BriefTape vs Finnhub

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%100%
Uptime · 30d98.3%100%
P50 · ms1021157
P95 · ms4409344
AuthapiKeyapiKey
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree tier — API key requiredFree tier — API key required
Rate limit10000 req/window · 9381 remaining · resets 1783555200Unpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

BriefTape vs Finnhub: common questions

Which is more reliable, BriefTape or Finnhub?

On our scheduled checks, Finnhub leads on measured uptime — BriefTape at 99.02% versus Finnhub 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 Finnhub?

Finnhub has the lower median latency in our checks — BriefTape responds in 1021 ms versus Finnhub at 157 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 Finnhub need an API key?

Both ask you to authenticate — BriefTape uses an API key and Finnhub uses an API key. Each key is free to obtain; the Auth and Card-required rows above spell out the signup terms.

Can I call BriefTape and Finnhub from the browser?

Yes — both BriefTape and Finnhub 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 Finnhub free for commercial use?

BriefTape has unclear commercial terms, and Finnhub 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.