Side by side

Docket Alarm vs Fastcase

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.

Docket Alarm

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 Alarm

Fastcase

Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1

Fastcase provides legal research across several types of materials, with citation tools and mobile access. Check whether your bar association offers access and whether partner document charges apply.

Visit Fastcase

The facts

	Docket Alarm	Fastcase
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	No	Not published
Runs on	Android, API, iPhone, Web	Android, iPhone, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	See the plans	Appellate: $695 a year
Plans published	4	7
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	docketalarm.com	fastcase.com
On legal research software	#1 of 31	#2 of 31

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.

Fastcase: what it does well

Searches cases, statutes, regulations, court rules and bar publications
Includes Interactive Timeline and Authority Check
Free mobile apps provide database access
Clio integration supports time tracking and matter entries

What to know first

Appellate costs $65 a month
Additional charges may apply to some document access
Premium trial lasts one day

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