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BigDataCloud Geocode vs What3Words

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

APIBigDataCloud GeocodeNEW—What3WordsNEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSyesno
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — key may be required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

BigDataCloud Geocode vs What3Words: common questions

Which is more reliable, BigDataCloud Geocode or What3Words?

On our scheduled checks, What3Words leads on measured uptime — BigDataCloud Geocode at —% versus What3Words 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 BigDataCloud Geocode and What3Words need an API key?

BigDataCloud Geocode needs no key, while What3Words requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for BigDataCloud Geocode first.

Can I call BigDataCloud Geocode and What3Words from the browser?

Only BigDataCloud Geocode is browser-friendly — it returns CORS headers over HTTPS. What3Words needs a server-side call or proxy, so factor that into which one fits a front-end project.

Are BigDataCloud Geocode and What3Words free for commercial use?

BigDataCloud Geocode has unclear commercial terms, and What3Words 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.