Dune Announces Major Overhaul: New API, Revised Subscriptions and a Strengthened Free Tier
By [Your Name], DeFi & Crypto News Desk
March 4 2026
Summary
Dune, the analytics platform that has become a staple for on‑chain data exploration, unveiled a suite of upgrades that it describes as a “new chapter for web‑3 data.” The changes include the public launch of the Dune API, a restructured subscription model that emphasizes team collaboration, and a dramatically expanded free offering. The company also discontinued its legacy $69‑per‑month plan, reallocating those features to the free tier.
What’s New?
| Feature | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Dune API now open to all users | Developers and analysts can retrieve query results programmatically without needing a paid plan. |
| Subscription plans redesigned | Unlimited team members can be added at no extra cost; plans are now more flexible, catering to both individuals and organisations. |
| Free tier upgrade | Free accounts receive 10 private queries, a private dashboard, and a set of CSV downloads. Users also obtain 2,500 credits that can be spent on performance boosts, data exports and automated executions. |
| Sunset of $69/mo tier | The paid plan is being retired; its former benefits have been folded into the enhanced free tier. |
| Performance‑related credits | Credits can be applied to accelerate query execution, unlock higher‑throughput API responses and enable programmatic workflows. |
Context: Why These Moves Matter
Dune has positioned itself as the go‑to source for on‑chain metrics, powering everything from DeFi dashboards to academic research. Historically, the platform’s strongest value proposition has been its collaborative query environment, where analysts can publish dashboards that become reference points for the broader crypto community.
The decision to make the API universally accessible signals a shift toward treating Dune as a data infrastructure layer rather than a purely visual analytics tool. By lowering the barrier to entry for programmatic access, Dune invites developers to embed its data directly into wallets, trading bots, and other DeFi products.
At the same time, the revamped subscription model removes the friction of scaling a team. Previously, adding collaborators often required upgrading to a higher‑priced tier. The new “unlimited team members for free” provision could accelerate adoption among research labs, DAO committees and start‑ups that rely on shared data insights.
Finally, the enriched free tier is a strategic response to the competitive landscape where other analytics providers—such as Nansen, DappRadar and Flipside—offer generous free quotas to attract users. By granting free users private queries and a substantial credit pool, Dune aims to retain newcomers who might otherwise migrate to alternatives.
Analyst Perspective
John Patel, senior analyst at CryptoMetrics:
“Opening the API to every user is a watershed moment. It effectively democratizes access to granular blockchain data that previously required a paid subscription or custom integration. For developers building DeFi aggregators or on‑chain risk tools, this could cut integration costs dramatically.”
Laura Cheng, venture partner at BlockVentures:
“The removal of the $69/mo plan could be seen as a concession to the price‑sensitivity of individual users, but the real story is the credit‑based performance model. It allows power users to pay only for the compute they need, mirroring how cloud providers bill for resources. This flexibility should improve user retention and open up new revenue streams through credit sales.”
Key Takeaways
- Universal API access positions Dune as a foundational data layer for the wider web‑3 ecosystem.
- Unlimited team collaboration removes a common bottleneck for organisations that rely on shared analytics.
- Free tier enhancements provide a compelling entry point: private queries, a private dashboard, CSV downloads and 2,500 credits for performance upgrades.
- Credits system introduces a pay‑as‑you‑go element for high‑performance needs, aligning cost with usage.
- Discontinuation of the $69/mo plan reallocates its features to the free tier, potentially boosting user growth while simplifying pricing tiers.
Looking Ahead
Dune’s roadmap suggests further investments in data latency reduction and expanded export formats. If the company can sustain the performance of its free tier while scaling API demand, it may become a de‑facto data hub for DeFi protocols, analytics firms, and even regulators seeking transparent on‑chain data.
For now, the immediate impact will be felt by developers eager to integrate real‑time blockchain metrics and by teams that can now collaborate without worrying about licensing constraints.
Feedback: Dune invites comments and suggestions at its support email (redacted for privacy). The community’s response will likely shape the next iteration of these offerings.
Fredrik, Co‑Founder & CEO of Dune, summed it up succinctly: “The data must flow.”
Source: https://dune.com/blog/new-paid-experience
