SurfSense is an open-source research workspace and API platform that enables users and AI agents to pull live data from platforms like Reddit, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Indeed, Google Maps, Google Search, Amazon, and Walmart. It combines a NotebookLM-style research workspace with live-data connectors, allowing agents to retrieve structured platform data such as posts, comment trees, transcripts, and reviews through a single REST API or MCP server. The agent crawls live sources on a question and synthesizes cited answers rather than relying on a stale index.
Key Features
- Deep research on the live web with inline citations
- Competitive intelligence workflows
- Artifacts including podcasts, videos, and more
- Scheduled automations and deliverables
- Desktop app available for Linux
- Self-hostable, open-source platform
Connectors
Each connector is a platform-native REST API with a consistent schema style across every connector. Connectors include Reddit, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Google Maps, SERP, Indeed, Amazon Product, Walmart Product & Review, and Web Crawl.
How It Compares
SurfSense positions itself as the only open-source product combining a research workspace for people with live-data primitives for agents. It charges per item returned and does not bill for failed calls.
Key Benefits
- Open-source and self-hostable
- Consistent API schema across all connectors
- Per-item pricing with no billing for failed calls
- Combines research workspace with live-data connectors for agents
