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BriefTape vs ExchangeRate-API (open)

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

APIBriefTapeHEALTHY83ExchangeRate-API (open)HEALTHY98
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%100%
Uptime · 30d98.3%100%
P50 · ms1021221
P95 · ms44091091
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree tier — API key requiredFree — limits not published
Rate limit10000 req/window · 9381 remaining · resets 1783555200Unpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

BriefTape vs ExchangeRate-API (open): common questions

Which is more reliable, BriefTape or ExchangeRate-API (open)?

On our scheduled checks, ExchangeRate-API (open) leads on measured uptime — BriefTape at 99.02% versus ExchangeRate-API (open) 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, BriefTape or ExchangeRate-API (open)?

ExchangeRate-API (open) has the lower median latency in our checks — BriefTape responds in 1021 ms versus ExchangeRate-API (open) at 221 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 BriefTape and ExchangeRate-API (open) need an API key?

ExchangeRate-API (open) needs no key, while BriefTape requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for ExchangeRate-API (open) first.

Can I call BriefTape and ExchangeRate-API (open) from the browser?

Yes — both BriefTape and ExchangeRate-API (open) 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 BriefTape and ExchangeRate-API (open) free for commercial use?

BriefTape has unclear commercial terms, and ExchangeRate-API (open) 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.