> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/domain-research-suite.md).
# Domain Research Suite
## URL
## Description
Domain Research Suite offers a set of tools for investigating domain names, enabling users to retrieve Whois data, which can pinpoint who registered a website and when it was created, along with other administrative details.
The site enables users to search the ownership history of a domain, find domains containing specific search terms in their Whois records, look up domain names hosted on the same IP address, and determine whether a specific domain is available for registration. It can also be used to monitor registrant activity, changes to domains, and keywords associated with a specific brand.
Domain Research Suite requires an email address to log in, and all users receive a small number of free base credits (500), which are required to access the various services, after which additional credits [can be purchased](https://drs.whoisxmlapi.com/pricing). API integration is offered for all tools.
Credits are required for all services, including:
* **Whois search:** Retrieve the Whois record for any domain.
* **Reverse Whois search:** Find domains that contain specific search terms within their Whois records.
* **Whois history search:** Look up a domain's ownership history and view historical Whois records.
* **Reverse DNS search:** Obtain a list of all domains and subdomains linked to the same IP address. Users can also search by mail server or name server.
* **Domain availability check:** Determine whether a domain is available for registration.
* **Domains and subdomains discovery:** Find domains and subdomains that contain specified search terms in their hostnames.
* **Domain info search:** For any domain name, search for the most recently defined Whois data, with fields denoting when each piece of information was last known.
* **Domain monitor:** Track changes to Whois records on a daily basis.
* **Registrant monitor:** Track activity, such as domain registrations or updates, by a specific registrant.
* **Brand monitor:** Track keywords associated with a specific brand or product.
## Cost
* [ ] Free
* [ ] Partially Free
* [x] Paid
A small number of free base credits (500) are provided upon sign-up. Full pricing information is [available here](https://drs.whoisxmlapi.com/pricing).
## Level of difficulty
## Requirements
You must enter a first name and valid email address to create an account. Other sign-up fields (including last name, company name and phone number) are optional.
## Limitations
The 500 free base credits that are provided upon sign-up will be used up quite quickly, so any long-term use of the site or deep research would require purchasing additional credits.
Due to domain privacy measures, most registrars allow registrants to anonymize their details, so searches may not yield useful information.
## Ethical Considerations
**Privacy:** Tools like Domain Research Suite may reveal personal details of registrants, so any information gathered should be used and shared in a responsible manner.
## Guides and articles
Tutorials and FAQs can be accessed [here](https://knowledge.whoisxmlapi.com/domain-research-suite-drs-1).
## Tool provider
[WhoisXML API](https://main.whoisxmlapi.com/) is a US-based company that describes itself as providing "domain, IP, DNS, and cyber threat intelligence to all types of cybersecurity enterprises and organizations with a digital footprint".
## Similar tools
[DomainTools Whois Lookup](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/domaintools-whois-lookup): A similar site that also enables users to pinpoint Whois records, conduct reverse searches based on criteria such as IP address or name server, and monitor domain information on an ongoing basis. Both sites require payment for deeper investigative uses.
[IDN Checker](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/idn-checker): A much simpler tool that is primarily geared towards detecting visually similar versions of a domain.
[Whoxy](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/whoxy): Compared with other services that offer information on domain names, Whoxy appears to be a cost-effective option with similar functionality.
## Advertising Trackers
* [x] This tool has not been checked for advertising trackers yet.
* [ ] This tool uses tracking cookies. Use with caution.
* [ ] This tool does not appear to use tracking cookies.
| Page maintainer |
| ------------------------- |
| Bellingcat volunteer team |
| |
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