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CheapShark API vs IBM X-Force Exchange API

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

APICheapShark APIHEALTHY88IBM X-Force Exchange APIHEALTHY96
Uptime · 30d
Uptime · 90d99.02%98.0%
Uptime · 30d98.3%98.3%
P50 · ms804238
P95 · ms2483868
AuthnoneapiKey
CORSnono
HTTPSyesyes
Card requirednono
Commercial useunclearunclear
Data licenseUnverifiedUnverified
Free tierFree — limits not publishedFree tier — API key required
Rate limitUnpublishedUnpublished
In directory since2026-07-052026-07-05
operationalpartialdownno data

CheapShark API vs IBM X-Force Exchange API: common questions

Which is more reliable, CheapShark API or IBM X-Force Exchange API?

On our scheduled checks, CheapShark API leads on measured uptime — CheapShark API at 99.02% versus IBM X-Force Exchange API at 98.0% 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 IBM X-Force Exchange API?

IBM X-Force Exchange API has the lower median latency in our checks — CheapShark API responds in 804 ms versus IBM X-Force Exchange API at 238 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 IBM X-Force Exchange API need an API key?

CheapShark API needs no key, while IBM X-Force Exchange API requires a free API key. If you want to start calling without signup, reach for CheapShark API first.

Can I call CheapShark API and IBM X-Force Exchange API from the browser?

Neither sends browser-friendly CORS headers reliably, so call CheapShark API and IBM X-Force Exchange API 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 IBM X-Force Exchange API free for commercial use?

CheapShark API has unclear commercial terms, and IBM X-Force Exchange 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.