Blockchain is becoming increasingly popular, but if on-chain applications don't have reliable real-world data, it's like a smartphone without internet — no matter how smart, it's useless. This is where oracles need to 'bridge' the gap. Currently, the three most mentioned names in the market are APRO, Chainlink, and API3, each with their own tactics. Choosing the right one could make your project smooth sailing, while choosing the wrong one could lead to a lot of trouble.
Today, let's use plain language to break down and discuss how to choose among these three oracles, helping you avoid those technical jargon pitfalls.
🚀 APRO: A new player powered by AI, specializing in 'complex data'
APRO is considered a new generation in oracles, with a clever approach—it handles complex data processing off-chain, but firmly anchors the verification process on-chain. It's like calculating accounts outside, but each transaction must be stamped and confirmed on the blockchain, fast and secure.
What is its strongest point?
Strong capability to handle real-world assets (RWA): If you want to put real estate, gold, or stocks on-chain, or deal with DeFi or AI agents that require complex data logic, APRO's design is very suitable. It specifically optimizes the data acquisition and verification processes for such data.
Built-in AI data quality inspection: This is one of its standout features. Once data comes in, AI automatically screens for anomalies and filters out junk information, essentially acting as a 'data cleaner.' This feature is very practical for scenarios with chaotic information aggregation.
Flexible push + pull: When data updates, it can proactively push to you, and you can also pull it anytime, offering a flexible usage that is not limited to price feeding.
Wide multi-chain coverage: Claims to support over 40 chains, including mainstream public chains like Ethereum and Solana, making cross-chain deployment relatively convenient.
Who is it suitable for?
Projects that need to handle non-standard data, value data cleaning, and involve real assets or AI integration should take a closer look at APRO.
🔗 Chainlink: A veteran giant, stability is the key word
Chainlink is almost synonymous with 'big boss' in the oracle field. It follows a node network route—having a large number of independent nodes to fetch data, then summarizing and putting the consensus result on-chain. Because there are many nodes and they are widely distributed, its attack resistance and reliability are very strong.
Why do so many people trust it?
Time-tested with a vast ecosystem: Most mainstream DeFi protocols use Chainlink, which has been tested in real-world scenarios for years. Comprehensive documentation and abundant cases make it easy for developers to find materials.
Rich service types: Besides the most common price data, it also provides game random numbers (VRF), off-chain computation (Functions), high-frequency data streams (Data Streams), etc., making the toolbox very comprehensive.
High degree of decentralization of nodes: Many nodes mean it's not easy to be manipulated by a single point, resulting in high data credibility, which is why many large projects choose it.
Points to note:
Although there are many nodes, the threshold for running a Chainlink node is not low, and ordinary developers might prefer 'using directly' rather than 'setting up themselves.' Additionally, it has the deepest roots on Ethereum, although it also supports multiple chains, the experience and ecosystem support on other chains might sometimes be slightly weaker.
Who is it suitable for?
Projects that pursue security and stability and do not want to take any risks in the oracle process, especially DeFi protocols, GameFi that require reliable random numbers, or teams just starting out looking for documentation and case references.
🌐 API3: Removing intermediaries for direct connection to data sources
API3's approach is somewhat different: it does not let third-party nodes act as intermediaries but allows API providers to run nodes themselves, directly feeding data onto the chain. With one less layer of intermediaries, it theoretically has lower costs and higher transparency.
What is its feature?
Direct connection to data sources, flatter structure: Traditional API service providers can directly become oracle nodes, resulting in shorter data paths, less middleman cut, and potentially more advantageous costs.
dAPI aggregates data streams: It aggregates data from multiple sources and provides a unified calling interface, making it relatively worry-free to use.
Provides data insurance: If data issues lead to losses, API3 has an insurance mechanism to compensate, adding an extra layer of trust.
Relatively lightweight deployment: Through the Airnode model, it allows API providers to quickly connect to the blockchain, suitable for enterprises looking to try on-chain data services at low cost.
Its limitations:
Currently more focused on general API data (like coin prices, exchange rates, etc.), its support for real-world assets and AI data cleaning in special scenarios is not as deep as APRO, and the scale of its node network is also lacking compared to Chainlink.
Who is it suitable for?
Projects that focus on data source transparency, want to lower intermediary costs, and primarily work with standard API data, especially those that are already data providers looking to directly serve blockchain clients.
📊 Simple summary: How to choose?
FeaturesAPROChainlinkAPI3Core AdvantagesAI Data Quality Inspection + RWA SupportStrong Decentralization, Mature EcosystemDirect Data Source Connection, Cost TransparencyApplicable to Complex Data Assets, AI Agents, Financial DataCryptocurrency Prices, Random Numbers, General DataStandard API Data, Exchange Rates, PricesCross-Chain SupportSupports 40+ ChainsMulti-Chain Support, Strongest on EthereumDevelopment ExperienceProvides SDK/API, Node TemplateRich Documentation, Many CasesAirnode Deployment Relatively SimpleSecure ModelOff-Chain Computation + On-Chain VerificationMulti-Node ConsensusDirect Data Source Guarantee + Insurance
💡 One-sentence suggestion
If you are dealing with real asset on-chain, AI integration, or need complex data cleaning, consider APRO.
If you want the most reliable, mainstream, and comprehensive solution, especially for DeFi-related projects, Chainlink is still the first choice.
If you want to reduce intermediaries, have transparent costs, directly connect to API sources, and your business mainly relies on standard data, API3 is worth a try.
There is no absolute good or bad in oracle selection, only what is suitable. The key is to clarify: what data you need, which chain you want to use it on, and your cost and risk tolerance. The blockchain itself is rapidly evolving, and the oracle track will continue to produce new variations. Keeping attention and being flexible to adjust is essential to effectively use data as a key to unlock truly valuable on-chain applications.
