's not done yet. They're eyeing more U.S. and European futures exchanges.

Bottom line: For real-time futures data, SpiderStream is a top dog. It's fast, accurate, and scalable - perfect for when every millisecond matters in the market.

5. Databento Futures Market Data API

Databento

Databento's futures market data API is a game-changer. Why? It's self-service and open. No more endless sales calls. You can start in 5 minutes flat.

Here's what makes Databento's API stand out:

Data comes straight from the source
It's fast (590 microseconds fast)
Supports various data formats
Covers over 1.4 million instruments

The best part? You only pay for what you use. No more wasted monthly fees.

Data Type	How You Pay	What You Get
Real-time	Per use	Costs more, but it's real-time
Historical	Per use	Download multiple times in 30 days
Batch	One-time fee	CSV and JSON at no extra cost

Need specific data? Check out their catalog and batch tool for custom pricing.

Who's using Databento?

Energy Aspects for commodity trading intel
Sparta Commodities for trading and freight insights
HarvestIQ for real-time ag futures tracking

New users get $125 to test it out. Tech-savvy? They've got libraries for Python, C++, and Rust. Their Raw and HTTP APIs work with any language.

Databento's serious about data quality. They've teamed up with Napatech, using fancy hardware for perfect data capture.

What's next? They're expanding US equities coverage and working on making data more affordable for newbies.

Comparison of API Providers

Let's look at the top real-time futures data API providers for 2024:

Provider	Key Features	Data Coverage	Pricing Model
Xignite	Enriched context, Auto front-month calcs	CME, NYMEX, COMEX, CBOT	Not specified
CME Group	WebSocket API, Real-time market data	CME Group exchanges	Not specified
Datarade	Multiple providers, Comparison tools	Varies	Varies
SpiderStream	Limited info	Limited info	Limited info
Databento	Self-service, Pay-as-you-go, 590μs latency	1.4M+ instruments	Credits or flat-rate

Xignite and CME Group give you direct access to major futures exchanges. Databento covers over 1.4 million instruments and lets you start in 5 minutes.

Speed? Databento's got a 590 microsecond latency. The others? They're not saying.

Databento's pricing is flexible - pay-as-you-go or flat-rate. The rest? It's a mystery.

Databento seems user-friendly with its quick setup. Can't say much about the others without more info.

For data formats and APIs, Databento supports various formats and has libraries for Python, C++, and Rust. CME Group has a WebSocket API. The others? Who knows.

Bottom line: Pick based on what YOU need. Data coverage, speed, budget, and tech requirements all matter. Each provider's got its own thing going on.

Wrap-up

Picking the right futures data API can make or break your trading. Here's what matters:

1. Data Coverage

You want an API that covers lots of markets and data types. MetalSignals™, for example, gives you 8 years of Aluminum and Copper data from 240 countries.

2. Accuracy and Reliability

Look for NBBO compliant data. Don't just trust one source - compare values across different APIs.

3. Latency

If you're into algo trading, speed is key. Databento claims a 590 microsecond latency. That's fast.

4. Pricing

Watch out for hidden fees. Some APIs, like Databento, let you pay as you go. Others, like Xignite and CME Group, keep their pricing under wraps.

5. Usability

Good docs and language support make your life easier. CME Group has a WebSocket API, while Databento plays nice with Python, C++, and Rust.

6. Regulatory Compliance

Make sure your API provider follows the rules. Ironbeam, for instance, is a CME Group clearing member firm.

7. Extra Perks

Some APIs throw in bonuses. Ironbeam offers free real-time market data, including level 1 and 2 data. That's a $39/month value, for free.