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Buddy vs Photon API

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

APIBuddyNEW—Photon APINEW—
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d—%—%
Uptime · 30d—%—%
P50 · ms——
P95 · ms——
AuthapiKeynone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree tier — API key requiredFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Buddy vs Photon API: common questions

Which is more reliable, Buddy or Photon API?

On our scheduled checks, Photon API leads on measured uptime — Buddy at —% versus Photon API 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 Buddy and Photon API need an API key?

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

Can I call Buddy and Photon API from the browser?

Yes — both Buddy and Photon API 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 Buddy and Photon API free for commercial use?

Buddy has unclear commercial terms, and Photon API 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.