shipapis
StarSubmit an APISubmit API

AQICN vs openSenseMap

Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.

APIAQICNREACHABLE100openSenseMapHEALTHY84
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d100%90.2%
Uptime · 30d100%90.0%
P50 · ms224655
P95 · ms6654139
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSnoyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedOpen data (license set per senseBox; often public domain)
Free tierFree tier — API key requiredFree (open-source citizen-science platform)
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

AQICN vs openSenseMap: common questions

Which is more reliable, AQICN or openSenseMap?

On our scheduled checks, AQICN leads on measured uptime — AQICN at 100% versus openSenseMap at 90.2% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.

Which is faster, AQICN or openSenseMap?

AQICN has the lower median latency in our checks — AQICN responds in 224 ms versus openSenseMap at 655 ms (P50). Tail latency (P95) is in the table above; for most workloads the median is the number that shapes how the API feels.

Do AQICN and openSenseMap need an API key?

openSenseMap needs no key, while AQICN requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for openSenseMap first.

Can I call AQICN and openSenseMap from the browser?

Only openSenseMap is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. AQICN needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are AQICN and openSenseMap free for commercial use?

AQICN has unclear commercial terms, and openSenseMap has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.