Pornstar Databases Compared: Which One to Use for What (2026)

There is no single best pornstar database — there is a right tool per job. Filmography research: IAFD. Scene-level detail with images: Data18. Quick name-to-face checks: Babepedia. Only have a photo: PornStarByFace. Here is when to reach for each, and where each one falls down.

IAFD — The Industry Ledger

IAFD (8.3) is the IMDb of adult film: decades of cross-referenced credits, release dates and studio records. When you need to know everything someone appeared in, nothing else is as complete. The interface is proudly 1998 — data density over design — and there is zero media. Research tool, not a browsing site.

Data18 — The Scene Microscope

Data18 (8.1) works at scene level where IAFD works at title level: per-scene breakdowns, tags, stills and community corrections. It is the tool for “which scene was that exactly” questions. Some depth sits behind a free account, and the sheer detail can overwhelm a casual lookup.

Watch live shows free →

Babepedia — The Quick Reference

Babepedia (7.9) is the wiki layer: bios, stats, galleries, social links, all one search away. Fastest way to put a name to a face and find someone’s official channels. Community-maintained, so entry quality varies — verify anything important against IAFD.

PornStarByFace — When You Only Have a Photo

PornStarByFace (7.1) runs facial recognition against a performer index: upload a clear photo, get ranked matches. Genuinely magical when it hits; accuracy drops fast with side angles, low resolution or lesser-known performers. Two rules: performers only — never run photos of private individuals — and treat results as leads to confirm, not answers.

The Workflow That Actually Works

Photo → PornStarByFace → confirm on Babepedia → deep-dive on IAFD or Data18. Full category with alternatives: pornstar database ranking.

Explore live cams →