arcsecond.io vs GBIF
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
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 57.9% versus GBIF at 100% 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, arcsecond.io or GBIF?
GBIF has the lower median latency in our checks — arcsecond.io responds in 503 ms versus GBIF at 445 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 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.