Cartes.io vs GeoIP-db

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%94.1%
Uptime · 30d100%90.0%
P50 · ms612220
P95 · ms11604703
Authnonenone
CORSyesyes
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverified (open-source project; user-generated maps)Unverified
Free tierFree, no API key for public readUnlimited, no key, no credit card
Rate limit60 req/window · 59 remainingUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

Cartes.io vs GeoIP-db: common questions

Which is more reliable, Cartes.io or GeoIP-db?

On our scheduled checks, Cartes.io leads on measured uptime — Cartes.io at 99.02% versus GeoIP-db at 94.1% 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, Cartes.io or GeoIP-db?

GeoIP-db has the lower median latency in our checks — Cartes.io responds in 612 ms versus GeoIP-db at 220 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 Cartes.io and GeoIP-db need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — Cartes.io is callable with no signup, and GeoIP-db is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call Cartes.io and GeoIP-db from the browser?

Yes — both Cartes.io and GeoIP-db 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 Cartes.io and GeoIP-db free for commercial use?

Cartes.io has unclear commercial terms, and GeoIP-db 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.