Side by side
CanLII vs Docket Alarm
Both stand on legal research software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APIWeb
CanLII provides broad Canadian legal collections with search, citation links, commentary, and saved research tools. Search+ is account-gated and limited daily, and systematic downloading is prohibited.
Visit CanLII
Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+1
Docket Alarm combines docket search, monitoring, document access, analytics, and an API. Check the action limits, per-use charges, and separate court fees against your research needs.
Visit Docket AlarmThe facts
| CanLII | Docket Alarm | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
| Runs on | API, Web | Android, API, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | myCanLII Basic: C$100 a year | See the plans |
| Plans published | 3 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | canlii.org | docketalarm.com |
| On legal research software | #4 of 31 | #1 of 31 |
CanLII: what it does well
- Free access to Canadian legal information.
- Search across cases and legislation.
- RefLex links cited decisions and legislation.
- myCanLII supports folders and research alerts.
- Search+ accepts natural-language questions.
What to know first
- Search+ has a daily usage limit.
- Search+ requires a free myCanLII account.
- Terms prohibit systematic document downloading.
Docket Alarm: what it does well
- Search includes Boolean, phrase, and full-text queries.
- Email alerts can arrive up to 16 times daily.
- Talk to Docket cites entries and documents.
- Litigation analytics cover motion outcomes and decision times.
- ECF integration can deliver tracked filings at no cost.
What to know first
- Free plan allows five actions per week.
- Free plan excludes government-purchased documents such as PACER filings.
- PACER and state court fees are separate on Flat-Fee.
- Pay-As-You-Go charges per document and case alert.
Alternatives to CanLII Alternatives to Docket Alarm The whole list