Side by side
GovInfo vs RECAP
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
Choose GovInfo for free access to official federal publications, legal search and programmatic access to content and metadata. Readers seeking full text for documents outside its collection will need another source.
Visit GovInfo
Free plan ExtensioniPhoneWeb
RECAP combines PACER document sharing with searchable records and filing alerts. Its free access does not remove possible PACER charges for documents you buy.
Visit RECAPThe facts
| GovInfo | RECAP | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Web | Extension, iPhone, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | govinfo.gov | free.law |
| On legal research software | #11 of 31 | #15 of 31 |
GovInfo: what it does well
- Free access to official publications from all three federal branches.
- Browse by A to Z, category, date, committee and author.
- PDFs include digital signatures and a visible authenticity seal.
- API and selected machine-readable bulk collections are available.
- Responsive web access works on mobile without a separate app.
What to know first
- Full text covers only publications stored on GovInfo.
- GPO generally does not revise submitted publications to apply accessibility standards.
RECAP: what it does well
- Searches an archive with tens of millions of PACER documents
- Includes scanned PDF pages in archive search
- Offers email alerts for followed cases and saved searches
- Archive is available through an API and bulk data
What to know first
- PACER may charge for documents purchased
- The extension uploads federal records to CourtListener
- No free trial is listed
Alternatives to GovInfo Alternatives to RECAP The whole list