Shodan vs Elastic: Which Search AI Platform tool is Best in 2025?

Shodan, launched in 2009 by John Matherly, is the first search engine for internet-connected devices. Shodan scans the internet to discover and catalog devices, including IoT devices, industrial control systems (ICS), servers, routers, etc. It collects data on IP addresses, open ports, service banners, and software versions, making it a powerful tool for cybersecurity professionals, penetration testers, and researchers. It offers features like Shodan Monitor for real-time network exposure tracking, Shodan Maps for geolocation visualization, and a developer API for programmatic access.

Elastic is a company that helps businesses use data better through tools for search, security, and monitoring. It’s known for Elasticsearch, a powerful search engine that’s part of the Elastic Stack, which also includes Kibana for visuals, Beats for data collection, and Logstash for processing logs. Founded in 2012, Elastic serves over 17,000 customers, including big names like Uber and Microsoft, and is traded on the NYSE as ESTC. It’s great for e-commerce, IT, and healthcare industries, focusing on real-time insights with AI and scalability.