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OpenRDAP review

Free#6 of 27 in WHOIS Lookup Tools

A flexible, open-source RDAP client for technical users who want control over queries and output.

8.4/10Editor score
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

OpenRDAP is an open-source command-line client written in Go for querying Registration Data Access Protocol servers. It is aimed at technical users who need domain, IP address, autonomous system, nameserver, entity, URL, and search lookups through web, API, or self-hosted access. Automatic query-type detection helps route several query classes, while the project also provides a Go library, a browser-based demo, and the rdap.net redirecting RDAP service.

Its main strength is query and output flexibility. RDAP bootstrap support helps identify the relevant service, and an optional on-disk bootstrap cache can support repeated work. Users can set a custom query timeout and use X.509 client authentication where required. Results are available as text, JSON, raw server responses, or WHOIS-style output for domain queries, making OpenRDAP suitable for command-line workflows, scripts, and systems that need structured responses rather than a browser-only lookup experience.

OpenRDAP is available as open-source software with a free plan, and its published product details show no paid tier structure. That makes it a fit for users who value self-hosting, API access, and control over how registration data is queried and displayed. It is less suited to buyers looking primarily for a polished, nontechnical interface or AI-assisted investigation features. Users who need a focused RDAP client with broad query coverage and multiple response formats should consider it; those who prefer a guided visual workflow may want a different type of lookup tool.

OpenRDAP pros and cons

  • Where it wins
    • Supports domain, IP, ASN, nameserver, entity, URL, and search queries
    • Offers web, API, and self-hosted access with full RDAP support
    • Provides text, JSON, raw, and WHOIS-style output formats
  • Where it doesn't
    • Its primary interface is a command-line client
    • It has no AI-assisted features
    • WHOIS-style output applies to domain queries

OpenRDAP fact sheet, pricing and score →

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