CheapShark API vs Datamuse

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

Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%92.2%
Uptime · 30d98.3%86.7%
P50 · ms804180
P95 · ms2483926
Authnonenone
CORSnono
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree — limits not published
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

CheapShark API vs Datamuse: common questions

Which is more reliable, CheapShark API or Datamuse?

On our scheduled checks, CheapShark API leads on measured uptime — CheapShark API at 99.02% versus Datamuse at 92.2% 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, CheapShark API or Datamuse?

Datamuse has the lower median latency in our checks — CheapShark API responds in 804 ms versus Datamuse at 180 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 CheapShark API and Datamuse need an API key?

Neither needs a paid key — CheapShark API is callable with no signup, and Datamuse is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.

Can I call CheapShark API and Datamuse from the browser?

Neither sends browser-friendly CORS headers reliably, so call CheapShark API and Datamuse from a server or proxy rather than client-side. The CORS and HTTPS rows above show exactly what we detected for each.

Are CheapShark API and Datamuse free for commercial use?

CheapShark API has unclear commercial terms, and Datamuse 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.