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arcsecond.io vs GBIF

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

APIarcsecond.ioNEW—GBIFNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

arcsecond.io vs GBIF: common questions

Which is more reliable, arcsecond.io or GBIF?

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

Do arcsecond.io and GBIF need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — arcsecond.io is callable with no signup, and GBIF is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call arcsecond.io and GBIF from the browser?

Yes — both arcsecond.io and GBIF send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.

Are arcsecond.io and GBIF free for commercial use?

arcsecond.io has unclear commercial terms, and GBIF 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.